Mantras- 1

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Mantras

 

The discussion about whether one should give the Mantra in print on

paper or over the Internet and whether one should utter these Mantras

has been discussed in many forums especially over the Internet. But

what we should understand that there is no forum in India where such

matters are discussed. Unfortunately there is very little opposition

to the commercialisation of Mantras and Tantras in India. We find not

only books but also cassettes and magazines, which give Mantras and

advise people to chant them for various benefits. Not one Acharya or

religious head has raised his voice against these practices.

 

Before I go into Mantra Sasthra I would like to say something about

Tantra, Upasana, Sadhana and Siddhi

 

We generally use the above terms whenever we talk about Tantra and

Mantras. Now there is a lot of confusion about these terms. I would

like to present a simple definition of the above terms. I am always

open to correction as I am not a Guru.

 

Upasana: Upasana is devotion to a particular deity or mantra. It

means approaching the Divine step by step till the self attains

identity with her. When somebody says I am a Durga Upasak, it means

that he is a worshipper of MAA DURGA. Upasana is different from

Bhakthi in that you concentrate on one particular Deity or Mantra.

The deity is normally called Ishta Devata. When you do mantra Upasana

you follow the procedures laid down for that Upasana.

 

Sadhana: is the method by which you do Upasana. Mantra sadhana means

the method followed is by recitation of a specific mantra. Tantra

sadhana means you follow Tantric procedures, which include Mantras.

 

Siddhi. - Means power or attainment. The common forms of Siddhi are

 

Ashtamaa Siddhi - eight great powers

1. Anima -To become tiny as the atom within atom

2. Laghima - To become light as vapour in levitation

3. Mahima - To become big in unshakeable proportions

4. Prapti- To enter into other bodies in transmigration

5. Prakamyam- To be in all things, omni pervasive

6. Isatvam-To be lord of all creation in omnipotence

7. Vasitvam- To be everywhere in omnipresence

8. Kamaru Tattva (Kamavasyitva) -Attainment of whatever you desire*

 

Source: Thirumandhiram- verse no.668 to 693

* Some books give it as Garima (the power of becoming heavy)

The minor Siddhis are

Doora Dharshan (clairvoyance)

Doora Sravan (clairaudience)

Iccha Mrityu (death at his will)

There may be others also.

 

Kariya Siddhi - Getting your heart's desire. This is what most of us

aim for. We pray to God to beget children, get promotion in job, get

wealth, remove unhappiness etc. etc. If you pray fervently you get

things done. This is also the easiest of the Siddhis to get. Pray for

a specific purpose and your prayers are granted.

 

Continued