Mantras

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>From MK Krishnaswamy,

surfing

 

Dear Bhakthi Group Members,

 

I have been reading the large number of postings on who can or cannot

utter a mantra or a portion of the mantra. I would like to submit for

your consideration an aspect of this discussion which goes to the root

of our organization.

 

Man thraayathe ithi manthrah. The Mantra helps us to attain release from

the grip of the ego-oriented mind. The wordings and sound of all

mantras are public property. Yet the Mantra is considered as rahasya or

secret. The nearest example:- an idol can be seen or even be possessed

by us; but, we can realize the deity represented by the idol only if we

associate certain sanctity, divine characteristics with it. The mind,

which is to be controlled and overcome, must itself first crave a need

for such release, and accept the Mantra as an effective aid to the

necessary process. It is to develop such implicit acceptance that one

approaches a Guru and received from him with faith, devotion and love

the Mantra as a precious gift, to be treasured and practised. In this

sense, the devotee's Mantra becomes personal and a rahasya to him.

 

Such a mantra per se cannot be reduced in its efficacy or be corrupted

in any manner because it is handled differently by others. A truly

humble Bhakta who keeps the Mantra's divinity in himself and treasures

it and practises it will not be concerned with how the mere words of the

Mantra are used/abused by third parties. Perhaps, Sri Ramanujacharya,

our Paramacharya, was in great ecstasy when he decided to share the

knowledge of his precious possession of the Ashtakshara Mantra and

declared the Mantra to an assembly of all persons without reference to

caste or sex.

 

Viewed in this light, it would appear that the continuing discussion on

this subject needs to be moderated. The members of the Bhakthi Group

have interest in :

 

the literary aspects of the scriptures, pasurams etc.,

the practices which one should individually follow to evolve spiritually

the theoretical aspects of the philosophy of Visishtaadvaitham etc.

 

This itself is an ocean to be covered to attain our spiritual goals.

Should we engage in discussions concerning others as to whether a

person, other than us, should or should not do certain things or in a

certain way? It is such a difficult task to control our own minds and

change our ways of living, thinking. This task relating to ourselves it

self will itself take many many janmas and we need all the time

available to apply ourselves diligently to this task. My humble appeal

is that we may focus on this task and engage in discussions to receive

assistance and clarification for our own conduct.

 

The late Rajaji once defined Culture as Restraint. It is in this sense

that I appeal for restraint in discussing matters relating to the

conduct of others. The fact that our discussions are held over a global

network is relevant in this limited context of the need to exercise

restraint.

 

Adiyen Dasan, Krishnaswamy MK