Question

They say that as you practice your mantra repetition becomes faster, but mine is becoming slower.

Answers

Two have answered this question: Michael Smith and Stephen Parker (Stoma).

Michael Smith

There is a talk by Swami Veda titled “How to do Long Mantras Faster (in Less Time).”
Maybe that will help.

Generally, when my japa slows down, it’s because I’m tired or because I have a lot of distracting thoughts.

Stephan Parker (Stoma)

The slowness of the mantra may be attributable to making an effort in its repetition. It likely also has to do with remaining attached to the syllables, which are the gross body of the mantra. See what happens if you simply listen for the mantra to naturally arise in your mind when you have gone inward and relaxed. One of the secrets of yoga is that the deeper path is found by deeper relaxation, not by more effort and advanced technique.

Editor’s Note

If you have any questions about your spiritual practice, you may write to the AHYMSIN Spiritual Committee at adhyatmasamiti@gmail.com.