Mantras are not the name of a god; it is not a holy word or part of a hymn. It is not a tool for concentration. It is a vehicle for expansion and liberation of the mind and energy. – Swami Satyananda Saraswati

Each Vedic mantra has four centers.

1. Rishi who composes the mantra.
2. Devata who, inspires the mantra.
3. Swar, method of utterance of the mantra.
4. Chhand, the meter of the mantra producing the desired sound.

Strict discipline and pure meter are involved in the composition of the mantra. That is why the mantras in the Vedas, puranas and smriti retain their pristine, original form. The saints absorbed the mantras and recited them orally explaining their meaning to disciples. This tradition of mantra diksha comes from guru to the disciple and is maintained the pristine purity. The mantras are in sound sensitive Sanskrit language in which every sound has a definite form, therefore there is no distortion. Mantras are the ultimate distillation of eternal truths.

There is a difference between Tantrik and Vedic mantras. Tantrik mantras are those which influence the deeper nature of the universe. They are also intended to fulfil desires of man. Vedic mantras are intended for worship of the divine and for self-realization. They change the nature of an individual and make him/her more spiritual.

With the practice of anushthana, prolonged mantra chanting for a specific period of time, the power of the mantra is awakened. The consciousness takes the form of the mantra. Then the power of mantra takes over.

Mantras are practiced in four ways:

1. Baikhari, aloud
2. Upanshu, whispering with movement of lips.
3. Silently in the mind, with no movement of the lips.
4. Ajapa japa, spontaneously with the breath.

When the sound is produced in these different forms, it has different types of waves. When one chants Om aloud or in a whisper it creates a standing wave. When one repeats it silently in the mind, it produces a resonant wave. Spontaneous mantra synchronized with the breath creates a continuous, rhythmic wave, which has a long range of vibration. When one chants the mantra aloud, it has a short range of vibration. Feeling the mantra spontaneously is the highest form.

Best results for chanting are gained in the following sequence. First chant aloud for a couple of months. Then whisper the mantra for a few months. Then practice nose tip gazing, or eyebrow center gazing or concentrate on the heart. Repeat your mantra silently with the rhythm of the breath. This is the most important form, if the mantra is to penetrate the inner consciousness, to reach the point where the thoughts originate where consciousness emanates and then Ajapa japa must be practiced.

Bija Mantras pertain to the third or unconscious body. They are called Bija or seed mantras because they contain dormant, potential energy or different forces. Each power or force has its own Bija mantras. The Bija mantras are like time bombs and they explode at the right time.

There are two forces of power in the mantra. One is the power of consciousness, Shiva or Purusha. The other is the force of nature, matter or Prakriti. Through sadhana these two forces are awakened and when awakened, they continue to help one throughout one’s life.

Extracted from lectures by Swami Satyananda Saraswati.

Aim Hrim Klim