mantras and japa cont. - 10 (last)

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Q: I am taught that mantra japa is very potent in practice. A: The Self is the greatest of all mantras - it goes on automatically and eternally. If you are not aware of this internal mantra, you should take to it consciously as japa, which is attended with effort, to ward off all other thoughts. By constant attention to it, you will eventually become aware of the internal mantra which is the state of realization and is effortless. Firmness in this awareness will keep you continually and effortlessly in the current, however much you may be engaged in other activities. By repetition of mantras, the mind gets controlled. Then the mantra becomes one with the mind and also with the prana [the energy that sustains the body]. When the syllables of the mantra become one with the prana, it is termed dhyana, and when dhyana becomes deep and firm it leads to sahaja sthiti [the natural state].

Q: I have received a mantra. People frighten me by saying that it may have unforeseen results if repeated. It is only pranava (om). So I seek advice. May I repeat it? I have considerable faith in it.

A: Certainly, it should be repeated with faith.

Q: Will it do by itself, or can you kindly give me any further instructions?

A: The object of mantra japa is to realize that the same japa is already going on in oneself even without effort. The oral japa becomes mental and the mental japa finally reveals itself as being eternal. That mantra is the person's real nature. That is also the state of realization. Q: Can the bliss of samadhi be gained thus?

A: The japa becomes mental and finally reveals itself as the Self. That is samadhi.

 

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