The Mahavakyas and usage for Japa

[Eric11235]

Vannakam,

Hey everyone, long time no see. how are you all?

My question is rather simple taken at face value.

Would one use the Mahavakyas for regular daily japa, or should any sort of preparation for them be used before performing japa. Or should they be performed under special circumstances.

I ask because in the interim of my absence I have adopted the mantra conducive to sandalwood malas "Aham Brahmasmi" or "I am Brahman". And it is very powerful. But I don't know exactly if I am using it properly.

Namaste
Eric

[Jainarayan]

Namaste.

I've read that Soham can be used to prepare for meditation. I've used it and like it.

[Ramakrishna]

Namaste Eric,

"Aham Brahmasi" is a very powerful mantra. It is among the most uplifting there is. That being said, I would ensure that oneself is in the most realized sattvic of states when meditating upon these most sacred of syllables. Otherwise, one can be overwhelmed by the degrees of consciousness which overtakes oneself.

Jai Sri Ram

[Twilightdance]

Vannakam,

Hey everyone, long time no see. how are you all?

My question is rather simple taken at face value.

Would one use the Mahavakyas for regular daily japa, or should any sort of preparation for them be used before performing japa. Or should they be performed under special circumstances.
Eric

Those who are attached to sankara advaita as well as use mantra sadhana include maha vakyas during the final initiations like purna diksha abhishekas.

It don't know if these can have any benefits in japa, but at least we don't find them in the early or preliminary stages of mantra sadhana among those who use them in mantra sadhana, as far as I know.

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namast�


Your question is warantted with regard to the mahāvākya-s, yet one needs to better understand the mechanics that is involved with various meditations. . It is like asking the question - should I use a 10 mm socket wrench on my auto ? The answer is yes, pending what work is being done.


One needs to consider what approach (upāya�) one is employing. It is just like diving in a pool or lake. We take the proper angle, bend correctly, then let go - nature and gravity take over and we enter the water ( consciousness, awareness) with the proper approach.

What are these approaches, these angles of enterance? Consider these HDF posts:

The right conditions: http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=6989&highlight=up%26%23257%3Bya
some thoughts on meditation... : http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=8994&highlight=up%26%23257%3Bya see post #2





iti śivaṁ

1.upāya - means, approach, technique.