Mantras

Saguna & Nirguna

Sound is a form of energy made up of vibrations or wavelengths---certain wavelengths have the power to heal, others are capable of shattering glass. Mantras are Sanskrit syllables, words or phrases which, when repeated in meditation, will bring the individual to a higher state of consciousness. They are sounds or energies that have always existed in the universe and can neither be created or destroyed. There are 6 qualities common to any true mantra: it was originally revealed to and handed on by a sage who attained self-realisation through it; it has a certain metre and a presiding deity; it has a "bija" or seed at its essence which invests it with certain power; it has divine cosmic energy or "shakti"; and lastly it has a key which must be unlocked through constant repetition before pure consciousness is revealed.

Japa or mantra repetition not only provides you with you a tangible point on which to focus your mind---it also releases the energy encased in that sound. The energy literally manifests itself, creating a specific thought pattern in the mind. Correct pronunciation is therefore very important. With sincere practise, repetition of a mantra leads to pure thought where the sound vibration merges with the thought vibration and there is no awareness of meaning. In this way the mantra will lead you to true meditation, to a state of oneness, of non-duality.

There are 3 main types of mantra: Saguna mantras invoke specific deities or aspects of the Absolute; Nirguna mantras are abstract and declare the meditator's identification with the Absolute; and "Bija" or seed mantras are aspects of OM (ohm) and derive directly from the 50 primeval sounds. It is best to be initiated into a mantra by a guru, who will invest it with his own pranic energy. But if this is not possible, practise repeating the mantras and choose one that feels comfortable. Bija mantras are not included as they are too powerful to be used by beginners.

Forms of Japa 

You can repeat your mantra out loud--by saying it or chanting it in a whisper, or mentally. Mental japa is the most effective, because mantras are on a wavelength far beyond "voiced" or phyical sound. But at the beginning, when keeping the mind focussed is more of a problem, you should start your meditation by voicing the mantra, then whisper it, before turning to mental repitition. Whichever form of japa you use, it is helpful to coordinate the mantra with your breathing. In addition these forms of japa will help your concentration. 

You can use a string of beads called a "mala" (similar to a rosary), repeating your mantra as you count along the beads. And, you can write the mantra down at the same time as repeating it mentally.

Saguna Mantras 

Ram (rahm): The energy pattern for truth, righteousness and virtue in their male aspect, this powerful mantra is made up of 3 seed sounds.

Sita (see-tah): This is the female aspect of the energy pattern of Ram. It stands for the descent of Prakriti or nature in the form of the mother. It can also be repeated with Ram as Sitaram : when joined together the 2 mantras embody the energy existing in an 'ideal marriage' or union.

Shyam (shyahm): Representing cosmic love and compassion in the male aspect, this mantra transmutes all emotions into unconditional love.

Radha (rah-duh): Radha is the female aspect of Shyam, symbolising the cosmic love of the divine mother.

Om Namah Sivaya (ohm nuh-muh shivai-uh): This is a purifying energy pattern that destroys our negative qualities, chosen especially by those of an ascetic nature. The dance of Siva represents the movement inherent in matter. When Siva stops dancing, the illusion of matter is destroyed.

Om Namo Narayanaya (ohm nuh-mo nah-rai-uh-nai-uh): The energy pattern of harmony and balance in their male aspect, this mantra is used especially by people in times of trouble, to bring them the strength to regain harmony in their lives.

Om Aim Saraswaryai Namah (ohm aym sur-ruh-swht-yai-nuh-muh-huh): The female aspect of the pattern of creative energy and wisdom, this mantra is often chosen by artists and musicians.

Nirguna Mantras

Om (ohm):Om is the original mantra, the root of all sounds and letters, and thus of all language and thought. The "O" is generated deep within the body, and slowly brought upward joining with the "M" which then resonates through the entire head. Repeating Om for 20 minutes relaxes every atom in your body.

Soham (soh-hum): This mantra is unconsciously repeated each time we take a breath--inhaling "So", exhaling "ham". It means "I am That"---beyond the limitations of mind and body, at one with the Absolute.

 

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OM

To a yogi, no symbol is more powerful than the syllable OM.

Om:this eternal word is all; what was, what is, and what shall be.

 

In the Sanskrit letter the long lower curve represents the dream state, the upper curve stands for the waking state, and the curve issuing from the centre symbolises deep, dreamless sleep. The crescent shape stands for "maya", the veil of illusion and the dot for the transcendental state. When the individual man passes through the veil and rests in the transcendental he is liberated from the three states and their qualities.