japa

Where does the word "japa" come from? It comes from Sanskrit japa, and was adopted directly into English (19th-20th c.).

Japa’s story begins in Sanskrit: japa meant “the repeated muttering of a mantra.” From a root meaning 'to utter in a low voice, repeat'. It reached English by 19th-20th c. as japa. Adopted in English writing on yoga and Hindu meditation practice. Today, japa means the meditative practice of repeating a mantra or divine name, often using a strand of prayer beads.

1. Stage 1 · Sanskrit · ancient japa "the repeated muttering of a mantra", from a root meaning 'to utter in a low voice, repeat'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 19th-20th c. japa "the meditative repetition of a mantra or divine name", adopted in English writing on yoga and Hindu meditation practice.