If one is serious about experiencing the benefits of being one with God, mantras offer the simplest route. Mantras connect with God faster than any other process, believes AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
It is a word, phrase or sound that is repeated again and again, especially during prayer or meditation. Mantra is like a brief prayer, which can be spoken very easily even by children. Generally, mantras are addressed to specific gods or goddesses; one offers obeisance to them. For example, ‘om namah shivaya’ is showing respect to lord Shiva. Many mantras are prevalent but the ones through which one seeks something highly desirable are more common. Gayatri mantra is one such mantra. Actually, it is ‘Savitri’ mantra because it is a prayer to Sun god. One seeks good energy by praying to Sun god. let us remember that all the energy on planet earth comes from the Sun only. Some people also pray to nature. All mantras begin with the pronunciation of the sound ‘om’.
It is widely believed that the origin of all bona fide mantras are Vedas. These were passed on from generation to generation by word of mouth. Though the genesis of mantras is essentially Vedas, some mantras are realisations of highly advanced saints, who were inspired by God. They are also origins of some mantras.
Buddhism, one of the major religions of the world, was founded in India around 500 BC or shortly afterwards by lord Buddha. There are many schools in Buddhism. Some emphasise the virtues of monastic life. Some teach ways to achieve ‘nirvana’. And some spend much time reciting mantras.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi made chanting of mantras very popular in many countries during the 1970s. He developed it in the 1950s. He used the word ‘transcendental’ to describe the process of reaching a state of pure consciousness, where the mind is not aware of anything in particular. He declared that people who used this technique became happier and more relaxed and creative. Psychologists report that many people who practice Transcendental Meditation feel less anxious or aggressive than before and can handle stress more easily.
Essentially, mantras are disciplining of the mind so it becomes positive and does not become inimical. Rather mantras help one control one’s mind so that it becomes a friend. Chanting mantras is the austerity of the mind. It contributes to satisfaction of the mind, pleasant peace, not speaking unnecessarily, self-control over the senses and the mind, and purity of emotions. (Bhagavad Gita 17.16) The other main purpose of chanting of mantras is to link with God. This practice is followed worldwide and is very popular.
In the end, let me take up some specific qualities of mantras. The mantra ‘om’ is very brief and easy to pronounce. It is no wonder that its benefit is taken by so many. It is a proven fact that chanting ‘om’ gives positive effect to the mind. As all mantras begin with this sound ‘om’, they include its benefit besides giving many other benefits. For example, ‘om namo bhagavate vasudevaya’ is paying obeisance to the lord Vasudeva (Krishna).
Mantras connect with God faster than any other process. Other methods like meditation take longer to effectively develop a good bond with the Almighty. If one is serious about experiencing the benefits of being one with God, mantras offer the simplest route. People have benefited from time immemorial and we are well advised to chant mantras whenever convenient and to whatever extent; we will never regret the decision. Rather we will be encouraged to continue the practice.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com