by Kalika Yap

What a beautiful evening we shared together!

This week’s mindfulness session was nothing short of magical as we were guided by the wonderful Cherise through an introduction to Japa Meditation, The energy in the (virtual) room was warm, grounded, and truly special.

Here’s a recap for those who joined us, and a full introduction for those who couldn’t make it.

Opening the Space: Grounding With the Sound Bowl

Before we dove into the Japa practice, Cherise began by grounding us with a sound bowl meditation.

The tones settled our nervous systems, quieted the mental chatter of the day, and invited us to arrive fully in the present moment.

At the close of the grounding, Cherise gently asked us each to notice a word or phrase that arose naturally and as we’d soon discover, that intuitive word was already the seed of our Japa (mantra) practice.

But First — What Does “mantra” Actually Mean?

Before we even get to Japa, it helps to understand the word mantra itself.

You were close if you thought it meant “mind vehicle” the actual Sanskrit etymology is just as beautiful.

The word mantra comes from two Sanskrit roots:

• Manas — meaning “mind”
• Tra — meaning “tool” or “instrument”

So a mantra literally translates as an “instrument of the mind” or “tool of thought.” It is something you use to harness, focus, and ultimately free the mind.

There is also a classical Vedic definition that goes even deeper:

“Mananāt trāyatē iti mantrah” — meaning “that which, when repeated, protects the mind.”

Both meanings together paint a complete picture: a mantra is a tool that, when used consistently, shields the mind from negativity, distraction, and fear and brings it back to presence, peace, and purpose.

That is exactly what Cherise guided us to experience.

So, What is Japa Meditation?

Many of us were encountering Japa for the very first time. Cherise, who brings deep roots in Ayurveda, yoga, and Eastern philosophy, gave us a beautiful and clear explanation:

“There are several different types of Japa. It is the repetition of a mantra, a word, or a phrase that feels calming, that feels affirming for the body.”
— Cherise

Rooted in Vedic wisdom, Japa traditionally involves repeating a mantra 108 times. The number 108 is considered sacred — it helps seed the mantra deeply into the mind so that throughout the day, your awareness returns to it naturally and automatically.

“When you do 108, the number helps to seed things in your mind. Your mind will automatically go back to that mantra or that word or that phrase. It helps to calm the mind at any given time.”
— Cherise

Cherise also shared that Japa is incredibly powerful for those who tend to get easily distracted (including those with ADHD) because it gives the mind something positive and intentional to anchor to.

“The whole point of Japa is to stay focused, to stay in the present moment.”
— Cherise

The Three Mantras Cherise Shared

Cherise walked us through three Vedic mantras from her personal practice, each carrying its own beautiful intention:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Removes obstacles and opens you to receive new opportunities and the calling in the energy of abundance. This mantra is associated with Ganesha, the beloved elephant deity, and is considered the “first chant” in Vedic tradition — the one that opens the gates.

“In India, that’s known as the first chant that you would do. It’s opening up the gates, basically to remove all the obstacles.”
— Cherise

Om Namah Shivaya

Destroys the ego’s hold and brings you right to the heart. Cherise recommends this one when negative thoughts are creeping in:

“It’s really nice to use that one to break that pattern and to just get right into the heart, instead of coming from fear or the ego.”
— Cherise

Om Shrim Mahalakshmi Namaha

Calls in Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and prosperity.

“If you’re looking to bring in more wealth, Lakshmi is the one you want to talk to.”
— Cherise

My Favorite Mantra

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

Removing obstacles · Opening to abundance · Invoking Ganesha

This is the mantra we chose to practice together as a group and we chanted it 108 times! 🙏

Watch & chant along here:

You Don’t Have to Use a Vedic Chant

One of the most beautiful reminders from Cherise was that Japa is for everyone and the mantra can be anything that resonates with you personally.

“If the Vedic chants don’t resonate with you, you could choose a word or a phrase. You could do ‘thank you.’ You could do ‘I love you.’ You could do ‘I am that I am.’ It’s just knowing that you are this beautiful soul, you’re here to be in the present. Whatever resonates.”
— Cherise

Simple affirmations like I am love, I am powerful, or even just thank you repeated with intention carry the same grounding power.

Thank you so much for showing up!
It’s always lovely to practice together!

Looking forward to seeing you at our March events!