Mantra Saadhna
H H Maa Purnananda
In life, people are almost compelled to keep repeating the names of hundreds of objects and beings. One never finds it to be something unusual or objectionable! But, if someone wants to keep repeating the name of his chosen God, then some people find it to be unusual or even awkward!
Unless one understands the importance of the names given to the unperceivable, formless, all-pervading Supreme Reality, one would not appreciate the Science behind the Spiritual Wisdom of our Saints and Seers. It is always beneficial to adopt and practice certain concepts that have been a tradition through generations in our culture; rather than outright rejection of the same due to lack of knowledge. It is always advisable to first accept those wholeheartedly and then practice those sincerely; and thus earn the right to humbly put up valid questions to the Guru for the sole purpose of removal of one’s own doubts regarding Saadhna. In due course one would surely be able to overcome the impediment of ignorance and grow Spiritually, leaps and bounds.
The Seers have coded some such names and sentences that when uttered, they create certain kinds of vibrations that are conducive for purification of mind, self-evolution and also for progressing on the path of Self-realization. These are termed as Mantra-s. Beloved Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji says – “A Mantra is a formula that explains not only what is the enduring Truth in life, but also the technique by which we can reach It.”
Mantra-s can be categorised on the basis of their source. We find some Mantra-s from the four Veda-s, some from the two Itihaasa-s and some from the eighteen Puraana-s; and, are termed as Vedik Mantra-s, Aitihaasik Mantra-s and Pauraanik Mantra-s respectively. Vedik Mantra-s are mostly chanted for the purpose of self-evolution and Self-realisation, whereas Aitihaasik and Pauraanik Mantra-s are mostly chanted for purification of mind, to find focus of mind, for deliverance from sins, for inculcating and enhancing devotion towards a particular Deity, for material gains such as health, wealth, power, fame etc., and so on.
Whatever the reason, Mantra-s surely have powerful impact when chanted with faith and sincerity. Even when chanted for negative purposes by some selfish and lowly people having mal-intentions, the Mantra-s do work for them as well! Therefore, one has to be very careful in selecting and chanting any Mantra. It is hence advised by the Guru-s to make sure of one’s intent and the purpose of chanting the Mantra, them to be harmless and not negative for oneself or for others. It also clarifies the reason for selecting and chanting any Mantra under the refuge and guidance of the Guru. It is advisable to maintain physical cleanliness, mental peace and purity of intention while chanting any Mantra at any time. Japa of most of the Mantra-s, barring a few, can be done at any time and under any circumstance.
Mantra Japa is one of the best means to stop falling into lower mental levels and to glide higher and higher in meditation. Some of the popular ‘Aitihaasik and Puraanik’ Mantra-s chanted by the devotees of different Deities are “Sree Ram Jay Ram Jai Jai Ram”, “Sree Krishnah Sharanam Mama”, Aum Namah Shivaaya”, “Jay Maa Durgey” and so on. Any particular name of a Deity chanted repeatedly as a Japa, is also called as Mantra, such as “Ram Ram Ram Ram Ram…….”, “Govind Govind Govind Govind Govind……..” or “Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey Radhey……….” and so on.
“Harey Ram Harey Ram Ram Ram Harey Harey; Harey Krishna Harey Krishna Krishna Krishna Harey Harey” though is an Upanishad Mantra, termed as ‘Kaliyug Mahaamantra’, is also chanted very often. Then some are ‘Beej Mantra-s’ that are chanted for specific purposes and should be chanted definitely under the guidance of the Guru. Sree Gaayatri Mahaamantra and Sree Maha Mrityunjay Mantra are again Ved Mantra-s, chanted specifically for Self-knowledge (Aatmgnyaan) and ultimate salvation (Moksh) respectively.
When the Guru’s guidance is availed, the correct method is applied and the purpose is definite, then sooner or later, the success in practice of Japa Saadhna is also assured! So, get going!