The Ancient Science of Mantras
There’s the physical aspect of yoga which comprises asanas (postures), pranayama (breath regulation), bandhas (locks), mudras (a movement, gesture or a pose) and kriyas (a sequence of steps). You also have dhyana yoga (the path of meditation and related practices, whether that’s on kundalini, form or the formless), karma yoga (just leading a meaningful life where your primary focus is on doing the right thing with or without any religious beliefs), gyana yoga (acquiring an insight based on study, contemplation, self-inquiry and wisdom) and bhakti yoga (the path of devotion and complete surrender to the Divine Will). Whatever movements Indian gurus started in the last 150 years, regardless of whatever name they gave to their methods, were either a direct derivative of one of these streams or a mix of many. And then you, have mantra yoga which has also been the focus of many traditional masters well versed in the Vedas. Many traditions taught its followers the complete science around one mantra. Some of the new age ones define mantra yoga as the art of meditating on a sound. Mantra yoga, however, is way more than that. It’s an astoundingly deep science with its own framework. Please allow me to speak on this somewhat arcane topic of mantra yoga today. It’s my specialisation, something I’ve spent years and years experimenting. And, a path I find quite rewarding even today. It’s taking the law of attraction to the next level, it’s experiencing samadhi in a way words just can’t explain. I once heard a beautiful story by Swami Rama. His guru had adopted him when he was a five-year-old boy. At the time of initiation, Swami Rama’s guru promised him that he would experience samadhi in 12 years. The young Swami Rama held on to that promise with great hope and expectation. Gradually, 19 years passed in which he assiduously served his guru, but Swami Rama was still deprived of any experience of samadhi. He was 24 years old now. Upset and hurt, he confronted his guru saying that he had already given 19 years and nothing divine had transpired. His guru urged him to practice a bit more, saying that he wasn’t ready yet, but Swami would have none of it. “I’m going to drown myself in the Ganges,” he retaliated. “Oh, in that case,” the guru joked, “make sure you jump with a big rock tied to you so that you are able to carry your resolve even if you change your mind once in water.” “Fine!” And, Swami Rama stormed away. Barely had he reached the door of the cave, his guru called him back. “Come, sit here,” he gestured. “Calm down and repeat after me.” The guru whispered a mantra and Swami Rama repeated the mantra after him. A moment later, he touched him on his forehead and Swami Rama felt himself completely immersed in bliss, then he came out of that experience. “It was beautiful,” Swami Rama said. “But now I’m even more confused.” “I told you, you were not ready.” “Was it the result of my 19 years of sadhana,” Swami asked, “or, what is your touch? If it was my sadhana, then why did you have to touch me and if it was your touch, why on earth did you have me wait 19 years?” The guru smiled. “Silly boy,” he said, “it was neither my touch nor your sadhana.” “Then?” “It was divine grace.” There are 16 critical factors that will ensure your success on the path of mantra yoga. All 16 requisites, however, depend on the singular most important element — grace. Without divine grace, it is impossible to attain siddhi (success). The amount of grace you receive on the path of mantra yoga is directly proportional to how sincerely you fulfill the 16 conditions. They are: Bhakti (devotion) 2. Shudhi (purification) 3. Asana (seat) Panchang Sevan (five types of food) 5. Achara (conduct) Dharana (concentration) 7. Divyadesh Sevan (self-identification) Prana Kriya (breath regulation) 9. Mudra (hand locks) Tarpana (libations) 11. Havan (fire offerings) 12. Bali (sacrifice) Yaag (contemplation and inner worship) 14. Japa (chanting) Dhyana (meditation) and 16. Samadhi (absorption) It may sound a lot but for the sincere practitioner, who continues to practice step-by-step, it all comes together naturally. Bhakti is first for a reason for, it is the most important condition to succeed in mantra yoga. Every educated practitioner asks me one question: why do I need devotion if mantras form a scientific framework? It’s a question even I’ve asked myself at one time. Before I answer this question, I have to ask you whether you believe that Vedic scriptures are true and not a work of fiction. If you have come to believe that our scriptures are mere mythological texts, then mantra yoga will disappoint you completely. Mantra requires that you invest your faith in …
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