Disciple: You have said that silent repetition (japa) is more powerful without the lips moving. Why do we do external repetition when the other one is more powerful?

Shri Anandi Ma: We as humans have to deal with the mind, and the mind requires variety, even “spiritual entertainment,” so different things are offered to the disciple for evolution. Just doing japa mantra day after day, year after year, can become boring and the mind will begin to reject it. It’s just like food, you don’t eat the same thing every day; you like to eat different foods. That way you have a desire to eat and you are able to keep the physical body and your energy available and moving. Similarly, the yogis have given different practices and techniques.       For some it may be easy to do silent japa. But for those who find it difficult, variety will allow the mind to cooperate and practice will go very well during that time. Although one practice or method has the most energy doesn’t mean that the others are any less significant. There have been instances where a disciple has a very deep and profound experience with silent repetition of a mantra and then, in the midst of group chanting, the same person has a vision of the Lord. At different times there are different activities of the same energy going on and it’s hard to tell at which moment what is going to work.   All practices and techniques support one another. As Guruji said and as we all know, in terms of nutrition, we cannot eat just protein. It may be the best food, but you also need certain carbohydrates, fats, etc. in order to have a balanced meal. So also, in terms of practices, variety is required to support one’s sadhana.