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The Vishnu Purana, the Shiva Purana, and the Agni Purana speak of three types of japa: Vachika japa, Upanshu japa, and Mānas japa. According to all these scriptures Mānas japa is the highest form. Vachika japa is performed by speaking or reciting the holy name so that others can hear, and it includes chanting and reading of scripture. In Upanshu japa the holy name is uttered in such a way that the lips move, but the sound can only be heard by the one who is reciting. In Mānas japa the mantra or holy name is recited only internally by the mind, not with the mouth, and not by using any external expressions. Each method is beneficial, but the effects bestowed are of different orders: Vachika japa is ten times more spiritually powerful than ritual practices such as sacrifices; Upanshu japa is a hundred times more powerful than Vachika japa; and Mānas japa is a thousand times more powerful even than Upanshu japa.
For recitation purposes a short mantra is preferable. The smaller mantra serves as a device or a prod to help the practitioner control the mind which is as restless as an elephant in rut. Not only this, but, in addition, the mantra puts all the great deities (including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) within the control of the practitioner. Thus the practitioner obtains spiritual powers through the practice of mantra.
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