Peacock Feather Likhita Japa

This likhita japa is dedicated to Swamiji
Summer Camp 2010

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The feather outline was lightly sketched in pencil before the japa began. With the outline in place, one can completely focus on writing the mantra without getting distracted by composition or placement. When the likhita japa session is completely finished (and the ink is dry), then the pencil lines can be gently erased.

For summer camp 2010 we will be encouraging the older children to perform likhita japa with their color and composition studies.

Paisley Flowers in Likhita Japa

This likhita japa is dedicated to Guruji.
Summer Camp 2010

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These flowers were created solely from OM. The picture outline was lightly sketched in pencil before the japa began. With the outline in place, one can completely focus on writing the mantra without getting distracted by composition or placement. When the likhita japa session is completely finished (and the ink is dry), then the pencil lines can be gently erased.

For summer camp 2010 we will be encouraging the older children to perform likhita japa with their color and composition studies.

Likhita Japa Drawing (Lord Ganesha)

This drawing is dedicated to Guruji
Summer Camp 2010

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Here is a sample of a Likhita Japa Drawing. A very light pencil sketch was done outlining Lord Ganesha before the likhita japa session began. The outline was put in only to help guide the japa, so that focus would not be lost. Once the likhita was completely finished (and the ink was dry) the pencil lines were erased with a graphic eraser.

Materials
• bristol drawing paper
• black pens in different widths
• a pencil
• a good graphic eraser.

Some suggestions of images for the older children to try:

• a Shivalingam
• a diya
• a lotus flower
• a Rangoli pattern

Likhita Japa Doodling

Summer Camp 2010
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Doodling is an all-time favorite calming activity — especially for older school children. Why not encourage them to doodle while doing likhita japa?

Here are two sample pages of "japa doodle drawing." The only materials necessary for doodling is a smooth piece of drawing paper, pencil, graphic eraser and a black pen in 3 different widths — thick, fine and super/extra fine. Tell the child to let their pen go where the japa takes them!

Likhita Japa Doodle Drawing

Summer Camp 2010
Click on the image to view enlarged.

These drawings are nothing more than big doodles. Once the older children are comfortable with the idea of writing in different directions you can guide them towards a larger doodle.

Directions
1. Take a bowl and lightly trace it (with a pencil) in the center of the page.
2. Have the child then take their pencil and divide up the circle, creating shapes. They can even extend the shape outside the circle.
3. Begin drawing with ink!

Materials
• smooth surface drawing paper (bristol is an excellent choice)
• pencil
• a good graphic eraser
• black pens in different widths (thick, medium, fine and extra fine)

When the drawing is complete and the ink is dry, then the child can carefully erase the pencil lines. Please encourage the child to not draw any details with the pencil — they should only make light outlines of general areas. The detail work should be done with the likhita japa.