Sacred Siva-Shakti Mantra - chanted by Sri Swami Satchidananda This mantra is ideal for meditation. Concentrating on the vibration created by the repetition of this mantra balances the internal energy and creates peace, auspiciousness and purity.
HH Sri Swami Satchidananda on Japa Yoga: The
goal of all spiritual paths is the same - to realize the Universal
Spirit. This Spirit, which is referred to by various names, is
all-pervading. Essentially, we are that Spirit. Yet, we do not
experience it because of the limitations of our body, mind, and ego.
One
way of transcending these limitations is by means of a vehicle called a
mantra. A mantra is a sound structure of one or more syllables
representing a particular aspect of the Divine. Through concentrated
mental repetition of the mantra - called Japa - the vibrations of the
mantra are produced within the individual's entire system. This brings
certain healthy effects in the body and calms the senses and mind,
making them fit to handle any problems. Moreover, it awakens the dormant
capabilities in the individual and brings spiritual awareness too. Japa
can even influence an atmosphere or a place.
Many teachers give a
mantra to their students as a means of meditation because it is such an
easy and effective method of concentration. A mantra is not just a
word. It's a sound vibration, mystic in nature, which more or less
aligns the whole system and harmonizes it. The entire universe is
nothing but sound vibrations. God's body is a sound body, a body of
vibration, a mantra body. Most every scripture says something similar -
that God is sound or the Word.
Sages in deep meditation heard
these sounds, or mantras, representing particular aspects of the divine
vibration, Om. Through generations of spiritual masters they have handed
down these mantras as guides to aspirants. Mantras are sounds which may
or may not have meaning. By constantly repeating them you are able to
produce certain vibrations within you and through all of your physical,
emotional, and intellectual self. Prayers and chanting may be soothing
to the mind, and for a time bring you into a peaceful state. But mantras
have a special value. They are not words coined by people who created
languages. They are different vibrations of the same energy functioning
in different ways. The one cosmic sound, represented as Om, has
different aspects. These different facets of Om are called mantras.
By
constant repetition of the mantra you develop that vibration because
all the vibrations are within you. Each individual by himself is another
microcosm. What you see in the macrocosm you see in the microcosm; you
are a universe by your self. Not only you, but each and every one of
your cells is a universe. How many solar systems do you have in you, how
many atoms? Countless.
Therefore, when you are given a mantra,
and constantly repeat it, you develop that aspect of the vibration that
is already in you but hidden. You bring it to the surface, make use of
it, and get its benefit. As you repeat it, you get the vibration. It
kindles the dormant and subtle vibrations in you. It's not even
physically felt. Sound vibrations are more powerful than any physical
instrument.
Mantra means anything that makes the mind steady.
Whatever vibration makes the mind one-pointed and creates a sort of
receptivity is a mantra. Repeat your mantra feeling its purpose. It
should harmonize you, and tune you in to receive similar cosmic
vibrations. It more or less aligns your whole system. It's a master key
to open all the locks and eliminate all obstacles to enlightenment.
There
are many different kinds of mantras. For some to have effect you must
know their meaning, or the aspect of God that is being received. But in
Yoga the mantras don't have any particular personal meaning. They are
good for anyone and won't disturb anyone's personal faith. They are
useful even without knowing their meaning. They have a seed letter in
them. Just by repeating it, you get the tuning. With a prayer you have
to know its meaning and believe in that before you get the effect. But
with certain mantras you get the vibration whether you know the seed
letter or not. If you want to get your heart and feelings involved, you
must know the meaning of the words. But the purpose of the mantra is to
steady the mind - all you have to do is repeat it faithfully.
By
repeating your mantra you keep it well charged and spread it through
your system until its vibration pervades your body and mind. Your entire
personality vibrates on that beautiful wavelength and automatically
attracts similar vibrations. You become in tune with those who have
similar waves, and ultimately in tune with the cosmic wave.
This
is the scientific explanation of Mantra yoga. Until such time as you
receive an initiation from a qualified person, there's nothing wrong
with repeating a mantra. There are some general mantras that all can
use. Some simple and very efficacious ones are Hari Om or just Om or Om Shanthi. Don't try long mantras. The smaller the stuff, the greater the power.
Hari Om is a beautiful mantra which can evoke the sound vibration within you. Ha is pronounced as in "hot"; ri as in "repeat." The ha comes from the solar plexus area. When you say ri, the sound comes up. O vibrates your entire skull. The minute you say mmmm, the vibration goes up further. As the sound goes higher and higher you rise above body and mind.
Understand
that this is not connected with any particular religion. You are just
working with some sounds. Of course, not everybody will be satisfied
with mantras as a focus for concentration. Everyone has a different
capacity and different taste. There's no one thing especially suited to
everybody except the process of concentration itself.
Om Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi.
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