Eternal Japa

 Sri Ramana Maharshi

A group of respectable Coorg ladies was in the hall.

One of them asked: I have received a mantra. People frighten me saying that it may have unforeseen results if repeated. It is only Pranava. So I seek advice. May I repeat it? I have considerable faith in it.

M.: Certainly, it should be repeated with faith.

D.: Will it do by itself? Or can you kindly give me any further instructions?

M.: The object of mantra japa is to realize that the same japa is already going on in oneself even without effort. The oral japa becomes mental and the mental japa finally reveals itself as being eternal. That mantra is the person’s real nature. That is also the state of realization.

D.: Can the bliss of samadhi be gained thus?

M.: The japa becomes mental and finally reveals itself as the Self. That is samadhi.

D.: Please show Grace to me and strengthen me in my efforts!