What is the mystery behind this seemingly simple process to achieve protection? It is not a big mystery as some people might think. Mantras, the Sanskrit syllables, are essentially 'thought forms' that exert their influence by means of spiritual vibrations.Many great leaders have demonstrated that it is possible to calm the mind through concentration.
The Secret of Sacred Mantras
Every mantra causes a sound vibration beyond the cognition of the mind. What is sound? According to modern science, sound is caused by vibration. It is believed that chanting mantras again and again produces such vibrations in the naadis that would bring about the well being of a person. Naadis are channels for the flow of consciousness. The literal meaning of naadi is 'flow'.
Consider human beings and other creatures. What is it that determines their health and feelings? The breath that passes through our naadis, blood vessels, during respiration produces vibrations and on them depends the general state of our health. Those who keep their breathing under control through the practice of yoga are healthy to an amazing degree. They perform unusual feats by keeping the vibrations of the naadis under control during breathing.
Breath is vital not only to the body but also to the mind. The mind which is the source of thoughts and the vital (pranik) energy that is the source of breath are the same. Healthy or unhealthy thoughts are attributed to different vibrations of the naadis. You may test this for yourself. See for yourself how you breathe when you are at peace before the sanctum of a deity and how you breathe when your mind is quickened by desire or anger. The happiness you experience when you take part in something divine, like music, a bhajan or a temple festival, must be different from the pleasure that sensual gratification gives you: the vibrations of the naadis concerned will also be correspondingly different.
Mantra is that which saves you from unpleasant repetitive activities. For example, a repetitive thought is a worry. Mantras help to free you from worries.
Often we wonder why we should chant some sounds without understanding their meanings. Can something that we do not understand, help us? Yes, it can. How? Simple because when the mind is unable to understand the meaning, it simply dissolves and moves into a meditative space.
Mahatma Gandhi said ,“The mantram becomes one’s staff of life, and it carries through every ordeal.” His mantra was simply ‘Raam, Raam.’
A mantra is like a seed. Every seed has the potential to become a tree. Similarly, these sound vibrations contain all the possibilities of creation. Some mantras are in seed form, called the bija mantras. Others are fully expressed, that is the fruit of the mantra is also expressed, like the Gayatri mantra.
Mantras are a secret. That which is kept a secret alerts the subconscious mind. Mantras work at the level of consciousness. When we want a seed to sprout, it needs to be sown into the soil, hidden, a secret. If it is simply thrown around, birds may eat them up. We can read and learn about mantras and their uses from books and the internet but that will only satisfy the intellect and not translate into experience.
When we chant the mantras, or listen to them, we get purity of mind and word. This prepares us for a sort of meditation. As a result of the sound vibrations, different patterns of the mind rearrange themselves to become tranquil. Agitation is reduced, helping us to turn inward. For instance, when we laugh, our happiness increases. When we cry, the heaviness of sorrow is released. Just as sounds of laughter and crying help, mantras act similarly. Repetition of mantras creates a psychological or mental response that is deep, beyond the realm of words or expression. It can only be experienced. Speech falls short as it cannot go beyond expression into the experiential level.
When the mind is calm and centered, it can turn inward. Only a mind turned inward can experience the vastness and beauty of Divine Consciousness. When our focus is outward on the objects of the senses, our mind is scattered; it races after one craving or other. Physical senses seek to know all about the external universe. Meditation is the tool for inner exploration. 'Antarmukhi Sada Sukhi' goes a Sanskrit saying -one whose mind is turned inward is ever in bliss.
Mantras are tools that allow the mind to dissolve and repose in the Self. Why should we repose in the Self? How is this going to help us in our day-to-day life? When a river is calm, it reflects. When the mind is calm, there is greater clarity of expression. Our sense of observation, perception and expression improves. As a result, we are able to communicate more effectively and clearly.
Most of our problems and misunderstandings arise because of a lack of effective communication. When our mind is free from agitation, the way we interact and communicate is much more pleasant and effective. Our efforts are not hindered by communication gaps. This leads to a positive outlook.
Mantras are as subtle as the air that creates ripples in the water as it gently moves over it. Air is all-pervading and at the same time affects specific regions. The field of mantras is also one such. It is all-pervading; it creates an impact on the one who is practicing the mantra. There is no doubt that mantra has been a powerful tool in moulding the mind as great leaders like Sankaracharya, Buddha, and Mahatma Gandhi demonstrated in their lives.
How to choose a mantra? It is best done through a guru. If you are unable to find a guru, choose any simple mantra like - 'Raama, Raama,' 'Om Namashivayah,''Om Narayana,' or the Gayatri mantra.
The impact of mantra is mighty. Experiment it and see for yourself how mantra works for you. After all, one must rely on one’s own experience to measure the success of any new activity.
