Hari
OM
Monday is AUM-day; in search of meditation.
By
turning your eyes on God in meditation, your whole soul will be filled with
God. Begin all your prayers in the presence of God.
(St Frances de Sales)
Prayer
acts as a focus upon the Higher. Prayer, as such, implies a deity. At the very
least, an energetic influence to which we can turn for solace and guidance. It
is powerful and cathartic. However, not everyone can accept the concept of a
pontifical being to whom one must make supplication. In this case, an alternative is जप/japa.
This involves the repetition of a mantra.
Prayer
lends it self to the externalisation of spiritual need. Its power lies
strongest where it is utilised in groups, congregations, and its effects are
often profound. The sense of unity it
brings and the love it engenders are treasures indeed.
Japa
expands the internal focus. For this reason it is also a useful tool in
meditational practice as a solitary being. It can help still the mind and give
a defined set of thoughts in order to keep all else at bay; it can help
activate the mind after quiet time, to bring balance before going out into the
world once more.
Prayer is
made for oneself or on others' behalf, with expectation of some response,
however subtle. Japa is performed
without need or expectation.
Anyone who
has ventured at all down the paths of meditation or physical yoga will have
heard about मन्त्राः/mantraaH, the Sanskrit
chantings of many and varied lengths and each attributed certain powers, like
alchemical formulae. At advanced levels, there are certainly some bases for
these apparent myths and rumours. To pursue mantras as if they will act like
spells and potions to life's ills, though, is error indeed.
The power
lies within the focus achieved by the chanter. Single-pointedness alone is the
magic!
Sanskrit
language itself has a quality like no other.
Every अक्षर/akshara (letter) has a
tone, a balance and an effect. This is why there are mantras which no one but
the most advanced and skilled sadhus undertake. The sum of the akshara-s will
often be powerful beyond all expectation - think of the plain chants of the
ancient Christian monks and how the combination of tones can draw you in, raise
you up and leave you elated and calmed. Then multiply by ten…
All
beginners and all non-initiates of the tradition have one mantra which can be
used without hesitation or fear, though.
Yes it is
the beloved A-U-M.
SAADHANA
Revisit
the articles on A-U-M given earlier. Be
sure that all is understood. Ask your questions if not! Look for, or make,
a माला/maalaa - a string with either 27, 54 or 108 beads on
it. This is not essential, but can aid
the process well. It is quite possible that you will be able to obtain one
online; if you do this, look for one made of 'tulsi' beads. Be not caught up in 'shopping' and whether rudraksha woud be 'better'... all novitiates begin with tulsi or a simple string, which has been tied with knots in it, with a
quarter inch between each knot. There is one at the 'head' (सुमेरु/sumeru) making 109 in total - this one is not touched during japa. More will be explained next week.
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