Hari OM. Chinmaya Mission Tri-state Center is pleased to announce Likihita Japa 2103-2014.

Our new ashram building at Chinmaya Vrindavan, is going to house a temple with Lord Radha Krishna as the main deity. Dakshinamoorthy, Ganesha and Hanuman deities will also be installed. When the prana pratishta is done, under each deity, in the hollow space, Likhita Japa booklets written by the devotees will be kept. This enhances the power of the deity and will honor the devotees who leave a mark with their japa booklets for generations to come.

Devotees can participate in japa for this project by writing of the following mantras:

sri krishna sharanam mama om namah shivaaya

Chinmaya mission has made special booklets to help devotees to participate. Devotees can pick the booklet of their choice. Books are available at the Chinmaya Vrindavan Ashram and will be made available during opening day of Balavihar.

The Likhita Japa is sadhana for each devotee to participate in the consecration of the temple. The Likhita Japa helps the devotee, especially children, with focus and concentration while also purifying the mind.

Devotees may write in devanagari, English or any other language of their preference. Every day, complete one full page with the mantra. Each page will hold 23 lines in a 6 inch column or 46 lines in 2 columns that are 3 inches wide.

Devotees are encouraged to complete as many books as they have time to dedicate to this Likhita Japa.

Return completed books by 30th April 2014.

A Minimum donation of $108 per person is suggested.

L i k h i t a J a p a 2 0 1 3 – 2014

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

1) What is Likhita Japa?

Source: Teaching of Swami Sivananda Saraswati from archives of www.yogamag.net

a. Likhit japa is mantra writing. Repetition of the mantra with meaning and bhava should be

practised both orally and in writing. For oral japa, the help of a mala or rosary is required. For likhit japa a notebook and a pen should be used. The mantra may be written in any language. Write your mantra daily in a notebook for half an hour. When you write the mantra, observe mouna or silence. Write the mantra clearly in ink. On Sundays and holidays write for one hour. Likhit japa develops the power of concentration and other incalculable benefits. Repeat the mantra mentally while writing it in the notebook.

b. To help concentration, one uniform system of writing from top to bottom or from left to right should be maintained during a particular sitting. The whole mantra should be written at once in continuity. Do not break the mantra in the middle when you come to the end of the line. When you select a mantra, try to stick to it.

c. By constant practice the inherent power of the mantra will be awakened, which will fill your very existence with the divinity of the mantra. Besides bringing about purity of heart and concentration of mind, likhit japa gives you control of your asana or sitting position, control of the senses, particularly sight and tongue, and fills you with the power of endurance.

2) Who can participate?

a. Both Adults and Children.

3) Do I have to be a Chinmaya Mission member to do participate?

a. Likhita Japa is open to ALL

4) Can one use their own notebook or does it have to be the Chinmaya Mission supplied notebook?

a. Preferably on the notebook supplied by Chinmaya Mission, which helps us keep them in a uniform manner when installed under Deities.

5) Where do I get the Chinmaya Mission Likhita Japa notebook?

a. It is available at the Chinmaya Vrindavan Ashram in Cranbury or at a Chinmaya Balavihar Program close to you. If you have children and you’re not already a Chinmaya Balavihar Program, this is an excellent opportunity to join. Balavihar is scheduled to start in September 2013.

6) When and where to send these completed notebooks?

a. Completed Notebooks can be mailed or dropped off in person at Chinmaya Vrindavan ashram. Ashram Address: 95 Cranbury Neck Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512

L i k h i t a J a p a 2 0 1 3 – 2014

b. A suggested donation of $108 per person participating in the Japa. Donation is given along with the completed booklets.

c. Make check payable to CMTC and indicate “Likhita Japa” in the memo.

7) How many note books one can write

a. As many as you can dedicate the time to complete.

8) When does it should be completed by?

a. All completed books should reach Chinmaya Vrindavan by 30th April 2014.

9) Can completed notebooks be send only on April 2014 or can it be send as soon as it is complete?

a. Yes, you can mail the books or bring them to the Ashram, as soon as you complete them. For additional information see: www.chinmayavrindavan.org