How to Do Naam Jap · a simple step-by-step guide

Naam jap is repeating a name of Bhagwan with attention, usually counted on a mala. It needs no special place, no equipment beyond a mala, and only a few minutes a day. Here is how to begin.

1. Choose a naam

Take the naam that feels like yours: Ram, Radhe or Krishna, Shiv, Hanuman ji, Maa Durga, Ganpati Bappa, or a mantra given by your guru or family. If you have a guru mantra, use that. If not, a simple naam like ram or radhe radhe is a complete practice on its own.

2. Choose a time and a place

Early morning, before the phone, is traditional and easiest to keep. Sandhya, at dusk, is the other common time. Sit somewhere quiet and clean; the same spot every day helps.

3. Hold the mala

Hold the mala in the right hand, resting over the middle finger. Move one bead at a time toward you with the thumb, one bead for each naam. Traditionally the index finger does not touch the beads. When you reach the sumeru, the larger bead, you have finished one mala: turn the mala around and go back the other way instead of crossing the sumeru. More about the mala.

4. Say the naam

There are three ways: aloud (vachik), in a whisper so only you hear it (upanshu), or silently in the mind (manasik). Start aloud or in a whisper; it is easier to stay with.

5. How many

One mala of 108 is a good daily start, and about 5 to 10 minutes. Some keep 11 malas, or 16 rounds in the Hare Krishna tradition. Keep a number you can do every day, rather than a big number for a few days.

6. Keep it going

Take a sankalp: a promise to yourself, like one mala a day for 40 days. Do it at the same time every day. When the mind wanders, come back to the naam without judging yourself; that coming back is the practice.

No mala with you?

Use a free online naam jap counter: one tap per naam, and it remembers your count.

Questions

Can I do naam jap without a mala?

Yes. You can count on the finger joints, use a counter, or simply chant for a fixed time.

Can I do naam jap while walking or working?

Yes, silent naam jap can be done at any time. A sitting practice at a fixed time is still the anchor for most people.

Is there an app?

Japoji is the app version, with one difference: it puts the naam in front of Instagram and YouTube, so you take 11 naam before you scroll. Android first, iPhone soon. Join the waitlist.

How to do naam jap. A simple guide.