Mantras are Sanskrit-invocations of the Supreme Being. Reinforced and
propelled by japa meditation, they pass from the verbal level through the
mental and telepathic states, and on to pure thought energy. Of all
languages, Sanskrit most closely approaches telepathic language because of
its affinity to the fifty primeval sounds. It is the most direct way to
approach the transcendental state.
Mantras
cannot be concocted or tailor-made for the individual, despite some
current claims. They have always existed in a latent state as sound
energies. Just as gravity was discovered but not invented by Newton,
Mantras were revealed to the ancient masters. They have been codified in
the scriptures and handed down from guru to disciple. Although it is
customary for the guru when giving initiation to accept voluntary
offerings of fruit, flowers or money, the selling of Mantras is strictly
against all spiritual rules.
Neither
Mantra, deity nor guru, once chosen, should be changed. There are many
paths up the mountain. Perseverance on one alone will bring the aspirant
to the top faster than if he were to spread his energies in exploring all
the alternative paths.
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As
saguna Mantras have form, nirguna Mantras are without form. There are no
deities or personalized aspects of God to be invoked. Rather, one uses the
abstract Mantras and Vedantic formulas to assert identification with all
the creation. Because people are of many different temperaments, not all
spiritual aspirants are drawn to a personal deity. Many perceive the
universe as diverse energy patterns, all connected and interrelated, and
stemming from one Source or Primal Cause.
For
this type of temperament, the abstract mantra creates a vibration in which
the meditator identifies with the whole of the Cosmos. With the repetition
of one of these Mantras, the meditator loses his individual identity and
merges with nature. He avows that he is identical with that homogeneous
substratum, that energy or power of existence, which underlies and
permeates all that exists.
All
Mantras are hidden in OM, which is the abstract, highest Mantra of the
cosmos. OM is the manifest symbol of the Sabdabrahaman vibration, or God;
but it must not be equated with the Divine. The universe has come from OM,
rests in OM and dissolves in it. AUM, as it is sometimes written, covers
the threefold experience of man; A represents the physical plane, U
represents the mental and astral plane, and M represents the deep sleep
state and everything beyond reach of the intellect. The transcendental
sound of OM is heard only by Yogis, not by the ordinary ear.
Letters
of the alphabet are emanations from OM, which is the root of all sounds
and letters. A is the first sound the vocal apparatus can utter, and M is
the last. In between is the middle range of U. The three sounds comprising
OM encompass all sound. There is no language, music or poetry outside its
range. Not only does all language and thought arise from this word, but
also the energy vibrations of the universe itself.
Because
of its universality, OM can be used as a Mantra by all who are unable to
find a guru. However, its very universality and lack of particular form
make it very difficult for a beginner to grasp. The mind must be very
strong to be able to concentrate on formless and abstract Mantras such as
OM.
Japa
meditation on OM has a tremendous influence on the mind. Vibrations set up
by this word are extremely powerful. By holding the hands over the ears
and intoning it, one can experience its vibrations on a rudimentary
physical level. No other sound similarly intoned will have the same
vibrational power within the head.
Correctly
pronounced, the sound proceeds from the navel with a deep and harmonious
vibration, and gradually manifests itself at the upper part of the
nostrils. The larynx and palate are the sounding boards; no part of the
tongue or palate is touched. As the U is pronounced, the sound rolls from
the root of the tongue to the end of the sounding board of the mouth. M is
the last sound, and is produced by closing the lips. Pronounced merely as
spelled OM will have a certain effect upon the nervous system, and will
benefit the psyche. Pronounced correctly, it arouses and transforms every
atom in the physical body, setting up new vibrations and awakening dormant
physical and mental powers.
Just
as the various deities are aspects of One Supreme, so the various bija, or
seed Mantras are aspects of the supreme Mantra, OM. Bija Mantras are seed
letters directly derived from the fifty primeval sounds, and are very
powerful. Generally a bija Mantra consists of a single letter, although
some, such as HREEM, are compounded. Each has a significant inner mystic
meaning, although on the surface the sound itself appears to have no
meaning at all. Each element of the universe has its corresponding bija.
The sounds for ether, air, fire, water and earth are, respectively, HAM,
YAM, RAM, VAM and LAM. Every deity also has its own deed syllable. Because
of their innate force, bija Mantras generally are not given for
initiation. Japa on them may be practiced by those who are in a pure
state, and their use is preceded by intricate rituals.
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| 1 |
Soham |
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I
am That I am
The meditator is existence itself. He
is without form, without quality, without past, present or future. No
bonds or limitations restrict the aspirant who has Soham firmly fixed in
his hand. |
| 2 |
Aham
Brahma Asmi |
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I
am Brahman
Aham
Brahma Asmiis a great Vedantic formula. The meditator asserts himself to
be One with the ever-present Brahman. In doing so, he denies confinement
to the body and mind, and affirms unity with the Absolute. |
| 3 |
Tat Twam
Asi |
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That
Thou Art
“That”
is the eternal Brahman, and “thou” is the meditator. Tat Twam Asi, is one
of the greatest of the Vedantic statements, identifies the individual as
one and the same with Brahaman, the Absolute Substratum of
Creation. |
| 4 |
OM |
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There
is no translation of OM. It consists of three letters: A, U and M. It
signifies the three periods of time, the three states of consciousness and
all of existence. A is the waking state, U is the dreaming state, and M is
the deep sleep state. OM contains nada and bindu. Nada is the prolonged
vowel sound and bindu is the humming sound, made with closed lips, with
which the Mantra ends. |
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