Ajapa Japa

Meaning

Ajapa Japa (अजपा जप) literally means “the repetition that is not repeated” — the mantra that occurs spontaneously. While ordinary japa requires conscious effort of repetition, ajapa is the observation of the natural mantra that is already happening with every breath.

The mantra is So-Ham (सोऽहम्) — “That I am”. With each inhalation naturally sounds “So” and with each exhalation “Ham”. In 24 hours, we breathe approximately 21,600 times; this is the natural ajapa that occurs without effort.

Foundation in the texts

The Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra (24-25) describes:

“The breath goes out with the sound SA and enters with the sound HA. Thus, the living being constantly repeats this mantra. Throughout day and night, 21,600 times. This japa of the Goddess is called ajapa because it is easy for anyone; difficult only for the ignorant.”

The Dhyānabindu Upaniṣad teaches that this mantra is the inverted prāṇava: HA is Śiva (consciousness), SA is Śakti (energy). The union of both is the natural state.

Basic technique

Preparation

1. Sit in stable meditative posture (siddhāsana, padmāsana or sukhasana)
2. Spine erect, hands in jñāna mudrā or chin mudrā
3. Eyes gently closed
4. Natural breath through the nose

Practice

Phase 1: Simple observation

1. Without modifying the breath, simply observe
2. Notice how air enters and exits naturally
3. Observe sensations in the nostrils
4. Remain as witness, without controlling

Phase 2: Adding mantra awareness

1. On inhaling, mentally listen to “So”
2. On exhaling, mentally listen to “Ham”
3. Don’t actively recite — just listen to what is already there
4. The mantra arises from the breath, not from the mind
5. If the mind wanders, gently return to the sound

Phase 3: Awareness of meaning

1. “So” = That (universal consciousness)
2. “Ham” = I am
3. “So-Ham” = That I am
4. Let the meaning resonate, without analyzing

Practice with ujjāyī

To deepen, add gentle ujjāyī prāṇāyāma:

1. Slightly contract the glottis
2. Create a whispering sound like the ocean
3. This physical sound facilitates hearing the subtle mantra
4. So-Ham overlays the ujjāyī sound

Traditional variants

Haṃsa vs So-Ham

The mantra can also be perceived as Haṃsa (हंस):

• Ham-Sa: “I am That” (on exhale-inhale)
• It is the same mantra in reverse order
• Haṃsa also means “swan” — symbol of the ātman

With visualization (Kriyā Yoga)

The Swami Satyananda tradition adds:

1. Visualize prāṇa rising through suṣumṇā with “So”
2. Visualize it descending with “Ham”
3. Or: frontal with “So”, spinal with “Ham”

Awareness in the chakras

1. “So” at mūlādhāra, rising to ājñā
2. “Ham” at ājñā, descending to mūlādhāra
3. Each breath is a complete journey

Benefits according to tradition

Immediate effects:

• Calms mental fluctuations (vṛtti-nirodha)
• Naturally deepens breathing
• Reduces internal dialogue
• Prepares for deeper meditation

Long-term effects:

• Develops witness consciousness (sākṣī)
• Facilitates pratyāhāra (interiorization)
• The mantra eventually continues spontaneously
• Leads to direct realization of “So-Ham” — identity with the Absolute

The Vijñāna Bhairava states that sustained ajapa practice leads to bhairava sthiti — the state of pure consciousness.

When and how much to practice

• Best time: Dawn (brahma muhūrta), dusk, or before sleep
• Duration: Start with 10-15 minutes, increase to 45 minutes or more
• Frequency: Daily; even a few minutes are beneficial
• Position: Preferably seated; can also be practiced lying down (but with risk of falling asleep)

Important notes

Ajapa japa is one of the most accessible meditative practices:

• Requires no belief in any system
• Requires no initiation (though guidance is helpful)
• Uses what is already happening (breathing)
• Can be practiced anywhere discreetly

The difficulty is not in the technique but in consistency. The mind will seek distractions. The practice is always the same: return, again and again, to the natural sound of breathing.