(I suggest you copy this into your word processor or print it out in order to do the exercises.)

 

If you were studying for an important and difficult exam and you had the choice of studying in a library or at a wild party, which would you choose? Since the right environment is conducive to good study, you’d choose the library. Similarly, the environment in which you chant affects the quality of your japa. Therefore, it’s essential that you create a “sacred space” for your japa.

 

A sacred space is an environment that fully supports your japa. It should be a place in which nothing else but japa is going on, and a place that fosters concentration on and absorption in the holy names.

Sacred space not only includes where you chant, but also when you chant. A sacred space is a place and a time that are most conducive to good japa. You will notice that daily chanting in the same place empowers that space; it becomes the place where good rounds are chanted.

 

To better understand sacred space, let’s look at some examples of japa space that aren’t sacred.

In front of a computer that is on

In front of a television that is on
Within audible distance of a radio or television

In a room where things other than japa are going on

In your car while driving

At the shopping mall, grocery store, etc.

In a room where kids are playing (this is sometimes unavoidable).

On a walk in which you are distracted by what you are seeing or hearing

A place in which others are talking or in which others are inclined to talk to you

 

In other words, a space that isn’t sacred is a space that distracts you from concentrating on japa. Write down where you sometimes chant that is not “sacred.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The reason I asked you to do this it to make a mental note to avoid these places when you chant. You may even want to make a sign that says, “This is not my sacred space” and put it up in those places (like on your computer, TV, steering wheel, etc.)

If you already have a sacred space, write down where it is. If you don’t, write down where you will make it.

 

 

 

 

Next, write down ways you can make that space more sacred (putting up specific pictures to look at, playing a japa CD, keeping distracting noises out, having a comfortable cushion or seat, having verses on hand to refer to, etc.).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another thing to consider is that when you cannot chant in your regular sacred space because of service, travel, rising late, etc. you’ll need to create a temporary sacred space, a place to chant where you won’t be disturbed. In other words, it’s essential to find or create the best possible environment for chanting your rounds no matter where you are. That might mean bringing pictures for an altar if you are staying in a hotel or at another’s home, a walking in a place where you won’t be disturbed if there’s too much going on at home,  etc. Note some possible alternative sacred spaces you might need to use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Make a habit of chanting in your sacred space and thus take advantage of the most conducive environment for good japa.