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Spiritual practices of Gayatri mantra (Gäyatrï Ki Dainik Evam Vishishta Anusthän Paraka Sädhanäyen): Vangamaya Vol-12
The Indian rishis—- saints, sages and scholars of yore had realized the origin of the presiding power of the universe through absolute devotion and perfect spiritual experiments. They had described the eternal source of time, knowledge, pure intellect, prudence, foresight, creation, welfare and ultimate peace as—- the deity, divine mother Gäyatrï. The eternal source of omnipresent divinity was discovered by them in the form of the Gäyatrï Mantra which is glorified as—- the essence of the Vedas and the origin of the ancient Indian Philosophy and its divine culture.
The Upäsanä (devotional practice with meditation) and Sädhanä (spiritual endeavor of self-elevation) of realization of Gäyatrï are unanimously attributed by the spiritual masters and great saintly personalities of all ages as the perfect sources of purification, escalation and sublime transformation of personality and life as a whole.
The scriptures describe Gäyatrï Upäsana as essential for every human being because, it begins the process of refinement at the level of sentiments and cultivation of true virtues of humanity in every dimension of personality. Be that the righteous development in day to day life, illumination of intellect or spiritual transmutation of the highest kind, it can be accomplished by sincere practice of Gäyatrï Upäsana. The Sädhanä of Gäyatrï is of utmost importance for spiritual evolution as it burns out the past sins and associated intrinsic deficiencies of the sädhaka (devotee).
Gäyatrï has been allegorically referred as a “Kämadhenu”—- a divine ‘cow’, whose ‘milk’ is a nectar of all spiritual powers which removes all agonies, scarcities and weaknesses of life, eliminates the evil effects of sins and bad omen and induces blissful liveliness and absolute enlightenment…..
Gäyatrï Upäsana maintains an ideal balance of the three basic tendencies (gunas) of Nature—- sat, raj and tam in the sädhaka. It gradually increases the presence of sat-guna which educes pure love, compassion, inner strength, eminence and intellectual prosperity and creative talents. It empowers the raj-guna to elevate physical and mental potentials ensuring righteous success in the battle of life against all adversities and complexities of the world. The spiritual refinement initiated by this Sädhaka diminishes the tamoguna and as a result destroys the evil tendencies and malice of character. A true devotee of Gäyatrï can never face any scarcity or adversity in life because of his awaken prudence, inner strength and righteous character.
The illusive propagations of the medieval era and the cynical mentality of the so called masters of religion at that time had brought all kinds of misconceptions in Indian philosophy of yore. Whence the Gäyatrï Mantra was being described as an esoteric mantra which can be ‘taught’ secretly only by some special gurüs (spiritual masters) to a special class of ‘deserving’ devotees…. Similar misinterpretations and superstitions had kept the original science and philosophy of Gäyatrï beyond sight for a long time…. The dedicated efforts of the great saints, social reformers and sagacious spiritual experts like Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya have brought the true knowledge of Gäyatrï in bright light. Acharya Sharma had successfully practised the highest kinds of spiritual endeavors of Gäyatrï Upäsana. He shared his experiences with millions of devotees and propagated the divine knowledge of Gäyatrï in scientific light for the welfare of all beings.
Narrating his own experiences, Acharya Sharma writes that—- “the omnipresent sovereign power of Gäyatrï bestows divine grace on every devotee. In no case, its Upäsana and Sädhanä can ever be harmful or risky. Every human being is free to perform Gäyatrï Upäsana. No one should have any suspicion in this regard. Devoted pursuits of spiritual practices always return blessed effects provided associated disciplines are obeyed sincerely Gäyatrï Sädhanä is more special in the sense that even in the case of some mistake on part of the devotee, there is no possibility of any negative effect or harm…. The divine mother always looks after all her children with immense love and care”.
Commenting on the ‘secret initiation’ of the mantra by the so called ‘gurüs ’, the author says—- “fake gurü’s simply blow air by chanting mantra in the ears of the devotees, while a truly noble gurü (satgurü) inspires the life force of Gäyatrï in the inner self….”. The ideal conjugation of Gäyatrï and satgurü is like a perfect combination of Savitä—- the subtle body of Sun God, the source of absolute prudence, eminence and energy, and Brahaspati—- the divine gurü who guides all manifestations of God.
The first-hand experiences of Gurudev Shri Ram Sharma and his erudite deliberations on the vast knowledge of Gäyatrï are eloquently penned by him in seven volumes of the Vangamaya series. The present volume describes the objectives, disciplines and methods of performing Gäyatrï Sädhanä in detail.
Gurudev Shri Ram Sharma assures that “sincere devotion with purity of sentiments and righteousness of character never goes wrong” quoting Lord Krishna in the holy Gita—-
Nehäbhikrama Näshoasti Pratyavä yo Na Vidyate |
Swalpamupyasya Dharmasya Trä yate Mahatobhayät ||
Meaning: “Dedicated endeavor commenced along the righteous path is never lost; it continues (against all hindrances). It can never bring negative or untoward outcomes. The truth and purity of objective inspired by the inner self protects the serenity of the path. Such an endeavor can not end without auspicious success……”
When every effort devoted to truly religious objectives protects the devotee from severe dangers and fears….., then why should there be any doubt about the success of the great Sädhanä of Gäyatrï which is devoted to collective arousal of the intellect of all beings along the righteous path…?
The Upäsanä of Gäyatrï can be performed daily by meditation on rising sun and japa (rhythmic enunciation) of the Gäyatrï Mantra for a fixed duration of time. Austerity, purity of body, thoughts and sentiments, regularity of time and place, etc., are some simple disciplines required to be followed here. Mental recitation and contemplation on the Gäyatrï Mantra can be continued throughout the day whenever and wherever calmness and concentration of mind can be maintained naturally. Practice of the above kind could also be pursued by writing this mantra a fixed number of times every day.
The higher level Sädhanä (called Anusthäna) of Gäyatrï include—- Laghu Anusthäna of 9 days, Anusthäna of 40 days and Purascharana of one to several years. These involve specific number of japas of the Gäyatrï Mantra and gradually higher levels of ascetic disciplines. Details of each type of Upäsanä and Sädhanä of Gäyatrï are presented in this volume. The prescribed äsanas (siting postures), types of rosaries, number of japas, best timings and methods of Upäsanä and meditation, requirement of noble gurü, modes of commencement and completion, observance of essential disciplines of chastity, fasting, altruist service….., etc.——all are explained here in great detail with illustrations leaving no room for any doubt…. Excerpts from ancient scriptures and views of authentic spiritual masters are also cited with elaborate discussions.
The method of Pragyä Yoga——a special practice of yoga and Gäyatrï Sädhanä , is also presented in this volume. The method was introduced by Gurudev Shri Ram Sharma in 1980 for mass implementation—- keeping in mind the attitudes and mode of life in the modern times. Every body can practice it without any difficulty or major adjustment in his or her busy routine and can benefit from the boons of Gäyatrï Upäsanä.
The author’s adept guidance offered in this comprehensive volume would teach the readers how to proceed with Gäyatrï Upäsanä and would also give necessary support at every step in marching towards the ultimate Sädhanä of Gäyatrï Purascharana…. May this nectar of eternal knowledge inspire all minds and hearts and enlighten every life by the divine blessings of Gäyatrï.
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