Question: What is the difference between the following: Japa, Tapa, Dhayna, Puja, and equvalent words in English for the above? Human beings have got desires and they pray, worship God for their fulfillment.. May be our greed or we really in need of them. In difficulties, to get over them.. These are all related to this world.. But, very few people wish for higher things like salvation, realisation of self. What humbly, I want to know is what methodology we have to adopt for realisation of the self. A simple thing like repeating RAMANAMA can lead us there.. Or Mantras are more effective.. Were our ancient saints trained how to do Tapasya or on their own, they went about it ?
Answer: The equivalent words are – repetition of Lord’s Name, Austerities, Meditation & Worship. Each is a different type of Spiritual Practice. This desires & greed – one has to discriminate for oneself and decide, because, what is desire for one may not be greed for another. I wish you read some book on Spiritual Subjects which will clear most of your doubts.