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[hathyogi]

|| What Is A Mantra? How It Connects You With The Cosmos? Working Mechanism Explained ||

What is a mantra?

The term "mantra" originates from two Sanskrit roots, namely 'manas' which signifies the mind, and 'tra' which denotes an instrument. Essentially, a mantra functions as a tool of the mind, producing a potent sound or vibration that facilitates deep meditation. In mantra yoga, faith and devotion towards the mantra's deity are crucial elements that unlock its transformative potential.

How a mantra came into existence?

In a dialogue between Bhagawan Shiva and Maa Parvati, Parvati raised a question about people's unawareness of their own ignorance. She asked, "What can they do?" In response, Shiva emphasized the importance of staying connected to the universal energy, the ultimate source of wisdom. He explained, "For the source possesses all the knowledge that anyone seeks."

Shiva revealed, "The simplest way is to choose any sound from my damaru." He explained that everything in its current existence originated from those very sounds. Thus, the mantras came into being through the resonance of Shiva's damru.

How does the mechanism of a mantra operate?

To comprehend this, it is necessary to understand the functioning of the universe and the human mind.

Every utterance and thought we express possesses the potential to impact our lives and the lives of others. Words of encouragement, spoken at the opportune moment, can serve as lifelong inspiration, while unkind and hostile words can leave lasting scars. Even the conversations that transpire within our minds can significantly alter our self-perception and our perception of others.

The universe, too, can be envisioned as a living entity comprised of numerous interconnected components. Each planet functions as a vital element within this expansive cosmic organism. Though seemingly insignificant, every constituent holds importance. Just as removing individual grains of sand gradually depletes a heap, each entity, no matter how minute, contributes to the entirety. Correspondingly, both positive and negative words have the capacity to impact every individual and aspect within the universe. The inception of the ancient discipline of mantras was not a random occurrence.

Enlightened sages of the past recognized that both the human mind and the universe endure a constant barrage of words, encompassing both positivity and negativity. They understood that by amalgamating specific words together, forming mantras, they could exert influence over our lives and even shape the fabric of the universe itself. Moreover, the energy emanating from mantras is intended to attract the attention of the universal energy, thereby establishing a connection.

Mantra yoga serves as a pathway for strengthening our bond with this cosmic force. The science of mantras posits that by utilizing the appropriate words to train our minds, enhance our focus, and align ourselves with the divinity pervading the universe, we can transcend the negative tendencies that impede our progress. By harnessing the power of mantras, we can overcome obstacles and rise above limitations.

Every mantra encompasses three essential components, known as limbs or "Angas":

1. Devata: This refers to the deity who is revered and praised by the mantra.

2. Rishi: The seer or sage to whom the mantra was originally revealed.

3. Chandah: The specific meter or poetic structure in which the mantra is composed.

Furthermore, there are three distinct methods of chanting a mantra:

a. Vachika Japa: This involves chanting the mantra aloud, where the sound is audible not only to the chanter but also to those around them.

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b. Upanshu Japa: In this form of chanting, minimal movement of the tongue and lips is employed. The japa is audible only to the chanter and not to others.

c. Manasa Japa: It is the repetition of the mantra exclusively within the mind, accompanied by deep contemplation on its inherent consciousness. In manasa japa, neither the lips nor the tongue move, and even the chanter themselves cannot hear the japa.

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[hathyogi]

|| Tantra: An Unexplored Science, Basic Meaning Explained. How Is It Connected To Bhagawan Shiva? ||

In Hinduism, there are three ways to worship any Deity-

1. The satavik way- In which we show our devotion to a deity using satvik ways like ringing the bell, offering jal, prasad etc.

2. The rajasik way- In which we show our devotion by dressing up in a specific way, using fragrance, using ratnas, some yantra etc.

3. The tamasik way- In which we show our devotion by using some specific rituals, dead bodies, animal sacrifices, sex etc.

It is common for people to misunderstand tantra, but it shouldn't come as a surprise because everyone possesses different qualities within them, namely Sato (purity), Rajo (activity), and Tamo (darkness).

Tantra provides a pathway to worship the divine through the Tamo aspect of our nature. In essence, Tantra is a science of the mind, a form of psychological exploration that aims to expand one's perception. The term 'Tantra' originates from Sanskrit and has multiple interpretations. One explanation is that it is a play on the word 'sutra,' which means 'thread' or 'formula.' If sutras represent individual threads of thought, Tantra can be likened to a loom that weaves these threads together into a comprehensive system of thoughts.

Another understanding is that Tantra combines the words 'tattva,' meaning the science of cosmic principles, and 'mantra,' referring to the science of mystical sound and vibration. In this sense, Tantra delves into the knowledge of universal principles and the use of sacred sounds for spiritual purposes.

According to Hindu beliefs, at the beginning of Satyuga, Bhagawan Shiva appeared as Swacchandanatha, possessing five mouths representing his five energies: Consciousness Bliss Will Knowledge, and Action. Through these energies, Shiva revealed the Tantras, some spoken through each of his mouths and others simultaneously recited through multiple mouths. These Tantras fall into two main categories: Dualistic and Mono-Dualistic, known respectively as "Shiva Tantra" and "Rudra Tantra."

When these five energies of Bhagawan Shiva unite in a way that each holds the others simultaneously, they give rise to 64 Bhairav Tantras, which are purely Monistic (Advaitic) in nature. The philosophical teachings expounded in these Tantras are referred to as the "Trika" philosophy or Kashmir Shaivism.

The origins of the sacred Tantras are believed to involve teachings initially given by Bhagawan Shiva to his wife, which were then passed on to human sages like Matsendranath. It is crucial to understand that Tantra does not advocate promiscuity but rather emphasizes extreme discipline. It is viewed as a technology or method to harness the energies within the body and from the surroundings.

According to Tantra, every human being with limited mental vision is spiritually ill. The true state of health is attained by transcending the constraints of time, space, and causation. The ultimate goal of Tantra is to replace the limited personality with an unlimited and permanent one, facilitating spiritual liberation and profound transformation. Indeed, the practice of Tantra is deeply rooted in the tradition of receiving Guru Diksha or initiation from a qualified spiritual teacher.

As Bhagawan Shiva emphasized in the Kularnava Tantram, all the practices advocated by Tantras, such as Yoga, Dhyana (meditation), Puja (worship), Japa (chanting), and others, are considered futile without proper initiation (adikshata). Just as seeds sown on stones fail to grow into plants, similarly, the efforts of an uninitiated person in these practices may not bear fruit. It's crucial to understand that Tantra is a profound and intricate spiritual path that goes beyond the understanding of today's science. It is not synonymous with black magic or superficial spells (tona totka). Instead, it involves a deep exploration of the mind, energy, and spiritual consciousness.

[hathyogi]

|| Tantra: An Unexplored Science, Basic Meaning Explained. How Is It Connected To Bhagawan Shiva? ||

In Hinduism, there are three ways to worship any Deity-

1. The satavik way- In which we show our devotion to a deity using satvik ways like ringing the bell, offering jal, prasad etc.

2. The rajasik way- In which we show our devotion by dressing up in a specific way, using fragrance, using ratnas, some yantra etc.

3. The tamasik way- In which we show our devotion by using some specific rituals, dead bodies, animal sacrifices, sex etc.

It is common for people to misunderstand tantra, but it shouldn't come as a surprise because everyone possesses different qualities within them, namely Sato (purity), Rajo (activity), and Tamo (darkness).

Tantra provides a pathway to worship the divine through the Tamo aspect of our nature. In essence, Tantra is a science of the mind, a form of psychological exploration that aims to expand one's perception. The term 'Tantra' originates from Sanskrit and has multiple interpretations. One explanation is that it is a play on the word 'sutra,' which means 'thread' or 'formula.' If sutras represent individual threads of thought, Tantra can be likened to a loom that weaves these threads together into a comprehensive system of thoughts.

Another understanding is that Tantra combines the words 'tattva,' meaning the science of cosmic principles, and 'mantra,' referring to the science of mystical sound and vibration. In this sense, Tantra delves into the knowledge of universal principles and the use of sacred sounds for spiritual purposes.

According to Hindu beliefs, at the beginning of Satyuga, Bhagawan Shiva appeared as Swacchandanatha, possessing five mouths representing his five energies: Consciousness Bliss Will Knowledge, and Action. Through these energies, Shiva revealed the Tantras, some spoken through each of his mouths and others simultaneously recited through multiple mouths. These Tantras fall into two main categories: Dualistic and Mono-Dualistic, known respectively as "Shiva Tantra" and "Rudra Tantra."

When these five energies of Bhagawan Shiva unite in a way that each holds the others simultaneously, they give rise to 64 Bhairav Tantras, which are purely Monistic (Advaitic) in nature. The philosophical teachings expounded in these Tantras are referred to as the "Trika" philosophy or Kashmir Shaivism.

The origins of the sacred Tantras are believed to involve teachings initially given by Bhagawan Shiva to his wife, which were then passed on to human sages like Matsendranath. It is crucial to understand that Tantra does not advocate promiscuity but rather emphasizes extreme discipline. It is viewed as a technology or method to harness the energies within the body and from the surroundings.

According to Tantra, every human being with limited mental vision is spiritually ill. The true state of health is attained by transcending the constraints of time, space, and causation. The ultimate goal of Tantra is to replace the limited personality with an unlimited and permanent one, facilitating spiritual liberation and profound transformation. Indeed, the practice of Tantra is deeply rooted in the tradition of receiving Guru Diksha or initiation from a qualified spiritual teacher.

As Bhagawan Shiva emphasized in the Kularnava Tantram, all the practices advocated by Tantras, such as Yoga, Dhyana (meditation), Puja (worship), Japa (chanting), and others, are considered futile without proper initiation (adikshata). Just as seeds sown on stones fail to grow into plants, similarly, the efforts of an uninitiated person in these practices may not bear fruit. It's crucial to understand that Tantra is a profound and intricate spiritual path that goes beyond the understanding of today's science. It is not synonymous with black magic or superficial spells (tona totka). Instead, it involves a deep exploration of the mind, energy, and spiritual consciousness.