Meaning of naam jap
Naam (नाम) means “name” — here, a Name of God such as Radha, Krishna, Ram, Shiva or Om. Jap or japa (जप) means repeating it, softly or in the mind, again and again. So naam jap is the loving, repeated remembrance of God through His Name.
The tradition teaches that the Name and the one who is named are not different — naam and naami are one. When you chant the Name with feeling, you are in the company of God.
महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्म्येकमक्षरम्।
यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोऽस्मि स्थावराणां हिमालयः॥
maharṣīṇāṁ bhṛgur ahaṁ girām asmy ekam akṣaram · yajñānāṁ japa-yajño’smi sthāvarāṇāṁ himālayaḥ
Among great sages I am Bhrigu; among words I am the one syllable Om; among sacrifices I am the sacrifice of japa; among immovable things I am the Himalaya.
Bhagavad Gita 10.25Shri Krishna names japa-yajna — the offering of repeated chanting — as His own glory among all forms of worship. Unlike fire sacrifices it needs no materials, and anyone can perform it anywhere.
Why naam jap in Kaliyug?
The Puranas describe four ages. In Satya Yuga people reached God through long meditation, in Treta through great yajnas and in Dvapara through elaborate temple worship. In Kali Yuga — our age of restless minds and short lives — the same result is promised through chanting the Name:
कलेर्दोषनिधे राजन्नस्ति ह्येको महान् गुणः।
कीर्तनादेव कृष्णस्य मुक्तसङ्गः परं व्रजेत्॥
“O King, Kali Yuga is an ocean of faults, yet it has one great quality: simply by chanting the name of Krishna one becomes free from attachment and reaches the Supreme.” Saints of every tradition — Tulsidas, Kabir, Mirabai, Guru Nanak, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and, in our time, Premanand Ji Maharaj — have said the same in their own words.
The three types of jap
The scriptures describe three ways of chanting, each subtler than the last. Many traditions say whispered jap is far more powerful than loud jap, and mental jap more powerful still.
Vachik jap (वाचिक)
Chanting aloud so that others can hear. Easiest for beginners and wonderful for keeping the mind from wandering.
Upanshu jap (उपांशु)
Whispered chanting — the lips move but only you can hear. The traditional way for mala japa.
Manasik jap (मानसिक)
Silent chanting in the mind, often with the breath. The subtlest form, possible anywhere — even at work.
How to start naam jap — 7 simple steps
- Choose one NamePick the Name your heart feels closest to — Radha, Krishna, Ram, Shiva, Om or your guru’s mantra. If unsure, try one for a week each.
- Fix a timeEarly morning (Brahma Muhurta) is ideal, but any fixed time works. Regularity matters more than the hour.
- Fix a placeA clean corner of your home with a picture or a lamp helps the mind settle quickly.
- Fix a countBegin with one mala (108) a day. Increase slowly — 4, 11, 16 malas — without forcing.
- Listen to the NameLet your attention rest on the sound. When the mind wanders, gently bring it back. This is the real practice.
- Keep countUse a jap mala or our free online counter so you know when your daily jap is complete and can see your consistency.
- Remember through the dayOutside your fixed jap, keep chanting mentally while walking, cooking or travelling.
How many naam should I chant?
There is no upper limit. A practical path:
| Stage | Daily jap | Approx. time* |
|---|---|---|
| Beginning | 1 mala (108) | 2–10 min |
| Regular | 4–11 malas (432–1,188) | 15–60 min |
| Committed | 16 malas (1,728) | 1–2 hours |
| Intense sadhana | 10,000+ naam | 2–3 hours |
*Depends on the length of the mantra and your pace.
Common doubts
- “My mind keeps wandering.” Everyone’s does. Keep chanting — the Name purifies the mind slowly, like water wearing down stone.
- “Is it okay to chant without a mala?” Yes. The mala is only a counting aid. A digital counter works just as well when you are away from home.
- “Do I need a guru or diksha first?” Initiation deepens your practice, but the Name of God is open to everyone. You can begin today.
- “Loud or silent?” Begin aloud or whispered; move toward silent jap as concentration grows.
Begin your first mala now
Open the free Radha Naam counter — or choose any mantra — and chant your first 108.
Open the jap counterFrequently asked questions
What is the meaning of naam jap?
Naam means a Name of God and jap means repeating it. Naam jap is the loving, repeated remembrance of God through His Name, aloud, whispered or in the mind.
Which is better: chanting aloud or silently?
Traditions describe whispered (upanshu) jap as more powerful than loud (vachik) jap, and mental (manasik) jap as the most powerful. Beginners often start aloud because it keeps the mind focused.
Can I do naam jap while working?
Yes. Mental jap can continue during simple work, walking or travelling. Keep a fixed time for focused jap as well.
How do I count naam jap?
Traditionally on a 108-bead jap mala. You can also use a free online jap counter like this one, which also keeps your daily totals, streak and lifetime count.