Guest guest Posted September 18, 2008 Report Share Posted September 18, 2008 Dear friends and devotees, Bhakti is eternal. In concurrence to the topic Hinduism, some details of mantras are furnished under the heading Mantras for information please. Mantras Mantra is a religious or mystical syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Mantras are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words or vibrations that inculcate concentration in the devotee. Mantras are also integrated in religious rituals to remove obstacles, avoid danger, reduce foes, or accumulate wealth. Mantras got their origin from the Vedas of India. Mantra - The Word The word "Mantra" has been derived from Sanskrit. Mantra contains two words - "man" which means "to think" (also in manas "mind") and suffix "tra" which means "tool", hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought". A mantra is a powerful word or phrase that may or may not have meaning in the same way as a sentence. What is Mantra? Mantras are single or strung together syllables. It is important to pronounce the mantra properly with an understanding of its meaning. Improper pronunciation of Mantra can inflict losses. So, one should be careful while chanting mantra. Mantras are energy-based sounds. The Indian metaphysical tradition explains that the body is composed of the combination of five elements and the first of them is sound. Studies in sound symbolism suggest that vocal sounds have meaning whether we are aware of it or not. And certainly there can be multiple layers of symbolism associated with each sound. So even, if we do not understand them, mantras are not meaningless; no vocal utterance is entirely without meaning. One's subconscious mind can find its solution through meditation and recitation of mantras.. A mantra, when repeated constantly during meditation, first loudly and then through silent and mental chanting, changes the consciousness. The Basic Mantra - Aum In Hindu Mythology, the most basic mantra is Aum, which is known as the "pranava mantra", the source of all mantras. Aum is regarded to be the most fundamental and powerful mantra. Aum represents the first manifestation of Brahman, the Supreme reality. Thus, Aum is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu prayers. Verses (Sloka) from holy Hindu texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita, Mahabharata , Ramayana, Durga Saptashati or Chandi are considered powerful enough to be repeated to great effect, and therefore have attained the status of a mantra. As per the Vedic practices, most ancient techniques and classical Hinduism, mantra is symbolized as a requisite for spiritual advancement and high attainment. Contd. . . .(Mantras – 2) With love and regards, Sastry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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