Method vak shuddhi
Take your sitting position.
Keep your spine and head erect, but without strain.
Be aware of your body; feel how steady and
relaxed it is.
Do not be in a hurry.
Try to imagine that you are free from worries, or at least they can be held in abeyance for the duration of the practice.
Then begin to repeat your mantra and rotate your mala, starting from the sumeru bead.
Move each bead in turn so that it is synchronized with the mantra repetition. Be aware of the mantra and the rotation of the mala, while simultaneously watching the thoughts that arise.
Don't reject any thoughts; let them arise, but be aware.
All you have to do is watch the process of the mind while simultaneously keeping in touch with the practice ofjapa, the mantra and the mala movement.
The same applies to outside disturbances; be aware of them, but maintain awareness of the mantra and mala.
Continue in this way until you return to the sumeru bead.
Don't cross the sumeru, but reverse the direction by turning the mala through 180 degrees with your fingers. Continue the practice.
Many ideas or distractions will arise; let them for this is the nature of the tempestuous mind. Simply remain a witness.
After some time the thoughts will slowly reduce.
Your concentration will automatically increase.
If you go deeper visions may appear.
Be aware of these.
Let them arise, but observe them.
Continue in this manner for the time that you have assigned to the practice.
Make sure that you keep count of the number of mala rotations.
At the end, watch chidakasha for a short time2. Method 2: pulse japa
There are various types of pulse japa. It is to be done in association with manasik (mental) japa. The method is basically the same as method 1, except that the mantra and mala rotation are synchronized with the pulse or heartbeat.
The most useful places to feel the pulse are:
1. the eyebrow centre
2. the heart
3. the throat
4. the navel
You can choose any other place, but it should be a place where tbe pulse beat is clearly felt.
We especially recommend awareness of the pulse with manasik japa, after a duration of baikharijapa. This seems to intensify the clarity of the pulse. We especially recommend awareness of the eyebrow centre (trikuti japa).
Awareness
Awareness should be on the mantra, mala and the activities of the mind. Also be aware of the pulse if you practise method 2.
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