ॐ Mantra

 

A mantra is a syllable, a word, or a sequence of words with a high spiritual vibration. All elements and energies in cosmos can be influenced and guided by mantras. That is why mantra is the best aid in awakening the dormant consciousness.

The mantra is a “living” word. It is like a seed that grows into a strong tree, blossoms and produces a multitude of fruit. It contains an immense power for propagation and enrichment within itself – with devotion and steady practice. Continuous practice of mantra purifies the consciousness and the mind, and removes karma.

Spiritual mantras are generally written in Sanskrit and play an important role in the awakening of the chakras. The reason for this goes back to the beginning of creation. Lord Shiva, himself, transmitted the Sanskrit language to humans and its sounds are also known as “devas”. The word “deva” has three meanings: God, protector (or guardian angel), and a cosmic vibration. Lord Shiva brought the devas down to earth in the form of letters, and this is why the characters of Sanskrit are called Devanāgarī, “the citizens of God”.

Sanskrit is not merely “spoken”, it is intoned and articulated in a very specific way. Unfortunately, nowadays this knowledge has largely been lost. In Sanskrit there are fifty-two letters, the same number as the levels (Lokas) which exist in the cosmos. As these levels also exist within us the Sanskrit language is therefore a key to our inner world. In meditation when we are deeply immersed in the cosmic spheres we occasionally perceive the corresponding Sanskrit letters and mantras, and feel the tattvas (subtle elements) and qualities associated with them.

Vibrations can be audible or inaudible. For example, thoughts and feelings are counted as soundless vibrations. These are no less effective than the spoken word. To the contrary. After death the soul is guided on the astral level by invisible and inaudible spiritual vibrations. The vibration of the mantra leads the soul directly towards the light of realisation.

 

There are three types of mantras:

• PRAYER
• GURU MANTRA
• BĪJA MANTRA

PRAYER — is a way of communing with God (The Divine).

GURU MANTRA — represents the essence of prayer, and anchors us in God, the Ātma and the Supreme Self. It is the first initiation given by the master to the disciple on the spiritual path.

BĪJA MANTRA — seed mantra, even finer vibration, the essence of the guru mantra. The Bīja mantra is the vibration and the “call” of the soul. Its effect develops more readily in deep meditation. As it works at the astral level it guides and influences the course of our destiny. The mantra is a vibration, a sound. This vibrational energy influences the tattvas.

 

The Mantra is internalised in five stages:

• MĀNASA – through thinking
• UPĀMSHU – through whispering
• VAIKHARĪ – through speaking
• LIKHITA – through writing
• AJAPĀ – through uninterrupted inner repetition

A spiritual mantra always contains the word OM and the name of a divine incarnation.

 

 

ॐ

OM