š± Standard procedure for any kind of japa, mantra. Golden rules to remember.
ā¢No japa, mantra or chanting or any strotram should be done without apt knowledge or dÄ«kį¹£Ä from an able Guru.
ā¢Everyone is not destined to get a Guru and you do not get guruās through
advertisements, hence simple hari naam saį¹kÄ«rtana, lighting lamp for God in morning and evening, chanting shiva nÄma etc. are best.
ā¢Going to a proper temple is very important. Laziness, greediness and ease of living will restrict this.
ā¢Start your mantra with Ganpati įøhyÄn
, do mental offerings to Sri Ganapati, Kuladevtha etc and then do the required meditation.
ā¢Always tell the deities to go back to their respective domains after the prayers and offer apologies for recalling them. This is udvÄsana and Kshama paan.
ā¢Always clean yourself first
and then sit in clean surroundings during pooja. Torn clothes, clothes with holes, growth of nails, untidy hair should be totally avoided during upÄsana.
ā¢Never accept mantras from books, newspapers or gullible advertisements. It will be a lifetime regret.
ā¢Tapasya is
different from all this. It includes sleeping on floor, brahmacharya, eating only once a day, observing mauna and taking vows for fast. It is not meant for ordinary people and not very apt for grihastha.
ā¢Remember your karmas cannot be reduced by buttering or chanting mantras