Q492
How long should the devotee continue the use of Japa-maala ?
The japa-maala (rosary) is very useful for beginners in sadhana, but, as you progress, japa must become the very breath of your life and so the rotation of beads becomes a superfluous and cumbersome exercise in which you have no more interest. "Sarvada sarva kaaleshu sarvatra Hari chintanam" - always, at all times, in all places, Hari (the Lord) is meditated upon. That is the stage to which the japa-maala should lead you. You should not be bound to it forever; it is only a contrivance to help concentration and systematic contemplation. The belt has to be discarded when you have learnt to swim, the crutches when you are able to walk.
(SSS Vol 9, pg 30)
O LORD, TAKE MY LOVE
O Lord, take my love, and let it flow in fullness of devotion to Thee;
O Lord, take my hands, and let them work incessantly for Thee;
O Lord, take my soul, and let it be merged in One with Thee;
O Lord, take my mind and thoughts, and let them be in tune with Thee;
O Lord, take my everything, and let me be an instrument to work for Thee.
About Me
After almost 20 years of active seva (service) - creating and sharing graphic art inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba - I now find myself in a quieter space of inward reflection. The urge to constantly 'do' has gently dissolved into simply 'being'.
This Sai Divine Inspirations page in Blogspot will continue to share Swami's love and messages through scheduled posts as long as the platform exists, but my role has shifted from outward expression to silent presence. I remain deeply devoted, but will be less visible in the spiritual community.
May these offerings of love from my heart continue to inspire, uplift, and serve all... as they were always meant to.
All is His will. All is His work. All is His Love.
Om Sai Ram and May Swami bless everyone...
With Much Gratitude,
adeline108
How long should the devotee continue the use of Japa-maala ?
The japa-maala (rosary) is very useful for beginners in sadhana, but, as you progress, japa must become the very breath of your life and so the rotation of beads becomes a superfluous and cumbersome exercise in which you have no more interest. "Sarvada sarva kaaleshu sarvatra Hari chintanam" - always, at all times, in all places, Hari (the Lord) is meditated upon. That is the stage to which the japa-maala should lead you. You should not be bound to it forever; it is only a contrivance to help concentration and systematic contemplation. The belt has to be discarded when you have learnt to swim, the crutches when you are able to walk.
