Reminiscences

Nama JapaSaptaha can be observed by an individual, a family, or a group, and may extend over a day, or three days, or seven days. The following is an outline of the routine recommended by ShriMaharaj.

Get up at four in the morning. Pray briefly -------- say for five minutes, bow at the feet of god, and proceed with toilet, bath, etc. From half past five to six chant the matins ( Bhupalis ,), but don't make these too long ----- that in praise of Rama, Shree Samartha Ramadas, and the Sadguru, will suffice. These should befollowed by the pooja (Worship) and the singing of five psalms. There can be a brief religious discourse if a person who loves God, and is devoted to nama, is available. On the first day of the Japa, a whole coconut should be placed in front of a picture of Sadguru as is common when commencing any religious undertaking. And with that and a prayer, the Japa should commence. The lunch should be finished by about noon. If much delayed, lethargy overtakes everybody. The foods should be simple and the quantity a little short of stomach-full. Boiled rice, wheat or bajra or jowar pancake (bhakari), one simple vegetable (simple to dress and simple to cook), and some dry chutney, should suffice. Jaggery should be served as a delicacy, for it is naturally sweet.

All persons, including the women who cook and serve, should finish their work, and sit down for Japa till about five o'clock, ending with reading from some religious book. This should be followed by a discourse on love for God and nama, if a suitable lecturer is available. He should speak agreeably, excluding slander and criticism of anyone, nor should he attack any one's faith or belief.

When the evening pooja is finished, a light evening meal should be served. It should be light to digest, and very limited in quantity, so that there is no possibility of indo­lence creeping in to obstruct japa. This will also enable the kitchen chores to be minimised, so that even the women can easily participate in the night session of japa. Then the evening aarati and again a brief, half-hour of japa, so that everyone can retire to bed around ten, and there is no difficulty in getting up at four the next morning.

During the Saptaha talking should be avoided, mouna (Silence) observed as far as possible. Just as change of climate invigorates and there is a gain in weight, a japa-saptaha should result in nama pervading the life and thought and awareness to an increasing extent.

ShriMaharaj added, "The main object is to provide a chance for the indulgence of those who have an enthusiasm for nama. The host should have so much faith in nama that those who happen to take food or drink at his place should feel a desire or stimulation for nama. Imagine a number of men and women who are peacefully engrossed in namasmarana, and all with their attention focussed on God: need I describe how much I should like to hang around the place, to linger around with pleasure ?"

There are some persons who are so well-placed that they can, without obstruction, follow some of the hints even as every-day routine and live in namasmarana.

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