Mantras and Tantras
Mantras are sounds - syllables and medleys of syllables. Such sounds, syllables, words, or groups of words are considered capable of "creating transformation". Their uses and types vary - Mantra use is an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within Buddhism too. (118) The Sanskrit word mantra(m), comes from 'man' and 'think' and 'tra' (tools or instruments). Thus, the mantra is the tool of thought. Mantra Japa is repetition of mantra. These ways of repeating the mantra are considered the topmost ones: by thinking; by uninterrupted inner repetition. The effecs of a bija mantra are said to develop more readily in deep meditation. Simply by uttering the Bija [Seed] Mantras that are written in Tantra, one cannot have the greatest results. But if the mind is focused well enough and long enough in a deep, interior state, then the mantra becomes awakened, effective, it is held. (cf. introduction by the First Publisher, p. 128) We hope the beneficial effects of the mantra and how it is used are strong enough to counteract those of routines, company, destinty and whatever. There could also be better ways to solve some situations or tangles we are in, for that matter. There are simple mantras, as those Sivananda shows. (Link] And there are more complex, involved mantras. Many mantras are devised on top of formulas that consist of "building blocks" of standard Sanskrit words and phrases. Such mantras fairly often contains a root mantra that relates to the aim of chanting, or to whose presence is invoked. It could be God!
Namah implies "I honor and salute". Shri denotes success. Jai means victory to, i.e., hail. Phat (start with an f) is said to shoo disturbing influences. According to such a pattern, Aum Shri Ganeshaya Namah involves Om and salutations to the god involved, and that is Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, in this case. There are simpler mantras or ways to use mantras for deep meditation too, and without OM. Transcendental Meditation is ◦well researched.. Mantras serve different ends. Many are for developing the enlightened mind. And here are some by which gurus like Lahiri probably fight – such mantras are at any rate used by yoga magicians, for attaining wealth, long life, and eliminating enemies. I give you some examples from Lahiri's mantra collection right here:
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Mason, Paul. 108 Discourses of Guru Dev: The Life and Teachings of Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Jyotirmath (1941-53). Vol 1. Penzance, Cornwall: Premanand, 2009. Satyeswarananda, Swami, tr. Complete Works of Lahiri Mahasay Vol. III: The Upanisads: The Vedic Bibles. San Diego: The Sanskrit Classics, 1992.
Harvesting the hay
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