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Summary of Question:	Naam Japping - Details
Category:	Meditation
Date Posted:	Sunday, 1/26/2003 1:51 AM MST

Sat Nam.

1) After i meditate, should i allow my mind to stay silent or should i allow it to recite 'waheguru'. what is most spiritually beneficial for me?

2) what is more spiritually beneficial, repeating the 'mool mantr' or 'waheguru' or 'sat nam' througout the day (I think it's called Naam Jap?) ?

3) I have difficulty Japping Naam during times when I have to concentrate, such as in lecture, or while reading. Are there any techniques to allow me to concentrate on both at the same time efficiently or will this ability develop on its own? Also, sometimes the kirtan I listen to repeats in my head during a lecture, and to better concentrate I have to silence it. I feel a bit bad about this.

Thank you all so much. You're support in my quest is much appreciated.

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REPLY
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Sat nam. It's always a pleasure to help people remember the Naam.
1. Either one. If you can maintain TRUE silence then you are a siddha! The mind puts forth 1000 thoughts in the blink of an eye. Repeating Waheguru helps to transmute those thoughts and of course trains the mind to keep Waheguru first.
2. My own experience is that it doesn't matter; what matters is that you are 'naam japping' at all! I try to let my intuition choose what is best for how I feel/what I'm doing. I find it easier to stick with shorter than longer mantras when I'm not actually sitting and meditating. See what works for you.
3. Some people can keep a mind-tape running in 'background' on a single short mantra. This develops over time. But practically speaking, if you are in school and have the responsibility to learn/get a degree/etc, then focus on that, since Guru put you there for a reason, no? Your practice of the Naam should assist you mightily in your ability to focus and stay energized in class, however.
4. I know about those kirtans playing in one's head! If you have to silence it to concentrate, that's OK. You can always apologize to Guru from your heart! See #3; I think the ability to keep the Naam vibrating no matter what you are thinking grows over time.
Guru ang sang,
-DKK