A friend of mine emailed me this explanation on types of mantras which I would like to share. It highlights the importance of doing TM (Silent Meditation)when working with Japa mantras,in other words not allowing the japa to replace TM,the Japa is an addition to ones TM Practice.
Namaste, Billy There are two general types of Mantras: Meditation and Japa. Meditation Mantras are performed silently within, with eyes closed. Japa Mantras are performed as a chant one repeats out loud, though perhaps softly, and may be performed with eyes open or closed. All of the Mantras presented here are Japa Mantras. How do I use a Japa Mantra? A japa mantra is not a meditation mantra. It is based upon the meditation practice. It never replaces it. When beginning a japa mantra, it is best to begin out loud, so the vibrations of the sounds resound in your head. After you become very familiar with the mantra, and you have used it for some time, it will become quieter. It may start to repeat on its own, even in your sleep. That is a good sign. If your mind becomes a rosary of mantras, that is a good thing. If your mind is silent, that is a great thing. Then you can introduce mantras and slokas that are intended to have some effect. If it starts to go on its own, it is okay. Let it go on its own, only pay attention. Do not divide your attention. Be careful if you are driving. There are 5 levels of speech: >From the mouth >From the tongue >From the throat >From the spiritual heart (between the heart and throat) >From Para (the transcendent) After some time the japa mantra will drop to the various levels mentioned above. For speech to produce great impact, it is best spoken from the level of Para. If one is established in the Self, one's speech, one's thoughts are having their impact from that field. Every thought has so much power. It is stated in the Vedic Scriptures that the Vedas are of little use to one who is not established in the Self. Understanding this, you can understand the use of any mantra is dependant upon the consciousness of the one who is using it. You will have some effect always, dependent upon your own spiritual practice and the achievement you have thus far. So it is best to be very settled when using your japa mantra. For example, maybe you can meditate for some minutes prior to doing japa. Maybe you are just waking up in the morning, or taking a walk, or something else which allows you to give full attention of your consciousness to this practice. Your japa will familiarize you with the chosen Deity, Heavenly body, or law of nature, for which you are chanting. The more familiar you become the more intimate the mantra you are chanting becomes to you and the deeper it is impacting consciousness. It is like getting to know someone very well. First you know a little and it's beautiful. Then it turns to respect, then it turns to love. Now you have some power in that field of life. This is a very precious practice. You can become familiar with so many celestial levels of life. Only remember it is all based upon the meditation practice you are doing every day by the grace of your Guru and God.
