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Intensive review of Gayatri Sadhana (Gäyatrï Sädhanä Kä Gahan Vivechana): Vangamaya Vol-10
Anyone who has ever had an exposure to the Indian Philosophy and the Science of Spirituality must have heard of the Gäyatrï Mantra. That the spiritual endeavors (Sädhanä) of Gäyatrï transmute the personality and arouse divine sentiments and talents—- must have been experienced or noticed by every one who has sincerely devoted himself to Gäyatrï Sädhanä or has had an opportunity to study the life of a true Sädhaka (devotee) of this spiritual experiment of the highest kind…..
The Gäyatrï Mantra is considered to be a universal prayer. The glory of Gäyatrï Sädhanä as elucidated by spiritual masters and scholars of religious philosophy and the science of mantras raises a natural question—- “what is so special about the Gäyatrï Mantra? The secrets are deciphered in the present volume where Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya, an authority on the knowledge and spiritual experiments of Gäyatrï meditation, has analyzed the subtle science of this mantra, its interpretations, teachings, philosophy and spiritual aspects in detail.
The visible world is said to be created using the five basic elements (the pancha mahäbhutas)—- prathvï, jala, agni, väyu and äkasha. The Sänkhya Darshan—- one of the six principal schools of ancient Indian Philosophy, considers the existence of twenty four other ‘elements’ which constitute the complete expansion of the subtle world and spiritual realization. These twenty four subtle elements are said to be perfectly configured by the Indian rishis of yore in the twenty four specific syllables (words) of the Gäyatrï Mantra. Each of these twenty four syllables is a seed of a distinct stream of divine power. These twenty four powers are described as twenty four deities in the rhetoric representation of the ancient scriptures.
The harmonic compilation of each of these special syllables in the Gäyatrï Mantra has made it extremely powerful in terms of the superimposed vibrations generated by the rhythmic recitation of this mantra. The activation of the twenty four subtle elements of consciousness consequently stimulates the otherwise dormant `currents’ of vital force and sublimates the inner strength and sentimental cores.
The scientific aspects—- including acoustic patterns and impact of the vibrations of this mantra on human mind and body have been covered by the author in volume no. 14 of this Vängamaya series. The discussions in the present volumes pertain to deeper domains of human psychology.
The Gäyatrï Mantra—- compiled in the script of ancient form of Sanskrit language reads as follows:
|| Om Bhurbhuah Swah, Tat Saviturvarenyam,
Bhargo Devasya Dhïmahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayät ||
Here “Om” represents the eternal self-existent, omnipresent sound which is regarded as the realization of the absolute origin and ultimate end of the cosmos. The syllables (sounds) Bhuh, Bhuvah, Swah correspond to the physical, subtle and astral (causal) domains of existence—- emanated from the supreme cosmic consciousness of the Brham. The ancient philosophical deliberations, practical implications, spiritual aspects and interpretations associated with human psychology—- of each of these syllables as well as the others till the last letter ‘t’ of “prachodayät” have been eloquently analyzed by the author with authentic references and illustrative discussions. The implications of the thousand names of Gäyatrï and the nine layers of different reflections of the expansion of the divine powers of Gäyatrï are also dealt with excellently.
Understanding of the meanings and teachings of each component of the Gäyatrï Mantra strengthens the Sädhaka’s faith and devotion and helps him realize the impact of rhythmic enunciation of the mantra at the levels of gross body, mind and the inner self.
For example, the contextual meaning of the Sanskrit word “prachodayät” is—- educe and elevate the element “dhiyah” (= intellect) towards the righteous path of divine illumination….. Significantly, each letter of this word also offers important guidance to the ideal philosophy of life: “pra” implies—- be strict to yourself and humble to everyone else; this corresponds to cautious self-analysis, refinement of the self and generous and respectful attitude for the others. The letter “cho” indicates the importance of friendship and association with morally refined, wise and duty-bond people; in other words it also reflects the importance of moral thoughts and contemplation on the ideologies of great personalities which support high human values.
The syllable “da” reminds of self-respect and cautions that integrity of character and virtuous development of personality is more important than wealth or power. Here “yä” teaches maintains of affectionate and mutually honorable social relationships and appraises one of his social responsibilities. The last syllable “t” implies the true meaning of religion as—- ” have love and respect for all beings….; do not treat others in a manner in which you would not like or accept to be treated…”. Thus, a single word “prachodayät” itself contains the essence of psychological, social and religious development in a righteous way….
The simplified analysis and explanations of Acharya Sharma make the rather difficult field of literature and philosophy, quite interesting and perspicuous. His expressions seem to carry the force of his inner sentiments for the welfare of every being….and have the power to penetrate our hearts and enlighten our minds with the divine glow of Gäyatrï .
Understanding how the twenty four divine powers subtly ‘contained’ in the Gäyatrï Mantra affect the physical, mental and spiritual domains of life and influence the external world around, ……up to cosmic levels——inspires the Sädhaka to unite his consciousness with the eternal vibrations of the mantra. This in practical terms corresponds to sincere adoption of the teachings implied in the meaning of this mantra and cultivation of all round progress and peace in life. The philosophy of life shaped according to the universal meaning of this mantra is indeed a source of complete success and beatitudeous bliss.
Acharya Sharma has expressed the essence of the meaning of the Gäyatrï Mantra as a universal prayers for collective awakening of the consciousness and divine illumination of human intellect towards the righteous path. May all people be enlightened by the knowledge and afflatus of the great Gäyatrï Mantra and all witness the revival of the divine culture.
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