محمود محمد طه في رؤى الأحلام .

A quotation from : The Science of Yogic Meditation , by Yogacharya Shantikumar Bhatt ,1982 D.B. Taraporevala Sons & co. Pvt. Ltd


The practice of Japa is as old as mankind. It is practiced by the primitive
tribes in a crude from. There would hardly be any religion which doesn't expect the followers to practice Japa. The Holy Bible refers to Japa as follows:
'O Lord, Our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! Psalm – 8.
'I will bless the Lord at all times his praise shall continually be in my mouth ' Psalm – 34.
. I will praise three for ever because thou hast done it; and I will wait on thy name for it is good before thy saints.' Psalm-52
The power of Mantra is acknowledged in Zoroastrianism. Ahura Vairya is their very ancient Mantra. It is said that Asho Zarathushtra, the founder of this faith, had saved himself against many evils with the help of this Mantra. Ahura Vairya appears to be a prayer but in reality it is a Mantra as stated in the book 'Comparative and Critical Study of Mantra Shastra,' Ahura Mazda is the name of God in Zoroastrianism and the followers of this religion recite His 101 named daily.
Islam also recognizes the value of the practice of Japa, The Holy Koran says: 'O faithfuls, remember God. Praise Him every evening and morning. His names are very sweet. Recite his names in a low tone. 'Islam has developed its' own science of Mantra. They have Mantras to win cases in the courts, AZIZ, YA LATIF is a Mantra to be recited twelve thousand times every morning and evening in a holy atmosphere sanctified by the burning of incense in order to fulfill all desires>
In Tibet the Vajrayana branch of Buddhism had developed the science of Mantra. The tradition of Mantras in Jainism is as old as the Tirthankar Parsh-wanath.
The practice of Japa is suggested in all the four Vedas.
'O Lord Vishnu, knowing thy holy name we recite thy name.' Rigveda 1-156-3.