What is Mantra

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MANTRA

 

-WHAT IS MANTRA?-

 

The word mantra is a composition of tow Sanskrit root words: the

first root 'man' means 'continual or constant thinking'. The second

root 'tra' means 'free' or 'to be free'.

 

Mantra is a process by

which you free yourself from worries or doubts, but not from

consciousness. In short, mantra is a means of transcending thought,

and bringing consciousness to a much higher level of spiritual

being.

 

The root 'tri' also means 'to protect'. Thus, in India a

great number of mantras are called protection mantras. True mantra

is that which frees you from constrictive limitations of mind

thought.

 

We live in the iron age (Kali yuga), and it is filled with martian

forces which disturb and distract human consciousness. Mantra is a

way of fixing mind upon peace, tranquility, serenity, and

equanimity, enabling you to reach deeper into consciousness.

 

A mantra is a mystical sound or combination of sounds which were

originally heard mystically by the sages in their deep states of

samadhi.

 

The sages passed on these powerful sounds to their

disciples. As their disciples chanted the words, the power, the

majesty and the magic of the mantra brought them into those higher

states of consciousness experienced by their guru. Thus, it is

important that a mantra given by a guru, be a mantra that he has

used and experienced.

 

Mantra is a mystical formula, a metaphysical formula, utilized to

induce certain spiritual states of consciousness, when intensely and

devoutly chanted.

 

The efficiency of a mantra is dependent upon both

the spiritual awareness of the guru that gave the mantra, and the

sound vibration innate within the mantra itself, and the student's

ability to concentrate.

 

Each mantra has a particular intonation or sound pattern. The

knowledge of the use of mantra (mantra-vidya), is one of the deepest

secrets of yoga sciences.

 

The word mantra also means 'thought form'. It is the science of

thought forms and knowledge of how to crystallize those thought-

forms in the physical world. Ultimately, all things in the universe

are thought-forms from the consciousness of Reality.

 

For mantra to be effective, it is necessary to be combined with

kriya and bhakti. These three are essential. Mantra is the

activation of the thought-form; kriya is the mental and external

action consistent with that thought-form; and bhakti is the proper

attitude (devotion) with which to crystallize these events

harmoniously into your life. It is not enough to merely bring things

and events into life, they must be brought into life surely,

swiftly, and most harmoniously.

 

There are four main types of mantra. These are,

 

1. Vedic mantras

2. Upanishadic mantras

3. Tantric mantras

4. Puranic mantras

 

Vedic mantras are mantras that are found within the Veda, the basic

ancient scriptures of India. Upanishadic mantras are found in the

Upanishads.

 

Tantric mantras are found in Tantra texts, and the

Puranic mantras are found in the Puranas.

 

The Vedic mantras are

considered to be the most sacred, while the Puranic mantras are

considered to be least sacred.

 

All mantras, however, are effective

and efficient in producing their given results.

 

Each main division of mantra are divided into three subdivisions.

These are 1) sattvic, 2) rajasic, and 3) tamasic.

 

1. Sattvic mantras have the innate power to produce wisdom,

illumination, compassion, or any major attribute of God-

consciousness.

 

2. Rajasic mantras are those chanted to produce children, wealth,

worldly success, and the like.

 

3. Tamasic mantras are used to invoke lower forces from the astral

plane. Tamasic mantras are like words-of-power used to invoke forces

through ceremony.

 

Philosophically and psychologically speaking, you should practice

only one mantra until the mantra releases its potency. The mantra

should be given at the right moment, to the right person, with the

right mental attitude, to produce the right spiritual effect. A

mantra that is given in such a way is called a guru mantra, a mantra

given by s spiritual preceptor.

 

The chanting of many different mantras at the same time can produce

confusion. Therefore, if you do not have a guru mantra, it is

suggested that you listen to a number of mantras and choose for

yourself one which is most harmonious with your inner soul. Upon

choosing that special mantra, chant it, and give it emphasis. This

mantra is then called your ishta-mantra, or the mantra of your

choice.

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