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The word Japa is derived from the Sanskrit root “jap”, meaning "to utter in a low voice or repeat internally”. Japa Yoga is the repetition of a specific word, mantra or bija (seed sound) such as the Pranava AUM.
Japas can be performed verbally (vacika) or silently, which is a practice known as Ajapa Yoga. When the repetition is performed verbally on an exhale and mentally (silently) on the inhale, this is additionally referred to as Ajapa-Japa.
Furthermore, if a particular mantra, bija or symbol is written over and over again, this is known as Likhita Yoga. In this practice, the student practices silence (mauna), concentrating intently upon the meaning of the mantra (bija, symbol, etc.) while writing it.
In this way, written mantra is considered more powerful than verbal (Japa) mantra and silent (Ajapa) much more powerful still.
This yoga is used for mental purification and is considered to be the best yoga practice for the current age of Kali Yuga.
Source: International Yogalayam, http://www.discover-yoga-online.com
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