Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Mantra Yoga Ei
Mantra Yoga Ei
TI O
CA
Spiritual U
Mantra Yoga
N
ED
AL
Striving through
N
S
I
SI T
G H
Sacred Sound
The recitation of mantras, known as japa, lies
at the very heart of Hindu practice. Focusing
the mind on Divinity as part of ones daily
sadhana, it unites bhakti with meditation, body
with mind, worship with introspection, opening
inner doors to realms beyond the senses.
A
mantra is a syllable, word or phrase endowed
with special power, usually drawn from scrip-
ture. Mantras are chanted loudly during puja
to invoke the Gods and establish a spiritual
force field. Certain mantras are repeated softly or men-
tally for japa, or mantra yoga, the subtle tones quieting the
mind, harmonizing the inner bodies and stimulating latent
spiritual qualities. Hinduisms universal mantra is Aum.
Japa refers to the repetition of a mantra, often while count-
ing on a mala or strand of beads. It may be done silently or
aloud. Japa is one of the ten niyamas (spiritual practices)
of ashtanga yoga, often performed prior to meditation. It
is a major sadhana in Hindu spiritual practice, from the
simple utterance of one or more names of God to extraordi-
nary feats of repeating sacred syllables millions of times for
years on end. Japa is recommended as a cure for pride and
arrogance, jealousy, fear and confusion. It harmonizes the
doshas and quiets the vrittis. Filling the mind with divine
sounds, awakening the divine essence of spiritual energies
in the physical body, japa brings forth the amrita. Doshas
are the three bodily humors, which, according to ayurveda,
regulate the body: vata, pitta and kapha. Vrittis, in yoga psy-
chology, are the fluctuations of consciousness, the waves of
By the Ganga: An aspiring young
mental activities of thought and perception. Amrita is the
monastic counts mental repetitions of
nectar of divine bliss which flows down from the sahasrara
his mantra on a mala of beads inside
chakra when one enters the deepest states of meditation.
a cloth bag. Nearby, others take a
For Saivite Hindus, Namah Sivaya in its various forms is
dinodia.com
36 h i n d u i s m t o day ja n ua ry / f e b rua ry / m a rc h, 2 0 1 2
the most treasured mantra used in japa.
The mantra Hare Rama Hare Krishna is Passing on the power: (Left) A
among the foremost Vaishnavite mantras. devotee receives instruction in mantra
recitation from his guru; (right) a priest
Aum is a universal mantra. Sage Patanjali at the Sri Naranayi Pitham in South
extolls it in his Yoga Sutra: The mantra India counts the names of Shakti on a
AUM should be repeated while contem- strand of small rudraksha beads
plating on its meaning. Thence follows the
attainment of inward-mindedness and the
disappearance of the obstacles. Sickness,
apathy, doubt, carelessness, sloth, sensual
indulgence, false perspective, lack of prog-
ress and lack of consistency are all distrac-
tions to the mind and are the obstacles.
Pain, depression, trembling limbs and
irregular inhalation and exhalation accom-
pany these distractions (I.2331).
Patanjali speaks of 14 kinds of japa:
daily (nitya), circumstantial (naimit-
tika), the japa of desired results (ka-
s r i n a r aya n i p e e d a m
mya), forbidden (nishiddha), penitential
(prayashchitta), unmoving (achala),
moving (chala), voiced (vachika), whis-
s . r a ja m
J
perfect performing japa aloud, move apa is very widespread in hinduism, more so than meditation. japa repentancewhich means being penitent before one has the stability The Rig Veda is composed of sacred chants (like
yoga is easy to practice. The inexperienced can take it up immediately. to take on the reaction of such a momentous discovery and undertak-
on to performing it silently. It does produce certain results until they forget the mantra, which can ing. Karma yoga should be practiced by the devotee prior to this to the Gayatri Mantra to the Sun God) designed
2. Pronounce the mantra slowly, happen! This may seem strange, but I have met devotees of gurus who smooth out all character flaws. Sivathonduwhich is another word to invoke the cosmic powers within us for
properly, thoughtfully, with feeling. had actually forgotten their mantra, even after paying a goodly sum to receive it. for karma yogaservice to Siva, is the platform for japa yoga. their blessings and guidance. The Vedic ritual
The innocent Americans and Europeans are the orphans and adopted children Those who are victims to episodes of anger, to pangs of jealousy
3. Do not intensify japa by recit- of Indian gurus. Some of these teachers, unaware of the critical differences of or to periods of fear should not meditate and should not perform
is based upon Agni or the sacred fire, which is
ing your mantra tens of thousands religion and culture of their newfound and eager devotees, respond by bringing japa. They should perform Sivathondu, attend group meditations and regarded first of all as a power of divine speech
of times a day unless specifically them immediately into japa and raja yoga, avoiding the known initiations and the group pranayama sessions. This is because they must first be lifted and mantra. This sacred fire, which is inwardly
basic philosophical and cultural foundations necessary for ultimate success. In up into the muladhara chakra and above. They are living below it and
instructed to do so by your guru. In- the case of Indian devotees, these cultural and philosophical foundations would must raise their consciousness in order to proceed deeply into them-
the power of speech, serves to invoke and
tensifying japa without a gurus guid- have been acquired within the family home. This foundation is necessary, as it selves. It is the group itself in this case that will lift the individual manifest all the deeper powers of the psyche
ance could produce negative results. directs the subconscious mind, which is the inner motor of a person, preventing who cannot easily lift himself. This process should be guided by a and the greater cosmos. This Vedic mantra yoga
him from opposing, inhibiting and invalidating the realizations that naturally oc- strong-minded, compassionate moderator. is still accessible to us through learning Vedic
4. The best place and time to per- cur when one practices yoga. So, first we learn the philosophy, then through japa
form japa is in the temple or your and more advanced yogas we realize it. Whereas in performing japa and raja yoga Japa Opens Inner Doors chanting. Yet we should learn to use Vedic
home shrine after a puja. Thus prac- before you know the philosophy, what you previously learned may conflict with One who performs japa properly will realize what he knows. You mantras along with the breath and meditate upon
what you now realize. This can be very disconcerting. see, japa opens up the inner mind and focuses the energies of certain their profound meanings if we want the deeper
ticed, japa will calm your mind, bal- When the philosophy is properly understood, we possess right thought, right chakras, which are consciousness encased within the psychic nerve
ance your inner and outer forces and speech and right action, which is proper behavior. This is culture. Humility and ganglia of the nadi network. Therefore, if he is a divine person, he aspects of the Vedic yoga to become clear to us.
strengthen your spiritual practice. obedience before elders and those who are wiser is a very big part of Hindu cul- will realize that Divinity. If he is an angry, selfish person, then he will Vamadeva Shastri
ture, as is the regard for knowledge and wisdom and the deeper philosophies. realize that. We would want him to realize the former but not the
This mantra is golden; chant it not loud, just say it. Your body glows
red. If you take it in slowly, as you breathe in, your body becomes gold,
and in time, you shall behold the golden feet of the Lord. 906
You shall behold the golden feet; you shall have children noble.
In the name of that golden feet I say, the copper that is jiva
dreamstime
will become gold that is Siva, and as you behold the golden
feet, you too shall His form assume. Center the mantra in your
thoughts, and witness the goodly dance of golden feet. 907
Tirumantiram
H OW TO
CHA NT AUM
For Aum japa to be effective, the
mantra must be pronounced correctly. The
first syllable is A, pronounced as the English
latter. Through karma yoga, Sivathondu, the angry, hateful, conten- religion and join a mature community. Those who are inside a de- restricts me from giving initiation without due preparation. The
tious, competitive person will face himself through a series of small partment store handling and purchasing the merchandise and those king retorted, So, we will do the mantra without you. Or else ex- word awe, but prolonged: aaa. The second
situations in which small realizations will occur. The instinctive na- outside looking through the window at the same merchandise are plain to me how the mantra would work differently with the ini- syllable is U, as in roof, pronounced oo but
ture and habits will be corrected until the individual is able to work two different groups. Ardha means half, and ardha-Hindus are those tiation than without. The kulaguru said, Yes, Majesty, I shall give prolonged: ooo. The third syllable is M,
smoothly over long periods of time. We would not want to open up who have come half way to making a full commitment and are still you an explanation.
his mind to the impurities, lest he become depressed or even mo- making up their mind. They are still on the outside looking in. Their In a loud voice, the guru called to the five guards standing amidst
pronounced mm with the front teeth gently
rose and suicidal. Therefore, japa yoga obviously is an initiation that japa doesnt have much power until they bring other aspects of their the gathered audience, Guards, come forward instantly and arrest touching and the sound prolonged: mmmm.
should come a little down the road, farther down the path. life into line with the Hindu dharma. this man, the maharaja, he is into wrongdoings. He is demand- Each repetition is sounded for about seven
Generally those who want to practice japa yoga and do have im- For the non-Hindu who has not made a commitment, the univer- ing an initiation into the great Panchakshara Mantra without the
purities working within them fall away from repetitive mantras sal mantra Aum is the most significant and precious of all mantras. willingness to undergo the necessary preparations required by our
seconds, with two seconds on A, two seconds
very quickly, becoming a little afraid of what might happen if they This can be chanted by those of all religions, without restriction. The noble sampradaya. The guards stood silent, eyes wide, looking at on U and three seconds on M, with a silence of
are successful. Their own soul is watching after them in this early sounds of a city make Aum. A child at birth says Aum. A mother the maharaja, wondering what to do. about two seconds before the next repetition.
stage. Then there are those who are ardent, fanatical, you might say, giving birth says Aum. The last breath of a dying person is Aum. The maharaja, losing his composure upon hearing his ministers The three syllables are run together: AAUUMM
who want to get results in a limited period of time and have no sense Even the cows say Aum. Aum is the mantra of Lord Ganesha. All preposterous command, was struck with awe and thought, What
of the consequences. They work tirelessly to do this. The wise guru are striving for His holy feet. Those who are struggling with the madness has overcome this holy man? He then shouted to the (silence), AAUUMM (silence), AAUUMM
would discourage much practice of intense mantras or meditating lower nature and those who have not made a commitment to the guards, Here, promptly: arrest this minister of mine, this kulaguru (silence). On the first syllable, A, we feel the
alone, and would instead encourage karma yoga, giving to others, Sanatana Dharma (a commitment which for the newcomers to the who is behaving in such an insolent manner against the throne. solar plexus vibrating. On the second syllable,
working for works sake, serving for services sake, not looking for re- fold could be verified by their Hindu name on their passport) should Tie him securely and take him away. The guards rushed forward
wards. Group meditations and group chanting are fine at this stage, all chant Aum. without delay, grabbed the guru and held him tight. U, the throat vibrates. The third syllable, M,
as is temple worship, until the purification process has had time to To demonstrate the authority vested in the mantra, let me tell you The guru laughed and said, Hold on a minute! I was just answer- vibrates the top of the head. Thus, proper
work its magic. a story. A minister in a court was summoned before the maharaja. ing your question, Majesty. I spoke the mantra Arrest this man. chanting of Aum also is a high form of yoga,
The minister also happened to be a brahmin priest, a kulaguru with However, since I am not initiated into the court, not ordained to
The Power of Initiation the power to give initiation in the most sacred mantra, Aum Namah have that power, the guards stood idle and did not respond. You moving energy from the lower chakras of the
Oftentimes japa and chanting are the ardha-Hindus or non-Hindus Sivaya. The king asked him, We would like you to initiate me into then gave the same mantra, Arrest this man. Because you were body up to the highest chakra, or energy center
first introduction to Sanatana Dharma. An ardha-Hindu is often the sacred Panchakshara Mantra. The guru said, Yes, Majesty, I carefully prepared and initiated as king, the guards responded. the sahasrara chakra at the crown of the head.
one who has been given a Hindu first name. It is our experience over shall begin preparing you for your initiation. Then the king decreed: Upon hearing this, the maharaja threw himself at the kulagurus
the last fifty years that their japa has little effect unless they make No, we will take the initiation right now, and never mind the prepa- feet. The guards who had been hearing the entire conversation From the teachings of Satguru
the full commitment to becoming stalwart members of the Hindu rations. The kulaguru objected, This is quite impossible. My guru then released their captive, and themselves touched the holy mans Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
40 h i n d u i s m t o day ja n ua ry / f e b rua ry / m a rc h, 2 0 1 2
L IK HITA JAPA
This masterpiece at right is no
ordinary painting. It is a modern
specimen of an ancient Indian art form,
likhita japa, which is rarely practiced today.
S TONE-MELT ING
DEVOT ION
Hanuman was so devoted to Ram, so filled with
love for him, that he wanted nothing more than to continu-
ally remember Him. Not for one moment would he allow
The piece was painstakingly composed in thoughts of his Lord to leave his mind, and so he continually
Chennai by Mrs. Saroja Nagarathnam in lost himself in chanting Rams name. Hanuman was an ac-
19791980. The artist took quill in hand and complished musician, and often accompanied his chanting
wrote hundreds of thousands of times the with the vinaa stringed instrument also played by Narada,
mantras Om Gam Virasiddhi Vinayakaya the celestial sage who wanders among the worlds chanting
h i n d u i s m t o d ay
Namaha, Om Gam Gaum Gam Ganapataye Narayanas name. Once in his wanderings Narada happened
Namaha and Om Gam Ganapataye to overhear Hanumans chanting and was so attracted by the
Namaha in the Tamil language. Every line power and sweetness of his devotion that he set his own
and shade, every nuance, was created by vina aside, and joined Hanuman in his chant. The intensity
patiently scribing these sacred syllables, of Hanumans devotion and the loveliness of his song were
so minuscule they are barely visible to so powerful that they melted even the hardness of granite;
the unaided eye, even in the three-foot- the rock on which Naradas veena was resting softened, and
indra sharma
tall original. Unlike most works of art, its the instrument sank gently into the stone. When Hanuman
special form makes it proper to use in the stopped chanting, the rock hardened and Naradas vina was
home shrine for purposes of puja worship held fast. Narada begged Hanuman to begin chanting again;
s a r o ja n a g a r at h n a m
and meditation. May Lord Ganapati bless Hanuman of course was more than happy to comply: Rama,
the world with peace, abundance and that Mantra calligraphy: (Left): A portrait of Lord
Rama, Rama, he chanted. Once again the rock melted with Ganesha created entirely of mantras penned
most precious of all giftsliberation. his devotion, and Narada was able to retrieve his vina. in colored ink. (Inset): A closeup of the artwork
shows the tiny mantras used to paint this picture.
A story from the Padma Purana submitted by (Right): Lord Hanuman sings to his Lord Rama.
Ganga/Marlene Roeder [email protected]
feet and returned to their posts. In the months ahead prarabdha karmas, and they want relief. What they should be given Hindu hierarchy of all three worlds.
the maharaja meticulously prepared himself for and re- is Saiva Siddhantaa comprehensive path of accomplishment. They Japa is a sadhana, and all sadhana is repetitive. Japa is taking a few
ceived his initiation. should not be given a high-powered mantra that will, when it opens words as a mantra and repeating it over and over again for mind con-
the mind, cause more frustration and disturbance from what the trol and personal enlightenment. This would attract good beings on
Deity Mantras seeker sees. But once given such initiationhaving no tools, mentally, the astral plane and strengthen the protective aura of the individual
The mantra is the name of the inner-plane being whom you are call- the meditation. emotionally or physically, to conquer the past karmas that the experi- doing japa. There is no reason to think that performing japa would
ing. If you say, Aum Namah Sivaya, are you ready to see what Siva There is an idea that there is a special mantra for each person, and ential emotions are intensifying (which should have been conquered affect the astral world in any way other than to bring forth goodness,
will show you, once He comes and lifts the veils? Maybe a little prep- that a mantra should be secret. It has been my experience that gurus through karma yoga and bhakti yoga)the seeker falls into despair. compassion and admiration of the beings there toward the devotee
arationcleaning a few things, straightening up the house, the sub- who are amassing wealth from unsuspecting Americans and Euro- It is the conscientious gurus responsibility to provide an ongoing, performing this discipline.
conscious basementis in order first. If you say, Aum Sharavanab- peans will give all kinds of mantras. And they will be couched in a progressive training prior to initiation and to continue it afterwards. Namah Sivaya Aum and Aum Sharavanabhava have been revealed
hava, is your mind really ready to become peaceful, or is it disturbed format that is sellable, like packaged merchandise. They will be made Those who make their living by selling mantras would be considered for spiritual unfoldment. They are not for magical purposes. Nor is
by fits of anger? But every soul is ready to say, Aum, and come to secret. But none of the traditional mantras that produce true realiza- fraudulent by traditional Hindu standards. japa intended for healing or other aims in the physical realm. True,
the feet of the Lord of Categories, who will set everything in order tion and are lauded and acclaimed are secret. They are well known by Japanese Buddhists chant Aum Namo Myoho Renge Kyo for success,
from the many yesterdays. every Hindu in the world. Each Hindu throughout the world knows The Esoterics of Japa jobs and wealth, but this is not japa in the Hindu understanding. This
If you are in the temple worshiping Lord Murugan, the mantra whether he has purified himself or not, and prepared himself or not, Knowing the meaning of the mantra is very helpful when the devo- is more along the lines of affirmation. Japa is very close to raja yoga.
Aum Sharavanabhava obviously has a total, overall effect. If you say sufficiently to pronounce themthough he may pronounce them at tee is visualizing it at the same time. Then he also knows when he Japa leads to spiritual renunciation; raja yoga to enlightenment, stim-
Aum, Aum, Aum in front of Ganesha, Ganesha becomes conscious any time he wishes, and an impact and a beneficial effect will fol- reaches the goal which the mantra is supposed to produce within ulating the chakras of the head. Japa is never used in the Hindu tradi-
of your presence. The Deities are present in the temple. They may not low in his life. But the spiritual impact of pronouncing a mantra after him. Since most mantras are in Sanskrit, it is easy enough to find the tion to pray for material things. Hindus do pray for material bless-
be present in a persons home or under a tree. The main effect the earning an initiation (this does not mean paying for it, but earning meaning in the Sanskrit dictionary. We must remember that the first ings, health and abundance but not through the use of mantras, or
mantra would have there would be to focus the concentration and it through study and practice, character building, improving, proving mantras were given in the language spoken by the people. Sanskrit japa. For these they turn to prayers, songs and ritual, which stimulate
quiet the mind. oneself to ones guru), that effect, is life-altering. It cleans the karmas mantras were given to people who spoke Sanskrit. Yet, mantras could the chakras of willpower, reason and cognition, giving the worshiper
If someone is already meditating and is self-instructed, not under a of many past lives, perfects the lives of the future, and lays the foun- be phrased in other ancient sacred languages as well. It is just that physical, emotional and mental vigor to bring the worldly goods into
guru, and working for an eventual initiation to receive a mantra upon dation for moksha at the end of this or a future life. Let this not be the Sanskrit language relates to the unfoldment of the inner being, his hands. Mantras for japa are usually short, but not always. The
which to do japa, then whatever japa is performed should neither be misunderstood. which most other languages dont do as much. However, even in the Gayatri Mantra, consisting of thirteen words, is an example of a rath-
too much nor too intense. We suggest for the non-Hindu Aum, and Many people want initiation because they want to get away from English language, or any language, rituals are performed that do in- er long mantra. In summary, japa is religiously repeating just a few
for the unitiated Saivite Aum Sharavanabhava, 108 repetitions prior something. They want something to cure their ills. Others dont voke the spirit forces of the religion. It just so happens that in Hindu- important, well-defined words, syllables or seed sounds, called bija,
to meditation. This is totally on the safe side and will greatly enhance know what they want. They are disturbed, distraught with their ism, Sanskrit is the most accepted language of all, agreed upon by the to awaken the higher nature.
a. manivel
4. Make sure to pronounce the mantra properly. For this you may need to when you just cant
learn the basic rules of pronouncing the Sanskrit alphabet. see God at all, let alone
everywhere. Repeat
5. Initially chant the mantra out loud to gain a sense of its sound pattern.
Aum Namah Sivaya. When life becomes
Then chant it softly on the breath to connect it to the prana. But most
difficult or strained, say to yourself, Siva Siva
chanting will be mental, while you are silent outwardly.
or Aum Sivaya or Namah Sivaya. Mentally
6. Chant the mantra in a regular manner at a certain time of day for a put it all at His feet. See Him in everyone
certain number of times.
h i n d u i s m t o d ay
that you meet or confront, regardless of
7. For counting mantras, it is best to use a mala, or rosary, of 108 beads. the circumstances. He is there as their life
Vamadeva Shastri force, but you just need to quiet the mind
to see. Smile when you feel unhappy with
someone and say to yourself, How nice to
see you, Siva, in this form. Animals, beggars,
Where did mantras come from? Mystical shlokas came from the the sound internally without moving the lips. The ultimate accom- the entire universe, and most especially our galaxypromote spiritual
rishis of ancient times who held conversations with the great Ma- plishment in the performance of japa is the yoga of going to sleep unfoldment. Of course, the daily experience of 108 repetitions should princes, politicians, friends and enemies,
hadevas and devas of the inner worlds. Out of this developed certain while verbally and mentally pronouncing the mantra, which contin- persist. Any intensification of this1,008 times, for instancewould be holy men, saints and sages are all Siva to the
rituals that could, when performed properly, create certain causes in ues during the sleeping hours. Upon awakening, the same mantra is best performed at a specially auspicious day and time. Other auspicious soul that loves God. He smiles and thinks to
the physical world. still being repeated, mentally and then verbally, without a break in times of day are before sunrise and at sunset. The very best place and
Because every sound has a color and creates a form on the astral continuity. This is quite an accomplishment, but it has been done. time to perform japa is in the temple after the puja, when all is quiet. himself, How nice to see you, Siva, in this,
plane when pronounced, the mantra must be pronounced properly, This is the most ideal surrounding to repeat japa 108 times to gain maxi- another of your many forms. For Nathas,
slowly, thoughtfully, with feeling, mentally seeing the color, mental- Getting the Most from Japa mum benefit. When performing japa, just breathe normally. Japa may be the repetition of the sacred Panchakshara
ly hearing the sound. The ideal way to perform japa 108 times is by The repetition of a mantra, especially if given by a guru, is a journey preceded by the pranayama practice that you have been taught by your
also listening to the nada-nadi shakti, the high eee sound one hears to a distant place; consciousness is altered. And it must be performed guru. Mantra, Namah Sivaya, is the key to the
within the head when in a high state of consciousness. To perform japa at an auspicious time. Preparation must be madebathing, cleaning Japa is a very good preparation for meditation. And you meditate on awakening of Sivaness within each and every
quickly, as in a marathon, sometimes called machine-gun japa, brings oneself properlythen devotions are performed in a room prepared the mantra as you do the mantra. You cant meditate on the mantra with- devotee on the path to Lord Sivas holy feet.
little benefit. If you dont have time to do japa, dont do it at all. It should for this purpose. We are taking a journey; the room, the body and the out repeating the mantra inwardly. When the mantra is linked with
not be a meaningless ritual. It should be a very meaningful experience. exact time of starting are the conveyance. meditation, it should be pronounced slowly so that you can meditate on
This knowledge unfolds from within as these
When we perform japa aloud, it is easier to concentrate the If precaution is not taken, or the mantra is chanted at an inauspi- each syllable of the mantra that is being repeated. You must remember great mantras are incanted, such as Aum
thought. The mantra is heard and therefore our mind does not wan- cious time in a place that is not sanctified, and the chanters body has that japa is the repetition of a few words or a few syllables. That is the Namah Sivaya, which will finally awaken
der. We must remember that letting the mind wander into irrelevant not been cleansed, the mantra will work as it should, no problem sadhana of japa. Everything else is something else.
thoughts mitigates the benefits of the japa. Therefore, we must re- here. But the person who is performing the incantations will be eas- My satguru, Siva Yogaswami, placed great emphasis on japa, repeating
the experience of Sivas perfect universe.
main concentrated. We perform japa, which is a sadhana, for prag- ily seen, due to the power of the mantra, by asuric entities, who will the name of Siva with concentration and feeling. This great Natha jnani Everything is in perfect harmony, law and
matic benefits. There is no other reason. Therefore, we should keep come and attach themselves to him and disturb him. In a clean and explained, May we not forget that mantra is life, that mantra is action, order. Mantras are given by a guru, and this
our mind on what we are doing. perfect place, under sanctified conditions, the incantation will attract that mantra is love, and that the repetition of mantra, japa, bursts forth is important because his shakti gives the
Visualize the proper colors that the mantra produces from one devonic forces who will, in turn, help him on the path to his eventual wisdom from within. Japa yoga is the first yoga to be performed toward
stage to the next. In Sharavanabhava Aum we visualize light blue enlightenment. the goal of jnana. In the temple perform japa. Under the sacred tree, per- first impetus to proceed. It is not the same
fading into white and fading back into light blue, back and forth For the ultimate benefit in performing the japa sadhana, look on form japa. I performed japa all of this life as a silent sadhana, and it is au- as when taken from a book, because the
Sharavanabhava Aum, Sharavanabhava Aum, Sharavanabhava Aum. the Hindu Vedic calendar, panchanga, and choose the amrita yoga tomatic now. Siva Yogaswami enjoined his devotees: Wear rudraksha thrust is not there. It must come from a guru.
Blue is the color of the akasha, ether, and Sharavanabhava takes you days. These are the most auspicious. Next are the siddha yoga days. beads, repeat the Panchakshara, let your heart grow soft and melt. Chant
there. Once the japa is perfected aloud, it may be done silently, simply On any given day, the most auspicious time is during gulika kala. the letters five, and in love you will discover Sivas will. Chant so that im- Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami
by moving the lips but not making a sound, and then later making These are the times when the forces of the universethis means purities, anxieties and doubts are destroyed. All hail Namah Sivaya.
T
HE INNER the mantra is resonating with our inner being.
The first yogi: This stunning
65-foot-tall statue of Lord Siva
SOUND CUR R ENT To meditate upon the nada is not just to listen
as the meditator is located on Laya yoga, the yoga of mergence, involves to or to repeat a sound. It is also to inquire into the
Airport Road near Kemp Fort in
Bengaluru, India. He wears two
meditation on the inner sound current, called nada, origin of sound, to follow the sound current back
strands of rudraksha beads and which arises when the mind becomes pure and to its origin. This is to inquire into the origin of our
holds a japa mala in his hand. clear. We can hear this vibratory sound if we close own consciousness, which itself is a manifestation of
our ears and listen deeply with attentive awareness. sound. It is to contact our inner Self in the spiritual
Several types of nada exist. These are said to be like heart from which the sound current arises.
the sounds of a bell, a drum, a flute, the ocean or All forms of spiritual music come under the Yoga
other sounds. Nada is the celestial music within us. of Sound if we follow their vibrations back to the
We hear these sounds with our inner ear, the subtle Divine Word within us. This includes vocal and
counterpart of our gross organ of hearing. They instrumental music in all their beauty and diversity.
reflect the sound of the cosmic intelligence inherent Music, in turn, may be allied with poetry, drama
in space, which is the source of all knowledge. and dance. Poetry is a kind of verbal music. Drama
Nada is the inner power behind the mantra. The is the enactment of poetry. Dance is its expression.
outer mantra works to awaken the inner nada. The internal usage of music can energize the various
Then the nada repeats the mantra, which is held chakras that reflect the music of our soul.
in our inner sound current. The nada itself can as- Vamadeva Shastri
A
ll over the world we find traditions of special Taoism has an important tradition of healing sounds for body
words of power, magical phrases or secret codes that and mind that is used in Taoist yoga and traditional Chinese medi-
can unlock the great mysteries of life otherwise unap- cine. Buddhism has its own rich tradition of mantras, particu-
proachable to the human mind. Such traditions occur larly in the Buddhist tantras and in Tibetan Buddhism. These are
in religion, occult sciences, mysticism, shamanism and almost every largely Sanskrit mantras and include many of the same mantras
known spiritual path. Poetry, literature and philosophy worldwide as in the Hindu yoga tradition. Shamanic healing from all over the
similarly recognize the power of the word, sound or prime concept world invokes healing powers through chant and prayer, with dis-
to influence and move us at a very deep level. While accessing the eases expelled in its rituals through the use of an emphatic phrase
cosmic powers may not be as simple as repeating a phrase like open or mantra. We find traditions of sacred sound in all ancient cultures,
sesame, there are key sounds and words that can dramatically reveal from Egypt and Babylonia to India, China and the Americas, as the
new vistas of insight and energy within us. ancient world lived more closely to the magic of the Divine Word.
While the yoga practitioners of India have developed sacred sound Many traditions teach that if you know the name of something,
into an extensive science of mantra as discussed in detail in my book, you can gain mastery over it. This is an expression of the occult, mys-
it is important to note that the tradition of the transformative power tical sense of being able to create the vibration or resonance of the
of the Word is universal. What makes the yogic approach so im- object to fully identify with it. It is not the outer name, such as we
portant and compelling is that it looks at the power of sound and the find in a dictionary, which grants this power but the inner name that
Word in an experiential manner as part of a sacred approach to the is a mantric vibration. There is a sound code or vibratory pattern
whole of life and consciousness. behind the universe itself, embedded in the fabric of existence that
The Judeo-Christian tradition starts with God creating the uni- holds the intelligence, information and energy forms through which
verse through the Word: Let there be light; and there was light. all processes of life operate. Connecting to this universal vibration is
The New Testament ponders, In the beginning was the Word. The the basis for the yogic pursuit of mantra.
monastic history of Christianity includes prayer, chant and formal- Yet, apart from the mysticism of mantra, there is a practical side
ized words of meditation. Church services frequently include respon- to mantra that is also gaining wide recognition today. Mantra as a
sive chants of Amen. The Jewish Kabala has mystic syllables and term has entered into languages worldwide. Mantra is now com-
dinodia.com
explains the Hebrew alphabet in a similar way relative to cosmology monly used to indicate a key word or phrase employed by various
as the yoga tradition does the Sanskrit alphabet. Sufism relies on the groups or individuals to summarize their views or relate their prime
power of oft-repeated prayers and divine names to bring life into focus. This practical idea of mantra fits in well with the computer
harmony with the Spirit. age, in which complex information is passed on in concentrated data
dreamstime
Rudraksha is the most commonly used malas are cooling and soothing to the mind
bead for malas. It is the seed of a special and heart. They are sacred to Vishnu.
tropical tree (Eleocarpus ganitrus). It Tulsi, or holy basil, malas are stimulating
dinodia.com
comes in different forms, but overall and help open the mind and heart and
it is heating and sacred to Lord Siva, A special charm: (Left) Two women in Tibet chat while are often used relative to Vishnu, Krishna
holding their prayer beads; (above) a beautiful selection
of japa malas is laid out for sale in an Indian shop
or Dhanvantari. They are made of the
wood from the bush. Crystal malas are
cooling and clearing. They are often sacred
bits that connect us to wider fields of knowledge and our awareness into the Infinite and Eternal. To chant a mantra at a
to the Goddess, but can relate to Siva as
energy. It is what we could call the mantric approach deeper yogic level is to think with the entire universe and to access well. Combined crystal and Rudraksha
of information technology. A mantra-like condensa- the wisdom and experience of all beings. malas are Siva-Shakti. Coral malas are
tion of knowledge has become essential to modern There are mantric sounds that can awaken the higher potentials warming and strengthening. They are often
communication and higher education. It is the ancient of the brain and change the flow of energy in the nervous system.
basis of the Powerpoint presentation, among many Each one of us has a unique sound pattern that sustains all that we used to promote the Siva energy as well.
other such concentrated teaching devices. do and allows our energies to move and grow or stagnate and decline. Astrologically, they relate to the planet Mars.
The power of the Word is easily seen in our every- Unless we learn to harmonize our inner sound vibrations, our lives Malas can also be made of gems that
day lives, as the words help create the environment within which we an organized and codified spiritual science. Mantra yoga includes a will likely remain in disharmony and suffering. Mantra is the most
live, for good or ill. Road rage is frequently accompanied by expletives, study of the qualities inherent in sound itself, through which words important tool for attuning our bodies and minds to their proper reflect planetary energies. Garnet malas
and the pent-up energy behind them frequently breaks out in fights, and meanings are either properly shaped or deformed. It shows how resonance, which is not with the outer world, but with the divine have a solar energy, pearl malas a lunar
tension and traffic accidents. Political rallies and sports competitions sounds impact the nervous system, mind and heart, and how we can presence that constitutes our own deepest Self. energy. Coral malas relate to Mars, green
use key phrases and chants to create a mass energy to stimulate action modify them to improve our lives. Regardless of which background or Focusing on a specific mantraparticularly holding to a bija
and bring about victory; to get the crowd involved, as it were, which tradition you may personally follow, the insights provided in mantra [seed] mantrais one of the main methods of dharana, or yogic gemstones (like peridot) to Mercury, citrine
can have positive or negative effects on a large scale. yoga can be of enormous value to enable you to manifest your des- concentration. Continuously directing the mantra to a particular lo- to Jupiter, clear crystal to Venus, amethyst
The mass media world relies on key words, slogans and advertising tiny creatively, effectively and completely through understanding the cation like the tip of the nose or to a particular chakra turns it into to Saturn, hessonite garnet to Rahu, and
phrases. Such short statements become the news stories in brief and power of the Word. a dharana practice. Very helpful in this regard is mantra drishti, or
can impact public opinion and sentiment globally, affecting us at sub- Mantra is a tool for connecting us with the spiritual wisdom and the gaze of the mantra, in which one concentrates ones gaze along cats eye to Ketu. Malas can be stranded in
conscious and conscious levels. These concentrated sound messages the energy of consciousness hidden in the universe as a whole. Man- with the mantra, particularly on sites in the body like the heart, the gold, silver, copper or other types of threads.
are all mantras, or power words, of sorts. Through the science of man- tra is a doorway to an awareness that exists beyond all limited bits third eye, the navel or the base of the spine. Gold is probably the most powerful.
tra yoga, we can navigate our way through the influences of the domi- of information or technical knowledge. Mantra summarizes an inner As asana [posture] controls the body and pranayama controls the
nant words reverberating around us to a higher truth, discerning the view of reality as a play of consciousness that can instantly compre- breath, so mantra controls the mind, not artificially but through a
Wearing a mala, one should note, is
sounds that weigh down our consciousness from those that elevate it. hend the whole, grasping the totality in a single point focus of direct natural development of energy and attention. Mantra maintains the not a matter for public display or a
The reality behind these sacred or mundane uses of words of power perception and immediate experience. The universe itself is ultimate- strength and integrity of our mental field, so that the mind no lon- fashion statement. While one can
is that words carry energy, creating and embodying the inner essence ly an expression of a single mantra or vibratory sound energy. ger wanders off or loses its composure. Mantra sustains the proper
and forms of manifestations in the world. Each outer object has its Mantra in the yogic sense relates to the prime energies, ideas, prin- circulation of energies in the sphere of the mind, so that we are no
wear a protective mala at all times, one
own characteristic sound vibration that sustains it. Our own bod- ciples or archetypes of the cosmic intelligence that directs the forces longer vulnerable to external conditioning which, after all, is based usually keeps special sadhana malas
ies, minds and hearts have their own characteristic sound patterns, of nature and the movements of our own minds and hearts. Mantra largely on reactive patterns of words and names. away from public contact, viewing or
which in turn are affected by the spectrum of sounds around us. is part of a universal language rooted in sound, image, number and Just as asanas place the body in a calm and relaxed state, so man- touch. Remember, the mala is a sacred
symbol, reflecting a cosmic thinking beyond the preconceptions tras puts the mind into a steady and relaxed state for meditation. For
Yoga as Sound and biases of human thought. Mantra functions according to the in- example, repeating the mantra Aum has the same calming and up- implement that itself needs to be honored.
Mantra yoga provides us a means to understand sacred sound from ner mathematics of cosmic law. It serves to link our individual intel- lifting affect upon the mind and heart that the lotus pose does for Vamadeva Shastri
the perspective of a tradition that has taken it beyond mysticism into ligence with the greater intelligence that pervades all space, extending the body.
a. manivel
that is total communication and complete unity. so that our heartbeat is the beat of the mantra.
Vamadeva Shastri Vamadeva Shastri
A Form of Meditation the nature of the mind from tamas and rajas to sattva. At the same sound of the Self. Such mantras are the foundation for the meditation
Mantra is not only an important preparation for meditation, time, it provides us the focus and energy for going beyond the mind. and Self-inquiry practices that characterize jnana yoga practice.
mantra meditation is one of the main types of meditation, Karma yoga involves an extensive performance of rituals, like pu-
with many variations. After all, our main mental fixation is Use by Yogis jas and yajnas, all of which have their accompanying mantras to em-
with words. Mantra allows us to turn this negative attachment into and go beyond it to the higher Self, or Purusha. Mantra is probably the main practice that characterizes yoga as a power and sanctify them. It includes various forms of service (seva) to
a positive inspiration, as we replace our ordinary words and phrases The first stage of yoga requires promoting sattva guna to create the whole and its many different branches. All yogic paths use mantras others, which are best performed while repeating a mantra. Unless
with mantras. proper balance in the mind, removing toxins and doshas from the and have special mantras of their own. Special mantras and chants the mind is engaged inwardly in mantra, one may not be effectively
Mantra practice gradually calms and integrates the mind. The body, and neutralizing the residual energies of rajas and tamas, or pervade the primary yogas of knowledge (jnana), devotion (bhakti) practicing karma yoga even when performing service.
mind becomes silent, concentrated and reflective, allowing our agitation and inertia, from the subconscious. The second stage con- and service (karma) in which asana does not have an important role. Hatha yoga and tantric yoga use pranic mantras, like Hum, to
awareness to vibrate with the mantra. This naturally leads to deeper sists of going beyond the mind-body complex and all of its condi- Yet even in hatha yoga, where asana can be very important, mantra arouse the kundalini and open the chakras. The fifty main Sanskrit
meditation, in which the mantra may fall away. Formless meditation tioning, even that of sattva guna, to pure awareness. remains significant and is the main method employed to prepare the letters form the petals of the chakras and serve to energize them.
is hard to achieve directly but becomes easily accessible once one Generally we cannot succeed at the second step if we have not mind for deeper yoga practices. The kundalini shakti, or inner power of yoga, is said to be composed
builds the power of mantra in the mind. When we repeat a mantra, accomplished the first, which is its prerequisite. Many problems in The Yoga Sutras and its tradition of raja yoga emphasizes the role of the letters or sounds of the Sanskrit alphabet and is primarily a
or do various forms of chanting, a more refined vibration develops yoga practice arise from attempting the second step when the first of the Pranava, which literally refers to primal sound, and specifi- higher mantric force. Kundalini is an electrical energy of speech at a
and begins to assume the background pattern of our mind, down to a has not been accomplished (in some cases it may not have even been cally to the mantra Aum, as the main means of connecting with the deeper level of consciousness.
subconscious level. If we continually return to the mantra each time attempted!). People may try to meditate in stillness, or enter into the Divine or Cosmic Lord, Ishvara, the primordial guru of gurus in the The practice of yoga usually begins with the chanting of mantras
our mind becomes agitated, then the mantras power to calm the oneness, while their minds remain outwardly oriented and caught in yoga tradition. Just like the Upanishads, the Yoga Sutras stress the which may be mantras to the guru, to the aspect of the Divine one
mind will increase. the disturbances of the body and senses. The proper practice of man- importance of chanting and meditating upon Aum, which is the es- worships, or to the higher selfin order to create the proper atmo-
It should be beneath our dignity as a divine soul to allow our tra helps neutralize such difficulties, developing sattva, or harmony, sence of all mantras. This means that mantra is the guiding power of sphere for teaching, or mantras to sanctify the ground on which one
minds to dwell on negative thoughts and emotions, fears, desires, in the deeper mental field. yoga, not just one of its many practices! sits. Mantra grants sanctity and concentration to yoga, which other-
jealousy and hatred, or to be controlled and distracted by external If our minds are noisy, disturbed, hypersensitive, reactive, opinion- Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, centers on chanting, singing and wise easily descends into another form of physical exercise or a seek-
influences. With the mantra, we have a tool for redirecting the en- ated, critical, or just constantly busy, we cannot silence them. If we are the internal repetition of divine names, like Namah Sivaya or the ing of personal empowerment.
ergy of the mind within so that we can reclaim our inner composure. addicted to sensory sources of stimulation and entertainment, we are Hare Krishna mantra, as the best means of developing deep devotion
Mantra can help us break up deep-seated mental and emotional pat- not even in control of our mind and so cannot focus it in any consis- and divine love. In fact, the word of the heart is always mantra! Reproduced with permission from Mantra Yoga and the Primal Sound,
terns, conditioning and traumas even from childhood. tent manner for meditation. First we must set in motion forces to take Jnana yoga, the yoga of knowledge, focuses on prime Atmic, or by Vamadeva Shastri (Dr. David Frawley). Lotus Press, a division of
Traditional yoga practice consists of two primary stages: 1) to de- the mind from its disturbed (rajasic) or dull (tamasic) state to its nat- Self-revealing, mantras like Soham, He am I, or the great sayings Lotus Brands, Inc., PO Box 325, Twin Lakes, WI 53181, USA.
velop sattva guna, or purity of body and mind; 2) to still the mind ural, clear quality (sattva). Mantra is the main practice for changing (mahavakyas) of Vedantic philosophy. Aum is also important as the www.lotuspress.com 2010 all rights reserved