Guest guest Posted July 3, 2004 Report Share Posted July 3, 2004 One can read/contemplate on the meanings of any of these texts without any initiation etc. Sometimes, it is far more efficient than chanting something incorrectly. Also contemplating on the meanings (in the language you are comfortable with) can be done at any time and any place. But you cannot chant mantra etc, at any place and any time -- for that there are rules, rules, and lots of rules. It is said that one who chants mantra-s without knowing the meaning is like a donkey carrying sandalwood (I read this in a text related to vedic siixa, i dont remember the reference now). It could be far worse than that - like signing a bond paper without reading the contents of it. Ravi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 4, 2004 Report Share Posted July 4, 2004 if one's intent in a mantra is overriding devotion without any rewards then such a person can take up any mantra, However such a person does not require any mantras every word is a mantram. Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahansa fall into the category. One's spiritual journey can be likened to navigating a boat in a stormy sea in darkness with icebergs. In such conditions only a 'guru' can dispel the darkness and guide to the shore. due to the limitations of the english language 'Guru' cannot be translated. Both Teacher and Master fall far short of the actual meaning A Guru is not an adhyapak or an Upadhyay though a Guru can be both. consider that you chance upon a snake apparently sleeping for some reason, you prod it with a stick 1. If the snake is in deep sleep (hibernation) nothing will happen. 2. If the snake is lightly sleeping it will wake up and most probably hurt you 3. If however you are fortunate to have an adept snake charmer by your side he will be able to guide the snake for your benefit. if one picks up DM for prayoga then all the rules must be followed, if one chants DM out of curiosity or devotion the results are not measurable I have heard of both bad as well as good results. If devotion is the reason then chanting any of the vast number of ashtakams and panchakams will provide a sound base. Knowing about the lilas by reading the translations of puranas etc is good preparation. While waiting for a 'Guru' one can start the preparation by learning the vast literature from a competent Sastrgal or some such. the famous couplet "na karmana na prajaya (na)dhane~na, tyagenaike amruthatvamanashu: ..." gives some direction to the spiritual aspirant. However being practical not all of us can be a renunciate, in which case going about our daily chores performing the nitya karmas should be sufficient. Satsanga and nama japa are prescribed for this yuga. There is of course another way but far more dangerous and one has to be as strong as Surathan the king. regards Vishwanathan --- "M. S. Ravisankar" <ravi wrote: > One can read/contemplate on the meanings of any of > these texts without any > initiation etc. Sometimes, it is far more efficient > than chanting something > incorrectly. Also contemplating on the meanings (in > the language you are > comfortable with) can be done at any time and any > place. But you cannot > chant mantra etc, at any place and any time -- for > that there are rules, > rules, and lots of rules. > > It is said that one who chants mantra-s without > knowing the meaning is like > a donkey carrying sandalwood (I read this in a text > related to vedic siixa, > i dont remember the reference now). It could be far > worse than that - like > signing a bond paper without reading the contents of > it. > > > Ravi > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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