Japa (Sanskrit: जप) is the meditative repetition of a mantra or a divine name. It is a practice found in Hinduism,[1] Jainism,[2] Sikhism,[3][4] and Buddhism,[5] with parallels found in other religions.
Japa may be performed while sitting in a meditation posture, while performing other activities,[6] or as part of formal worship in group settings. The mantra or name may be spoken softly, loud enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be recited silently within the practitioner's mind.[7]