Swamiji answers your questions on Chanting

[Guest guest]

Dear Family,

 

Namaste!

 

The following questions came up in the weekend online class. Swamiji's answers follow.

 

Sincerely,

srini

 

1. How does Path differ from Puja?

 

Puja is a collection of viddhis or modules that are strung together to conduct worship.

Path involves recitation of a scripture. Purification and offerings are emphasized more in

Puja.

 

2. I find it difficult at times to maintain pranayam. How can this be corrected?

 

Use a mantra to measure the length of each breath. Then recite the mantra either silently

or audibly as you breath in and out. If it becomes a strain, use a shorter mantra.

 

3. Where do we pause in the Gayatri Mantra to inhale?

 

Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah - inhale

tat savitur varenyam - inhale

bhargo devasya dhimahi - inhale

dhiyo yo nah pracodayat - inhale

 

4. What is the specific goal of Jivanam style of chanting?

 

To intuit the meaning of each syllable of every mantra in the scripture and to become

absorbed in that meaning. Also beyond the meanings of the mantras, the vibrations

become so much more potent. We are adding life to the mantra - Jivanam, empowering it

to carry us into it's own bhava.

 

5. How do you choose a style of chanting (Bhakti, Shakti, Tapasya, Jivanam)?

 

Bhakti when understanding is important, Shakti when Pranayam is important, Tapasya

when Asan is important, Jivanam when you do not have the sankalpa to complete a text,

but have the time and environment to go into deep meditation.

 

6. Is there a recommended order for focusing on these different styles of chanting (bhakti,

shakti, tapasya, and jivanam) for those who are interested in chanting, before they are

integrated?

 

Just that order. First we learn how to pronounce and what it means. Then we become

proficient at pranayam. Then we lengthen the asana so we can forget the body. Lastly we

use the mantra recitation to go into deep meditation.