Naam Jap: The Practice of Sacred Repetition and How to Begin
Nirvan Team · 2026-11-05 · 2 min read
Naam Jap is the practice of repeating a sacred name, such as Waheguru, Ram or Om, with love and attention. Done daily, aloud, whispered or silently, it steadies the mind and turns attention towards the divine.
What Naam Jap is
Naam means name; jap means repetition. In Sikhi, Naam Simran, remembering the divine name, is at the heart of spiritual life. In Hindu traditions, japa of a mantra such as Ram or Om Namah Shivaya has been practised for thousands of years. Buddhist and Christian traditions have their own forms of sacred repetition.
The idea is simple: the mind becomes like what it repeats. Repeating a holy name gently, again and again, slowly fills the mind with peace and devotion instead of worry.
How to begin
- Choose one name or mantra that feels meaningful to you, such as Waheguru, Ram, Om or So Hum.
- Sit comfortably at a regular time, ideally early morning (amrit vela) or before sleep.
- Repeat the name aloud at first, then in a whisper, and finally silently in the mind.
- Let the repetition follow the breath if that feels natural: one name on the in-breath, or one on each out-breath.
- Start with 5 to 10 minutes, or one round of 108 on a mala.
Using a mala
A mala is a string of 108 beads with a larger guru bead. Hold it in the right hand and move one bead with the thumb for each repetition. When you reach the guru bead, turn the mala around rather than crossing over it. Counting keeps the mind engaged and shows your progress.
When the mind wanders
It will. Simply return to the name without frustration. Saints often said that even repetition done with a wandering mind purifies slowly, and that love grows with practice. Quality matters, but so does showing up every day.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Naam Jap and Naam Simran?
They are closely related. Jap emphasises repetition; simran means remembrance. In practice, repeating the name with love leads to remembering the divine throughout the day.
How many times should I do Naam Jap?
There is no fixed rule. Many begin with one mala of 108 a day, or 10 minutes, and increase naturally as the practice deepens.
Can I do Naam Jap silently?
Yes. Many traditions consider silent, inner repetition the deepest form, but starting aloud or in a whisper helps the mind stay focused.