The rules of chanting
Every practice or observance calls for a system. Chanting spells or saying prayers is no exception. They too require a proper system and cannot be whimsical.
Indian scriptures classify chanting into two categories: Nityam and Naimithikom. Nityam (daily chanting), the chanting of spells at home, is also called Kamyam and is linked to the observance of Shad Karmas or the six prime duties of man. In Naimithikom, mere chanting is not enough. Here the devotee should visualise the deity with piety in mind as s/he chants.
The act of chanting can be further classified into three, namely Maanasom, Upamsukom and Vaachikom.
If one chants the spells word by word in silence, it is Maanasom. Chanting the spell in a way that it is audible to oneself is termed Upamsukom. Chanting the spells clearly and loudly is Vaachikom.
Sages say that among these three styles of chanting, Maanasom is the most effective. It can give the observer salvation. Upamsukom brings peace and prosperity whereas Vaachikom is intended to have clear effects — such as revenge on the enemies.
Chanting should be done at an optimum pace. Too much or too slow speed can cause problems to the devotee. This warning appears in the ancient book titled Yaamalokom.
Tomes such as Kularnnavam, Meruparvam, Meruthanthram, Jyotsnika and others also discuss various aspects of mantras and chants and the way they are to be uttered.
According to them, a simple life, observance of celibacy and silence, rendering service to preceptor, daily worship, daily donation, study of scriptures and continuous chanting without break are essential to get effects. Laziness, yawning, sleep, fear, hunger, habit of spitting, vicious friendships, anger, lust etc should be avoided.
While chanting, one should not talk to others. Listening to music, watching vulgar dances, oil-bath, use of cosmetics, listening to amorous talk, indulging in sex, killing living things etc should also be avoided.
Depending on the place one chooses, the effect of chanting varies. It gives the least effect when observed at home and most when done at a temple.
When one prays or chants at home one should see to it that the lighted lamp faces West. Silent chanting calls for no purity of the body or any specific posture of the observer. The devotee can even chant spells amid his/her work.
Meruthanthram on the other hand prescribes different asanas or postures for chanting. Even the seat matters. Ancient sages sat on the skins of deer and leopard to gain salvation. Different types of seats bring different fulfilments.
Many devotees use rosaries to count the number of chants. The number of beads could be 108, 54 or 27, and creates different effects. Various objects such as rudraksha, tulsi, diamond, pearl, turmeric, shells, balls made of different metals can be used to make rosary.
Japa is the word used to denote chanting in Sanskrit. The sound “ja” refers to redemption from further birth and the sound “pa” points to redemption from sins. The fusion of the two becomes japa.
— Dr Venganoor Balakrishnan is the author of Thaliyola, a book on Hindu beliefs and rituals.
He has also written books on the Vedas and Upanishads. The author can be reached at drvenganoor@yahoo.co.in
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