MANTRAYOGA

Chanting on Gods name or a series of specific syllables is called Mantra yoga, the series of specific syllables and Gods name is called mantra. The repeated chanting and attaining blissful state by communion with the higher self is called Mantra yoga.
There are though some cautions to be followed while chanting mantras.
It should be done preferably at same time each day. Early morning at Brahmamuhurta (approximately 1.5 hrs before sunrise) is the ideal time, though it can be done at any time also.
The chanting should be done with utmost devotion to ones favorite deity.
Chanting should be done for self realization rather than to get material gains.
Before one sits for chanting, one should take a bath and maintain hygiene.
One should preferably sit east or north facing.
One should not sit on the ground but on a woolen cloth called asana.
Three sitting postures are highly recommended namely Swastikasana (cross-legged) Siddhasana and Padmasana (pictures of the last two postures will be posted later). Padmasana is the ideal posture though.
One should chant on a rosary made of 108 beads of Rudraksha, or Holy basil wood or sandalwood. The rosary should be held in right hand and the first finger should not be used to turn the rosary. and the rosary should be shielded in a cloth bag
Before commencing on chanting one should try to regularize breathing by doing Pranayama it soothes the mind and prepares it for chanting. (conscious breathing technique which will be elaborated in future posts)
Begin chanting on the primordial sound of AUM for about 5-10 minutes and then start chanting a specific mantra. Initially the Mantra should be chanted so that one can hear it, once the chanting of syllables is perfected one can chant it in mind without use of tongue or lips.
Select a silent corner of the house which is well ventilated, sit on a asana and in right posture, close your eyes and start on your journey of supreme bliss through chanting or Mantra yoga