Guest guest Posted May 5, 1999 Report Share Posted May 5, 1999 Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra Let us start with the basic question: What is Brahman? Though Brahman incomprehensible, we can be describe the Brahman if we can tune our mind starting with strong convictions (vairagya). Chaandogya Upanishad (Chapter 3, Verse14) suggests we start with the following: This Self (Atman) of my mine that lies deep within my heart - is made of mind; the vital functions (praana) are its physical forms (body); luminous is its appearance; the real is its intention; space is its essence; it consists of all desires, smells, and tastes; it pervades this whole world and it observes complete silence without any concern about its surroundings. This, my Self within the heart, is smaller than a grain of rice, or a barley-corn, or a mustard seed, or a grain of millet, or the kernel of a grain of millet; and essentially smaller than the smallest. This, my Self within the heart, is larger than the earth, larger than the sky, larger than the heavens, larger than all the Worlds put together and virtually larger than the largest. Faith is an integral part of any enquiry and for a seeker, faith is an essential ingredient. According to Vedas, the praana (breath) of Brahman represents the entire creation (manifestation of the world). Gayatri Mantra (also known as the praanayama mantra) can greatly help us to develop the conviction and determination to seek the Truth. Recitation of Gayatri Mantra is an integral part of Vedic culture as explained in the following paragraphs. The message is profound but it is subtle. The Sanskrit word Gayatri is formed by two words, ganat (or gayanath), which means "that which is sung," and trayate, which means "that which delivers." In other words, the Gayatri is a song of deliverance. It is the most renowned mantra of the Vedas. It is addressed to the divine life-giver as supreme God, symbolized in Savitri, the Sun. For this reason this prayer is also called Savitri. The Gayatri Mantra is one of the key notes to the transformation of consciousness and is an identical vibration to the vital force in nature. It is one of the oldest prayers known to humanity, being as ancient as light and also the vital force itself. The Mantra is chanted in the Sanskrit language and is most effective chanted in original Sanskrit. This prayer appeals to the highest wisdom; to the brilliance of the cosmos to illumine an understanding of our true nature. The appeal requests that we become subtle and receptive to the divine wisdom that pervades the experience of life and is the essence of our very Self. To chant the Gayatri Mantra purifies the chanter. To listen to the Gayatri Mantra purifies the listener. It is said that this sacred prayer spirals through the entire universe from the heart of the chanter, appealing for peace and divine wisdom for all. Aum bhoor bhuwah swaha, Tat savitur varenyam Bhargo devasaya dheemahi Dhiyo yo naha prachodayat. (The Gayatri is a 24-syllable hymn from the Rig Veda (III, 62, 10)). ===================================== Sanskrit Translation ===================================== Om: all of existence - Brahaman. Bhoor: creator of the physical World. Bhuvah: destroyer of illusions (pain and suffering). Svah: embodiment of true happiness. Tat true divine nature Savitur: the illuminating existence (bright) Varenyam: adorable and supreme Bhargo: permeated with magnificence. Devasya: divin, intrinsically pure and brilliant. Dheemahi: meditation-focused, absorbed. Dhiyo intellect (buddhi) Yo who. Nah us (out of one into many) Prachodayaat inspire, enlighten and ignite. ================================== Oh Brahman! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain and sorrow, The Bestower of happiness, Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy supreme illuminating light, May Thou guide us in the right direction. Ram Chandran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 1999 Report Share Posted May 5, 1999 At 10:38 AM 5/5/99 -0400, you wrote: >Ram Chandran <chandran >This, my Self within the heart, is smaller than a grain of rice, or a >barley-corn, or a mustard seed, or a grain of millet, or the kernel of >a grain of millet; and essentially smaller than the smallest. Yes, the Atman (and therefore Brahman, which are synonymous) are infinitely "tiny" (although Brahman is often compared to a vast ocean). The reasons for this are complex, but imagine a line drawn on a piece of paper. Now, isolate a point on the line. No matter how small the point is drawn, it can be made smaller. Infinitely small, in fact. >This, my Self within the heart, is larger than the earth, larger than >the sky, larger than the heavens, larger than all the Worlds put >together and virtually larger than the largest. Also true, with no paradox at all. Infinity is infinitely large, no matter what "direction" it is going in... toward the infinitely "small," or the infinitely "large" (small and large in common definition are a part of maya). >Faith is an integral part of any enquiry and for a seeker, faith is an >essential ingredient. A seeker must have enough faith to stop seeking and start finding. There is nothing to seek. One who seeks Atman is looking for their own head hither and thither, not realizing it is perched atop their neck. >Oh Brahman! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain and sorrow, The >Bestower of happiness, Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy >supreme illuminating light, May Thou guide us in the right direction. This quotation is surprising, given that Brahman cannot directly create, nor can it sustain, nor can it destroy. It is formless, timeless, spaceless consciousness without content. Content (intent) is needed to create. Whatever happened to Ishvara? It seems Ishvara (Himself an aspect of Brahman) should be worshipped. How can the impersonal pure unstained consciousness be worshipped, except perhaps in meditation when all thought is utterly stilled? Yet there may be those who can worship an impersonal force. I myself cannot. But I can know It, and I can BE It. Aham Brahmasmi, Tim ----- Visit The Core of the WWW at: http://www.eskimo.com/~fewtch/ND/index.html Music, Poetry, Writings on Nondual Spiritual Topics. Tim's Windows and DOS Shareware/Freeware is at: http://www.eskimo.com/~fewtch/shareware.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 1999 Report Share Posted May 5, 1999 Greetings Tim: First, let me thank you for your thoughtful comments on the meaning of "SELF." Your question relating to Gayatri Mantra is understandable! The Mantra is not directly addressed to Brahman but indirectly it implies Brahman because Brahman is the cause of all causes. The subtle connection between Brahman and Life is praana (breath). According to Vedas, the cause of life is the praana of Brahman. Praana indirectly expresses "creation" or manifestation and recitation of Gayatri mantra is an exercise on praana (praanayama is Yoga controlled breathing). Inhaling is creation and exhaling is destruction and the entire life-cycle principle is expressed through the Gayatri Mantra. From an Advaitic point of view the entire recitation of Gayatri Mantra is an impersonal Self Awareness (Nirguna Brahman). For those are followers of Dwaita, Brahman represents the SagunaBrahman or Iswara. The details are less important and the focus and the message is most important! Ram Chandran Tim Gerchmez wrote: > > Tim Gerchmez <fewtch > >Oh Brahman! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain and sorrow, The > >Bestower of happiness, Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy > >supreme illuminating light, May Thou guide us in the right direction. > > This quotation is surprising, given that Brahman cannot directly create, > nor can it sustain, nor can it destroy. It is formless, timeless, > spaceless consciousness without content. Content (intent) is needed to > create. Whatever happened to Ishvara? It seems Ishvara (Himself an aspect > of Brahman) should be worshipped. How can the impersonal pure unstained > consciousness be worshipped, except perhaps in meditation when all thought > is utterly stilled? > Yet there may be those who can worship an impersonal force. I myself > cannot. But I can know It, and I can BE It. > > Aham Brahmasmi, > > Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 5, 1999 Report Share Posted May 5, 1999 Dear Ram, Thank you very much for the clarifications. My knowledge of the Vedic scriptures is admittedly weak. I am definitely a believer in Advaita (Nonduality), not Dvaita, but I thought that in some systems, Iswara is recognized as the "Creative principle" underlying Nirguna Brahman. I guess there was some confusion there. Most of my knowledge is of "modern" Advaita Vedanta as taught by the Gospel of Ramakrishna and the words of Swami Vivekananda. There is, of course, also the "older" understanding of Advaita Vedanta as taught by Adi Shankara (all I have read of his is Crest-Jewel of Discrimination, English translation). I believe and respect both the modern and older "systems" of Advaita Vedanta, as there is very much overlap. Hari OM, Tim At 12:14 PM 5/5/99 -0400, you wrote: >Ram Chandran <chandran > >Greetings Tim: > >First, let me thank you for your thoughtful comments on the meaning of >"SELF." Your question relating to Gayatri Mantra is understandable! The >Mantra is not directly addressed to Brahman but indirectly it implies >Brahman because Brahman is the cause of all causes. The subtle >connection between Brahman and Life is praana (breath). According to >Vedas, the cause of life is the praana of Brahman. Praana indirectly >expresses "creation" or manifestation and recitation of Gayatri mantra >is an exercise on praana (praanayama is Yoga controlled breathing). >Inhaling is creation and exhaling is destruction and the entire >life-cycle principle is expressed through the Gayatri Mantra. From an >Advaitic point of view the entire recitation of Gayatri Mantra is an >impersonal Self Awareness (Nirguna Brahman). For those are followers of >Dwaita, Brahman represents the SagunaBrahman or Iswara. The details are >less important and the focus and the message is most important! > > >Ram Chandran > >Tim Gerchmez wrote: >> >> Tim Gerchmez <fewtch > >> >Oh Brahman! Thou art the Giver of Life, Remover of pain and sorrow, The >> >Bestower of happiness, Oh! Creator of the Universe, May we receive thy >> >supreme illuminating light, May Thou guide us in the right direction. >> >> This quotation is surprising, given that Brahman cannot directly create, >> nor can it sustain, nor can it destroy. It is formless, timeless, >> spaceless consciousness without content. Content (intent) is needed to >> create. Whatever happened to Ishvara? It seems Ishvara (Himself an aspect >> of Brahman) should be worshipped. How can the impersonal pure unstained >> consciousness be worshipped, except perhaps in meditation when all thought >> is utterly stilled? > >> Yet there may be those who can worship an impersonal force. I myself >> cannot. But I can know It, and I can BE It. >> >> Aham Brahmasmi, >> >> Tim > >------ >ONElist: where the world talks! > >Join today. >------ >Discussion of the True Meaning of Sankara's Advaita Vedanta Philosophy focusing on non-duality between mind and matter. List Archives available at: /viewarchive.cgi?listname=advaitin > > > ----- Visit The Core of the WWW at: http://www.eskimo.com/~fewtch/ND/index.html Music, Poetry, Writings on Nondual Spiritual Topics. Tim's Windows and DOS Shareware/Freeware is at: http://www.eskimo.com/~fewtch/shareware.html ______ NetZero - We believe in a FREE Internet. Shouldn't you? Get your FREE Internet Access and Email at http://www.netzero.net/download/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Hari Om! Thank you Ramji for such a wonderful educative article. I request your permission, in order to add a small point, which may be of interest to some people. gAyatri is of 24 syllables. Since it is very important, that one should do praNAyAma properly, a person who practices prANAyAma with the help of gayatri mantra can never go wrong. Here how they do it: Step 1. Take breath while chanting the first 8 syllables (pooraka) Step 2. Hold the breath while chanting the next 8 syllables (kuMbhaka) Step 3. Release the breath while chanting the remaining 8 syllables. (rEcaka) This is also practiced during the puja ritual. At the beginning of puja, we say "prANAnAyamya" and perform the gayatri. Now a days, people just touch their nose and leave it there with out really doing the prANAyAma :-) Regards, Madhava > > Ram Chandran [sMTP:chandran] > Wednesday, May 05, 1999 5:39 PM > Advaitin List > Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra > > > Ram Chandran <chandran > > Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra > > Let us start with the basic question: What is Brahman? Though > Brahman > incomprehensible, we can be describe the Brahman if we can tune our > mind > starting with strong convictions (vairagya). Chaandogya Upanishad > (Chapter 3, Verse14) suggests we start with the following: > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Madhavaji: Hari Om! Please do not ask permission to add or subtract any point expressed by me or others in the list. Every member has full freedom to express viewpoints supportive or critical of other points. It is also true that members are obligated to be polite while expressing their views focusing on the subject matter without offending the author. I am writing this reply as a general note to everyone in the list not to feel shy to express their opinion. Human beings have the privilege to make mistakes and we have the ability to forgive and forget! Specifically, your reply is quite valuable for me and others who want to learn more on the intrinsic details. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for providing some important details regarding praNAyAma Thanks again, Hari Om! Ram Chandran Madhava Kumar Turumella wrote: > > Madhava Kumar Turumella <madhava > > Hari Om! > I request your > > permission, in order to add a small point, which may be of interest to > some people. > ......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 10, 1999 Report Share Posted May 10, 1999 Dear Madhavya: Thank you for the technique - I have been recently working with the Gayatri Mantra so this is very timely to me. I know from the translation that when one works with the Gayatri she is including the whole of creation within the chanting. I have often wondered about the 24 syllables especially with regard to it being 3 x's the 8 (ashtanga) and knew that Gayatri was highly regarded because of the meter. It makes sense to do it within the breath cycle. Now for an obvious question is it chanted out loud in rhythm with the breath or silently? Thank you. Namaste, Linda >Hari Om! >Thank you Ramji for such a wonderful educative article. I request your >permission, in order to add a small point, which may be of interest to >some people. >gAyatri is of 24 syllables. Since it is very important, that one should >do praNAyAma properly, a person who practices prANAyAma with the help of >gayatri mantra can never go wrong. Here how they do it: >Step 1. Take breath while chanting the first 8 syllables (pooraka) >Step 2. Hold the breath while chanting the next 8 syllables (kuMbhaka) >Step 3. Release the breath while chanting the remaining 8 syllables. (rEcaka) This is also practiced during the puja ritual. At the beginning of puja, we say "prANAnAyamya" and perform the gayatri. Now a days, people just touch their nose and leave it there with out really doing the prANAyAma :-) Regards, Madhava > > Ram Chandran [sMTP:chandran] > Wednesday, May 05, 1999 5:39 PM > Advaitin List > Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra > > > Ram Chandran <chandran > > Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra > > Let us start with the basic question: What is Brahman? Though > Brahman > incomprehensible, we can be describe the Brahman if we can tune our > mind > starting with strong convictions (vairagya). Chaandogya Upanishad > (Chapter 3, Verse14) suggests we start with the following: > > ------ Having difficulty getting "in synch" with list members? Try ONElist's Shared Calendar to organize events, meetings and more! ------ Discussion of the True Meaning of Sankara's Advaita Vedanta Philosophy focusing on non-duality between mind and matter. List Archives available at: /viewarchive.cgi?listname=advaitin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 11, 1999 Report Share Posted May 11, 1999 Hari Om! Dear Lindaji, Thanks for your encouraging words. Gayatri should not be chanted out loud, whild doing prANAyAma. The aim is, to control the breath pattern and, to achieve concentration for meditation. If we chant out loud, the breath can't be controlled, for obvious reasons, it escapes from the mouth :-) Regards, Madhava > > Linda Callanan [sMTP:shastra] > Tuesday, May 11, 1999 12:00 AM > advaitin > Re: Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri > Mantra > > "Linda Callanan" <shastra > > Dear Madhavya: > > Thank you for the technique - I have been recently working with the > Gayatri > Mantra so this is very timely to me. I know from the translation that > when > one works with the Gayatri she is including the whole of creation > within the > chanting. I have often wondered about the 24 syllables especially > with > regard to it being 3 x's the 8 (ashtanga) and knew that Gayatri was > highly > regarded because of the meter. It makes sense to do it within the > breath > cycle. Now for an obvious question is it chanted out loud in rhythm > with > the breath or silently? > > Thank you. > > Namaste, > Linda > > >Hari Om! > > >Thank you Ramji for such a wonderful educative article. I request > your > >permission, in order to add a small point, which may be of interest > to > >some people. > > >gAyatri is of 24 syllables. Since it is very important, that one > should > >do praNAyAma properly, a person who practices prANAyAma with the help > of > >gayatri mantra can never go wrong. Here how they do it: > > >Step 1. Take breath while chanting the first 8 syllables (pooraka) > > >Step 2. Hold the breath while chanting the next 8 syllables > (kuMbhaka) > > >Step 3. Release the breath while chanting the remaining 8 syllables. > (rEcaka) > > This is also practiced during the puja ritual. At the beginning of > puja, > we say "prANAnAyamya" and perform the gayatri. Now a days, people > just > touch their nose and leave it there with out really doing the > prANAyAma > :-) > > Regards, Madhava > > > > > Ram Chandran [sMTP:chandran] > > Wednesday, May 05, 1999 5:39 PM > > Advaitin List > > Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra > > > > > > Ram Chandran <chandran > > > > Connection Between Brahman and Gayatri Mantra > > > > Let us start with the basic question: What is Brahman? Though > > Brahman > > incomprehensible, we can be describe the Brahman if we can tune our > > mind > > starting with strong convictions (vairagya). Chaandogya Upanishad > > (Chapter 3, Verse14) suggests we start with the following: > > > > > > ---- > -- > Having difficulty getting "in synch" with list members? > > Try ONElist's Shared Calendar to organize events, meetings and more! > ---- > -- > Discussion of the True Meaning of Sankara's Advaita Vedanta Philosophy > focusing on non-duality between mind and matter. List Archives > available at: > /viewarchive.cgi?listname=advaitin > > > > ---- > -- > Are you hogging all the fun? > > Friends tell friends about ONElist! > ---- > -- > Discussion of the True Meaning of Sankara's Advaita Vedanta Philosophy > focusing on non-duality between mind and matter. List Archives > available at: /viewarchive.cgi?listname=advaitin > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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