Shri Prakashji Gossai

The Sanskrit word “Mantra” is composed of two root words. “Man” means “mind” and “tra” means “to protect”. Therefore the meaning of “Mantra” is to protect the mind from the material sphere of consciousness and the physical world. A Mantra is that which energizes and purifies the mind. We must learn to pronounce each Mantra properly and understand their meaning. The utterance of a Mantra without knowledge of its meaning is a mere movement of the lips. Only when one utters a Mantra with full awareness of it’s meaning, only then it is magical and energized to permeate in the very being of the Sadhaka.

A Mantra is a word or a sentence with spiritual significance. The sacred utterance or chanting of Vedic Mantras provide us with the Shakti (power or energy) to attain our goals and lift ourselves from ordinary to the higher level of consciousness. They give us the power for attaining a blissful state and liberation. On of the most widely known Mantra is the letter of the Sanskrit alphabet OM.

Mantras are a divine combination of sacred syllables or sounds containing great spiritual power or energy. Chanting Mantras allows us to concentrate and focus this spiritual energy. It promotes harmony at all levels as it awakens the spiritual self. A Mantra is the embodiment of the Supreme Being. Through meditation and continuous recitation of Mantras, one can achieve peace of mind.

There are various kinds of mantras, which are divided into Vedic mantras, Tantric mantras and Puranic mantras. Again each of these is further divided into Satvika, Rajasika and Tamasika mantras. Mantras, which are chanted for illumination, wisdom, Supreme love, compassion and realization of God, are Satvika Mantras. Rajasika practice is to gain worldly success and prosperity, but in order to enjoy the results of this good Karma; men are born again and again. Tamasika practice is evil or harmful to others; this is the most sinful. Satvika mantras can eradicate one’s Karma (deeds) and lead to Moksha or final liberation of the Soul. Satvika practice should be our goal.

Aum bhur bhuvah swah, Tat savitur varenyam;
Bhargo devasya dhimahi. Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat
Oh God! You are the giver of Life, remover of pain and sorrow, the bestower of happiness. Oh, creator of the Universe, may You illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path.

Sanskrit	English
Aum	God
Bhur	embodiment of vital spiritual energy
Bhuvah	destroyer of sufferings
Swah	embodiment of happiness
Tat	that
Savitur	bright like the Sun
Varenyan	best
Bhargo	destroyer of sins
Devasya	divine
Dhimahi	may imbibe
Dhiyo	intellect
Yo	who
Na	our
Prachodayat	may inspire

In Sanskrit, sounds which have no direct translation but which contain great spiritual power is called a “Seed Mantra”. A Beej Mantra is called a Seed Mantra, its intonation releases tremendous Shakti (Energy). There are various types of Beej Mantras, each with it’s own power. When mixed with other Mantras, they provide extra vibrations to that Mantra. “Om or Aum” is a Beej Mantra. It represents the unmanifest and manifest aspects of God. It is further expanded into the following types of Beej-Guru Beej, Shakti Beej, Rama Beej and Kam Beej, Yag Beej, Teejo Beej, Shanti Beej and Raksha Beej, some of which are also known as Aim, Hreem, Shreem, Kreem, Kleem, Dum, Gam, Glaum, etc.

Om Hoom Hanumate Rudratamakaye hoom phut swaha
Hanumanji is the embodiment of all good qualities, which he freely gives to his devotees

Om shreem Lakshmi dhanan dehi dehi shreem Om
Lakshmi Maa grants wealth and prosperity

As mentioned earlier, Mantra means to protect the mind. Yoga means “union with God”. Hence, Mantra-Yoga can help the Sadhaka to attain God realization. Therefore Mantra-yoga or Mantra-vidya is the science of thought, which should be practiced with the guidance of a competent Guru (spiritual teacher). Mantra-yoga, when used properly is elevating. Each Devata (Celestial Being) has a name and Mantra for which he/she is the presiding deity. If you receive a Mantra of a deity from your Guru and sincerely practice that Mantra with worship, meditation and devotion, your desires will be fulfilled. The mind, occupied in contemplation of a Deity, becomes powerful and pure.

Unless the intellect is illuminated, the Truth remains unrevealed. If the intellect is hidden by tamas (dark forces) and rajas (passion), there cannot be peace and happiness. When the intellect is purified by satva guna and attains a state of illumination, man attains a transcendental peace and all action he performs thereafter is uplifting to the entire society. He becomes a blessing to humanity.

Karaagre Vasathe Lakshmi Kara madhaye Saraswati
Karammule tu Govindah Prabhaate Karadarshanam
Lakshmi lives at the tip of the palm; Saraswati at the bottom of the palm and in the middle is Govinda (Krishna, an avatar of Lord Vishnu). If you have chanted this prayer early in the morning, you will have the darshan (blessings) of these Gods.