Mantra

What is it?

• Combination of some letters in a language may convey the image, message, sense or property for use and application, for good, bad or auspicious results depending upon the source from where they have emanated and also for whom and for what purpose. The word creates its vibrations, which are absorbed by the mind. For ex. If you use letters f-o-o-l, it may create complications for you as well as for whom you have used it.

• A Mantra is a combination of auspicious and sacred syllables, which forms a nucleus of spiritual energy. This serves as a magnet to attract or a lens to focus spiritual vibrations, which when conveyed through sound and/or repetitions can create gross subtle marvelous and mystique effects for our benefit. By uttering the primal sound, the universe itself was created. Mantra is a precise combination of words and sounds.

• The word 'Mantra' is composed of the root 'man' meaning, "to think" and 'tra' meaning 'an instrument to liberate us from bondage.' Thus, the word means an instrument of thought that can free us from the constraints of our mind. (Dr.Dennis Chernin)

Why and What For?

• Not everyone's mind is strong enough to maintain the constant awareness of unity. For this reason, Patanjali gives various practices, which are suitable for different seekers. One of the greatest of these is mantra repetition. A mantra is a cosmic word or sound vibration. In fact, mantra is the vibration of the Self. It is the true speech of the Self, which arises from within. In mundane life, a word is one with the object it denotes and helps us to be in touch with that object. Similarly, the mantra, which is the name of God, is one with God and very easily puts us in touch with the God within. The Scriptures say, "Mantra Maheshvaraha"_mantra is God. There is no difference between God and His name. Mantra has all the powers of God. Above all, it has the power to purify the mind and bring it to the Self. (Swami Muktananda)

• By constant recollection or thinking of the Mantra one is protected from the impact of maya and with the repetition of these words of power, the goal of Mantra yoga is achieved-that is unity of individual consciousness with Cosmic Consciousness.

• Krishna declares He Himself is present in mantra/hymn (Gita 9.16}

What is 'Initiation' and Why?

• When a Mantra has been received from a Guru, the power of the Mantra increases after the initiation. It is a permanent spiritual axis between Disciple-Satguru-Paramguru. Keep it secret.

How to choose a Mantra?

• You can choose and chant a mantra to which you simply feel drawn and attracted. Or it may be given to you your Guru at the time of initiation. Or it may come to you in a dream.

What is Nama Japa? (Yoga of chanting)

• " Among the yajnas, I am the japayajna." (Gita 10.25)

• This factual concept is enshrined in shastras, of the power of the Name, when uttered with faith and reverence. Namdev, the great saint of Maharshtra said," One who has the name on his lips, carries salvation in his palm.

• According to Indian religious belief, every age (Krita, Treta, Dwarpar, Kali) has a prescribed mode for liberation. In our Kali age, mere repetition of any holy name of God will get you across the treacherous ocean of samsara. In this age, mankind is so entrenched in the materialistic way of life that even taking the Name and doing no other sadhna would constitute a fair and reasonable effort to seek communion with the DIVINE.

• Many saints and sages have emphasized that there is in fact no difference between God and His Name and the latter packs the summarized glory of the Lord. When Sankaracharya was asked," What is the path, which involves little effort but gives great reward? He replied," The path is the yoga of chanting." When someone asked Prophet,"Pl. advise me, what should I do in the letter and in the spirit? He replied," Keep your lips moist by repeating God's Name." There is another advantage; this sadhna does not need any instructions from anybody else.

• Dwelling on the name of God is like dwelling on God Himself. His attributes and glory come automatically to mind. By repeating the Name the mind slowly catches the sweetness and divinity hidden in it and gets purified by association.

• Sri Sathya Sai Baba says," I shall give you one prescription Rx which will give you the peace and contentment which you seek. It is 'Namasamarna' (Remembering the name of the Lord). Install on your tongue any one of the thousand names of the Lord. Repeat the Name for sometime at least everyday as part of your duty to yourself."

• In this sadhna, there is one embedded element "Love" If a person can be fortunate enough to chant the name of the Lord with pure devotion, he has nothing more left to seek nor even spiritual practices to follow. His sweet Lord, ever hungry for a true devotee's love will Himself come running to him to give whatsoever his heart may desire.

• Water suffices to put out fire, the sunrise to disperse the darkness: In the Kali Yuga the repetition of the name of Hari, Vishnu suffices to destroy all errors. (Vishnu Purana)

• Not only in the Kali yuga, in all ages, at all times, in all the worlds, by the repetition of the name of the Lord, men have crossed the ocean of samsara and attained to the highest eminence. In Kali Yuga,'Name Japa' is particularly suited for one's emancipation, just as meditation, performance of sacrifices and worship of the Lord was suited in other three yugas, for the attainment of moksha. In this most troublesome Kali age, there is no other sadhna for emancipation. (Swami Sivananda).

• The holy name of the God is the God Himself, and chanting is the direct process of coming in contact with Him. (ISKCON)

• However, as with any other endeavor, no quick results may be sought. Consistency devotion, discipline, faith, perseverance and sincerity are very necessary for success. As Sri Ramakrishna said," Repeating the Name is very much like digging a bore well in the ground. You have to keep drilling continuously. Only after sustained and continuous effort will water be finally struck."

What is the suitable time and place for Japa?

• Fixed Hours: The most effective time is early dawn (Brahmamuhurta) and dusk. Regularity and system are very essential. (Swami Sivananda)

• Definite Place: It is highly advantageous to sit in the same place every day. Do not change it now and then.

What are other suggestions/instructions?

• Face the north or east.

• Sit on a rug. This helps to conserve body-electricity. Sit comfortably, relax.

• You may use a Rudraksha or Tulsi Mala of 108 beads.

• Use only the middle finger and thumb of the right hand for rolling the beads. The index finger is prohibited. Do not allow the Mala to hang below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart or the nose. The mala must not be visible to you or others. Cover it with a clean towel or kerchief. Do not cross the Meru (crown or head) of the Mala while rolling the beads. Turn back when you come upto it.

• Do mental japa for sometime. You may switch over to loud japa by rotation, come back to mental japa again as soon as possible.

• Take a bath, or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for japa in the morning. At other times it is absolutely necessary.

• Pronounce each letter of the Mantra correctly and distinctly. Do not repeat it too fast or too slow. Increase the speed only when the mind wanders.

• Do not beg of God any worldly objects while doing japa.

What are the benefits?

• Mantra has a generative power it dissolves the problems. At night, puts you to a good sleep.

• Protects from the impact of Maya. It destroys errors.

• Prevents you from commiting sins.

• Purifies, sweetens and transforms the state of the mind, improves the outlook, leads to a better lifestyle.

• Enables you to perform your duty efficiently.

• Bestows peace and contentment, leads to a healthy, happy and long life.

• Puts in touch with God within, brings it nearer to Him.

• Achieves unity of individual consciousness with cosmic consciousness.

• One attains liberation (Moksha), Self-Realization.

Imprint the picture or name or mantra of God on MIND like a painting on the cloth. –Never removable. Keep thinking/perceiving or chanting it. You become what He is and what you really are (Baba)