Mantra Yoga

Mantra Yoga: A Path to Connecting to the Source

The whole universe originated from sound frequency. Sound has a particular significance in attaining mental tranquility by focusing on it while detaching the mind from external disturbances.

Mantra yoga, an ancient spiritual practice, focuses on the profound connection between sound and the self. It employs the repetition of sacred syllables to produce a stimulus within us, focusing on which we reach a higher meditative state that further helps us awaken our inner potential and elevate our consciousness.

Significance of Mantra Yoga

|| Mananāt trāyatē iti, mantrah ||

The manana (constant thinking or meditation) of which one is liberated from the cycle of births and deaths is Mantra.

The significance of mantra yoga lies in the connection between sound and the chakras (energy centers in our body). Mantras originate from the Kundalini energy and resonate within these chakras. As specific sounds are associated with certain chakras, when sounds are produced along with mindful breathing, the respective chakras are stimulated.

Chakras can be seen as lotuses containing 50 syllables of Sanskrit as Beeja mantra within their petals. As the yogi meditates upon the petals, the echoes of the sound produced resonate twentyfold within the Sahasrara, the crown chakra. The symbolic thousand petals of Sahasrara represent the culmination of this reverberation.

The Four Stages of the Pranava Mantra

Pranavam is ‘prakarshena navam’, which means always or ever new. Pranava mantra Om is the foundation of all mantras. This primordial sound is said to make all the other mantras active and energized. Pranavam develops in four stages, as given below.

• Para: A subtle sound or urge originating at the base chakra, Mooladhara.

• Pashyanti: As the urge strengthens, the sound moves from the navel or Manipura chakra.

• Madhyama: When the emotions are combined, this sound causes vibrations in the Anahata chakra.

• Vaikhari: This is the ultimate audible sound that moves from the Anahata to the Vishudhi chakra.

Different types of Swaras

Mantra recitation also incorporates three distinct Swaras, which, when used to recite the mantras, give maximum benefits.

Swaritham: The letter with Swaritha Swaram should be recited at a higher pitch.

Udhatham: The letter with Udhatrha swaram should be recited in normal pitch.

Anudhatham: The letter with Anudhatha swaram should be recited in a lower pitch.

Two types of Mantras

Mantras fall into two categories: Beeja mantras and Mala mantras.

Beeja mantras: These are powerful, condensed sounds that evoke specific deities or objects.

Mala mantras: These consist of longer verses exceeding 32 syllables. With dedicated repetition, these are said to offer Mantra siddhi.

Interestingly, most mantras, excluding Beeja mantras, are crafted mathematically using specific meters called Chandass. Reciting mantras following their designated Chandass enhances their effectiveness.

Practice of Japam

The Japam, or mantra recitation, can be performed in three ways:

• Vāchikam: Chanting the mantra aloud.

• Upānshu: A more subtle chanting with only lip movement.

• Mānasa: This is an intense practice involving silent, mental recitation.

Manasa Japam is the method, as it facilitates a deep connection between the mind and the mantra.

Conclusion

Mantra recitation will be most powerful when the sound, breath, and form are aligned. Simply uttering syllables is not mantra yoga.

Mantra yoga acts like a bridge, aiding us in transcending the restrictions of our senses and connecting with the very source of our being. The continuous repetition of mantras in the prescribed manner, along with mindful breathing, causes reverberations in each cell, which transforms the whole being into that state. This is a state of inner peace that can no longer be swayed by the turbulence of the external world.