INTRODUCTORY
Sadhana is purifying and steadying the mind and fixing it on the Lord. Without Sadhana you cannot attain the Sadhya or the object of meditation i.e., the Supreme Being, the abode of Immortality and Bliss.
Japa is an important Sadhana. Make a resolve "I will do ten Malas of Japa today" and do not get up from your Asana or seat till you finish the required number of Malas. This will strengthen your will and enable you to control the mind easily.
Another important point is that there should not be any break in your Sadhana till you finish the required number of Malas. Entry of worldly thoughts, planning etc., constitute break. If there is any break after finishing two Malas of Japa, you should not include the two Malas of Japa. You must again start the Japa and try to finish ten Malas. If there is any break after finishing four Malas, do not include the four Malas. Again try to finish ten Malas. This will be trying discipline indeed. But the fruit of such a Sadhana is immortality or eternal blissful life in the Atman. You will have to practise it if you wish to attain this highest end or supreme Goal.
If a boy commits a mistake, the teacher asks him to catch hold of his ears and do 'Baitaks' ten times continuously as a sort of punishment. If he makes a break after doing four 'Baitaks,' he again asks him to do ten more 'Baitaks' without any break. Similar is the case with this Japa Sadhana. Similar is the punishment you will have to inflict on the mind when you do Japa Sadhana. You should not give leniency to the mind. Spare the rod, you will spoil the child. Be lenient, the mind will jump upon you.
The moment you sit on the Asana in a closed room, feel that you a mental Sannyasin. You have nothing to do with the world or family members. Forget everything. If anybody taps at your door, do not be perturbed. Do not open the door. Tell your family people not to disturb you on any score till you finish your Sadhana.
When you come out of the room try to keep up the same Sattvic Bhava. Recite the Mantra or Name of the Lord always. If there is any break again keep up the remembrance. Gradually meditation and recitation of Japa will become habitual or Sahaja. The subconscious or the subjective mind will be ever repeating the Name, though the conscious or objective mind may forget it occasionally.
The Samskaras or impressions you have created during your Sadhana period within a closed room will be wiped out if you are not careful or vigilant during the period of activity in the world. You must be careful about the company you keep, about worldly talks, the food you take, the dress you wear, the objects at which you look, the words that you hear etc.
You must not speak vulgar or harsh words. You must take Sattvic food and wear simple dress. You must not visit cinemas. You must make the mind ever dwell on the form of the Lord and put a stamp of it on any form you see. You must not visit clubs. You must not read newspapers and novels. Novels, newspapers, cinemas constitute evil Sanga. They generate worldly thoughts and disturb the peace of mind. You do not gain anything.
There are many obstacles and difficulties in the world. But if you want to attain Immortality you will have to observe the Rules of Yoga. Where there is a will, there is a way. If there is strong aspiration and burning Mumukshutva, strength will come from within and you will be able to observe all the rules even though you remain in the world only. Pandit Madanmohan Malavya, Gandhiji and many others have evolved while remaining in the world. Do not bring lame excuses. The world is not a hindrance in your spiritual path. The world is your Guru. The world is a training school. World is Virat or Isvara.
Spend your holidays and privilege leave in solitary places like Rishikesh and do intense Sadhana. Come alone and lead the life of a Sannyasin during that period.
May you all be freed from the cycle of births and deaths. May you all rejoice in the innermost Atman alone, the ocean of bliss, the fountain of joy, the pool of wisdom, the sea of peace, the spring of eternal satisfaction!