Nice quote

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The Gayatri Mantra, RV 3.62.10, worships Brahman, or Self, as the life

essence manifested in the life-giving light of the sun. As the world

is

reliant on the sun so the individual is reliant on the Self.

Traditionally,

one initiated into the Gayatri Mantra evokes this presence at dawn,

noon,

and at sunset. It is also used while kindling the sacrificial fire,

sitting

facing the sun and more generally nowadays for japa.

 

Ramana Maharshi, when asked for japa which is good for stilling the

mind, commented, " Anything suitable, such as Gayatri...Only those who

cannot do it look for others. It contains the whole range of truth in

it."

 

Then he said, "Chanting  (japa) will lead to dhyana (meditation) and it

is

the means for realising the Self...It must be done always, or as long

as you can." (Talks; 322)

 

The mantra should be chanted with understanding of the meaning. It is

not used for personal gain but is rather an immediate focus on the

Self

(Brahman) within the Heart. Originally it would be repeated with

correct

intonation and meter. In the present age when knowledge of Vedic

Sanskrit is scant for most of us, attendance to purity of purpose is of

primary importance. Since the gramarian Panini there has been evidence

to show shift and variation in sanskrit dialect(s) therefore avoidance

of apabhramsha (corrupt use of language) is very difficult. The

grammarian Bhartrhari

however has pointed out that all language comes from and returns to

Sabdabrahman. Therefore conscientious use of mantra with concentration

of purpose is all that is required. In the ultimate analysis language

traces back to svabhavana (our innate being).

 

 

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Om bhur bhuvah svah tat savitur varenyam bhargo

devasya dhimahi dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

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