When we go to a new place like a hotel or someone else’s home do we need to protect ourselves from unwarranted energies? What is the way to do that? Generally when we go out in crowded areas also how to protect oneself. Can japa be done at anytime and any place? My friend told me that mentally you shouldn’t do japa in unholy ares like the toilet etc. Is that true?
—Devika, India
Thank you for your question which has several elements, so I will try to answer all of them.
Here are some suggestions on how to protect yourself taken from a previous answer on this topic, written by Pranaba:
Before going to sleep at night sweep your arms around from front to back and then returning from the back to the front while, saying, AUM – TAT – SAT. Do this three times. Then write “AUM” on your pillow; do this three times. These are ways to strengthen your spiritual aura and protect you from dark influences.
Pray to God in whatever form you feel drawn to, perhaps Divine Mother. Offer yourself completely into the grace of the divine, releasing all negativity.
You can also repeat an affirmation such as this: “I am safe, I am sound. All good things come to me; they give me peace!”
When you go to a hotel room, you can do the above things and also set up a holy photo or small travel altar.
A sacred photo or book, such as Autobiography of a Yogi, has a holy aura which will bless the room. Once those things are set up, you can also take some time to do a short prayer and meditation asking the Masters to bless the room and fill it with Light.
You also ask about doing japa in unholy places such as a bathroom. Personally — if I am ever in a place where I feel a lack of God’s Light, I tend to do more japa — not less. We should be thinking of God all the time, so I wouldn’t make it complicated regarding the bathroom.
On the other hand, I have heard that in the precepts of Vastu it is said that we should not put holy pictures in a bathroom. That is understandable — save those things for special places such as your altar. But your thoughts should always be with God – with practice it gets better.
I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Mary Kretzmann
Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry
