PATANJALI YOGA
Patanjali is regarded as a divine incarnation of the serpent Anantha, who is revered as the ‘supporter of the whole universe’. He is the Adhisesha of Lord Mahavishnu.
It is believed that on instructions from a great teacher, Patanjali identified all the teachings in the Vedas about the mind and presented them in a precise and organized form called
‘yoga’.
Patanjali’s yoga system aims to unite the individual self with the Supreme One. According to Patanjali, one can attain this union by controlling and eliminating the ever- arising
‘vrittis’ or modifications of the mind. He also suggests that the mind, in turn, can be controlled through the right kind of discipline and training.
Patanjali says that there are basic obstacles pervading the mind that are not conducive to yoga practice. He divides these obstacles into two groups:
1. Antarayas (intruders in the path of yoga)
2. Viksepasahabhuvah (co-existing with mental distraction)
There are nine Antarayas. They are:
1. Vyadhi (physical disease)
2. Styana (mental laziness)
3. Samsaya (doubt)
4. Pramada (heedlessness)
5. Alasya (physical laziness)
6. Avirati (detachment)
7. Bhrantidarsana (false perception)
8. Alabdha- bhumikatva (non-attainment of yogic states)
9. Anavasthitatva (falling away from yogic states attained)
Vyadhi means physical disease and is the first obstacle to the practice of yoga. If the body is inflicted with disease, it has to be cured and restored to a healthy state. Disease causes disturbance in the mind and makes it impossible to practice yoga or, for that matter, any other form of physical discipline.
Styana refers to mental laziness. This trait in the human psyche makes one desirous of the fruits of action without the required effort. Discrimination and will power should be cultivated to do away with mental laziness. Discrimination helps us to understand the benefits of yogic disciplines.
Samsaya means doubt. When one tries to control the mind, doubts arise. The mind does not know the benefits of concentration. Therefore, faith in oneself, the spiritual teacher and holy books is essential. Faith is necessary to dispel doubt.
Pramada means heedlessness. If one is heedless to cultivate virtues and follow truth, then the practice of yoga is not possible. Lack of vigil will lead to a steep fall in spiritual life.
Alasya or physical laziness (sloth) will attract ills like poverty. One should involve oneself in healthy activities to overcome such laziness.
Avirati refers to detachment. To practice yoga, the mind should be purified of material desires and a sense of detachment should be cultivated.
Bhrantidarsana or false perception leads to self-conceit. This trait is not good for anyone who is keen to practice yogic disciplines.
Alabdha bhumikatva means non-attainment of yogic states due to evil tendencies in our personality. These should be recognized and eliminated by dispassionate and deep introspection. Otherwise, progress is hindered.
Anavasthitatva means falling away from yogic states after reaching them. A person who has reached a lofty mental state can slide to a slow ruin, with just one base action. So, actions leading to a downfall have to be obliterated.
VIKSEPASAHABHUVAH
This is the second group of obstacles and they coexist with mental distractions.
Dukha means sorrow and suffering that inflicts the human mind. A disturbed state of mind makes it impossible to practice yoga.
Daurmanasya refers to disappointment caused due to non-fulfillment of desires and ambition. This leads to disturbance in the mind. So, one should develop discrimination to overcome this.
Angamejayatva means restlessness of the limbs. When discrimination and will power are not exercised to subdue disturbances in the mind, caused by sorrow and disappointment, the mind becomes agitated. This affects the nervous system which manifests as physical restlessness.
Svasa and prasvasa mean forcible inhalation and exhalation. This causes disturbances in the practice of pranayama. Controlled breathing or a balance in breathing exerts a calming influence in the mind.
All these impediments can be removed through meditation and devotion to God; this will pave the way for self-realization.
Meditation
According to Patanjali, meditation helps to control the mental modifications or vrittis. It is only when the vrittis are eliminated that the true self is revealed.
Vrittis are classified into five types.
1. Pramana- true cognition
2. Viparyaya- false cognition
3. Vikalpa - verbal cognition
4. Nidra - deep sleep
5. Smriti - memory
Pramana constitutes pratyaksha (direct perception), anumana (inference) and agama (verbal testimony).
Viparyaya means wrong knowledge of things and this includes doubts also.
Vikalpa arises when one hears a word without any corresponding reality.
Nidra or sleep is a mental state, which signifies dreamless sleep.
Smriti or memory is the reproduction of experiences.
Apart from controlling vrittis, obstacles to yoga practice should also be removed. Guidance from a guru, prayer, and self-analysis helps to eradicate deep-rooted evil tendencies of the mind.
Eight steps of yoga
1. Yama (restraint)
2. Niyama (culture)
3. Asana (posture)
4. Pranayama(control of psychic prana)
5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses)
6. Dharana (fixed attention)
7. Dhyana (meditation)
8. Samadhi (perfect concentration resulting in super consciousness)
Meditation on Brahman alone is considered the highest of all actions. As your meditation practice develops, you will become aware about yourself and this highest of human endeavors.
Vashishta Yoga
Yoga Vashishta is the earliest scripture about yoga. It is purported to have been
imparted by the vedic sage, Vashishta to his royal disciple Lord Rama, the hero of
Ramayana. In this scripture, sage Vashishta gives spiritual instructions to Lord Rama. Vashishta, the wisest of the sages in his remarkable work called Vashishta Ramayana or Yoga Vashishta explains to Lord Rama about the illusory nature of the world and shows him the path of the supreme spirit.
Sage Vashishta explains the doctrine of Vedanta in the form of stories and illustrations to his pupil, Rama. Through the narratives, the sage shows the best means to attain wisdom and happiness.
Yoga Vashishta consists of 32,000
slokas. The text is in the form of questions and answers between the pupil, Rama and the teacher, sage Vashishta. The questions raised by Lord Rama, that fill the text, pertains to the problems of human existence, life and death, suffering, and the way to happiness. The sage clarifies these in the form of stories that contain deep metaphysical truths. The whole treatise is in the form of poetry.
Vashishta declares that the scripture benefits those who have become detached to material existence and long for the realization of truth.
It is divided into six sections
1. Dispassion
2. Aspiration
3. Origin
4. Existence
5. Quiescence
6. Liberation
Each section is a revelation of the profound truths of Vedanta, explained in an easy- to-understand manner.
Essence of Yoga Vashishta
Yoga Vashishta is a systematic guide to attain wisdom. Wisdom develops with reading of the scriptures and keeping the company of virtuous people.
Vashishta says dispassion arises, when one ponders about, "Who am I?" with perseverance, undaunted even in adversity. This reflection is a great medicine for the prolonged disease of worldly existence, leading to a radical reversal of consciousness. It is important for a seeker to be detached from the fruits of his actions.
Destroying the latent mental impressions or
vasanas (the impressions left on the mind by past good or bad actions that produce joy or sorrow) is a requisite for liberation. The river of mental impressions flowing through good and bad channels should be directed toward the good path, which requires great human effort. Again, if the disposition of the mind is bad, whatever the degree, it needs to be conquered by persistent effort.
The mind being the source of all action and suffering should be brought under control. To allay the excitement of the mind and attain bliss is the goal of yoga. In this step, the yogi realizes that the mind itself is pure consciousness.
When the seeker evolves, he realizes that he is nothing but pure consciousness. In the next state, he realizes that only pure consciousness exists and the rest is just a dream. All states of the mind are achieved through intense practice of meditation and divine grace.
Vashishta says, "He who considers the world as unreal is never subject to joy or sorrow. It is only the ignorant who are elated or depressed at one or the other."
Reference
Essence of yoga Vashishta- Jnanananda Bharathi
The yoga Vashishta Maharamayana of Valmiki- vihari lala mithra
Yoga Vashishta - Swami Sivananda
“
The practice of Kundalini yoga balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous
system and enables us harness the energy of the mind and the emotions, so we can be in control of
ourselves, rather than being controlled by our thoughts and feelings.” –
Yogi Bhajan
Kundalini yoga is the yoga of consciousness.
Kundalini is the dormant, spiritual
energy that lies coiled up like a serpent, at the base of our spine. It is the energy of
consciousness, within each human being.
Kundalini yoga awakens our soul and is a profound
inner experience.
Kundalini is the storehouse of psychic energy. This energy has to be awakened, as it is an
essential part of self-realization. When awakened, this Shakti (energy) uncoils and ascends the
spinal column, also called ‘Sushumna’, to merge with the top of the head ‘Sahasrara’. This is the
spiritual state. The ultimate goal of yoga is the awakening of this energy such that it merges
with the absolute.
Prayer to Goddess Kundalini in the words of Swami Sivananda
“O Divine Mother
Kundalini, the divine cosmic energy that is hidden in men! Thou art Kali,
Durga, Adhisakthi, Rajarajeshwari, Tripurasundari, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati! Thou hast put on
all these names and forms. Thou hast manifested as prana, electricity, force, magnetism,
cohesion, gravitation in this universe. This whole universe rests in thy bosom. Crores of
salutations unto thee, O mother of this world! Lead me on to open the Sushumna nadi and take thee
along the chakras to Sahasrara chakra and to merge myself in thee and thy consort, Lord Siva.”
Prerequisites An aspirant who wishes to awaken the energy of
kundalini should
indulge in self-introspection and ensure that the mind is focused. The aspirant must possess all
the sattwic qualities. Satsanga, seclusion, diet control, good manners, good character,
determination, perseverance etc. form the strong foundation of yogic life. Regular exercise, high
quality food, regular sleep patterns, healthy relationships with other people are other habits
that an aspirant must maintain.
Benefits of Kundalini Yoga
- It keeps the body and mind strong
- It increases oxygen capacity
- It helps to boost the flow of blood
- It balances the glandular system
- It strengthens the nervous system
- It creates self-awareness and vitality that helps gain mental and emotional energy;
Ultimately peace of mind, concentration, deep inner calm and self-confidence fills the
being.
Awakening of kundalini in stages
- Prana usually flows in ida and Pingala
- Prana is made to flow in ida and Pingala
- Prana is made to flow in sushumna
- Kundalini energy is awakened
- Kundalini is guided upwards
- It rises to Sahasrara
Kundalini yoga aids in the discovery of the prana source, (the basic life current) in the
body and teaches us how to use it. Prana or the life force is carried to all parts of the body by
72,000 currents or nadis that flow in the body.
Important Nadis
When we study kundalini, we need to know of the three important nadis. They are Ida,
Pingala and Sushumna Nadi.
- Ida and Pingala cross over the spinal column and the back a number of times.
- The Ida nadi passes the left nostril
- The Pingala nadi passes the right nostril
Ida represents the cool energy of the moon while Pingala represents the hot energy of the sun.
The nadis meet at the points in the spine known as Chakras. The sushumna originates from the base
of the spine where the three nadis meet and travels up the center of the spine to the top of the
head. This center at the base of the spine is called the seat of the kundalini and is the
place where the kundalini energy is dormant.
Kundalini when awakened passes through Sushumna nadi through various chakras. They are:
1.Muladhara
2.Swadhisthana
3.Manipura
4.Anahata
5.Vishudha
6.Ajna
7.Sahasrara
When kundalini passes on from chakra to chakra, the mind opens up and the sadhaka or the
practitioner enters into higher realms of consciousness. Samadhi results when kundalini is
raised to the Sahasrara and merges with Lord Siva.
Prana flows along the centers of the spine unhindered except if blocked by impurities. Normally
prana cannot reach Sushumna but only flows through the Ida and Pingala nadi. The way prana flows
in the body has direct consequences on our state of mind. The free flow of prana in the Sushumna
is not normally possible because something hinders the flow. A coiled snake, the
Kundalini, symbolizes this block.
Ida and Pingala can be directed to flow evenly by following breath-balancing exercises like
alternate nostril breathing.
Pranayama for awakening Kundalini
- Fix your mind on the Muladhara chakra or root chakra at the base of the spine. This is the
seat of kundalini energy.
- By gently closing the right nostril with the right thumb, inhale through the left nostril to
the count of three or say 'Om'.
- Retain the breath for a count of twelve 'Om' by closing the left nostril.
- Visualise a current and send it down to the root chakra to awaken the
kundalini.
- Then slowly exhale through the right nostril to the count of 6 'Om'.
- In this pranayama, one must fix the concentration on the Muladhara chakra.
- This pranayama will gradually awaken the kundalini
- Do this pranayama thrice in the morning and repeat it in the evening too.
Even practice of Hatha yoga balances the flow of Ida and Pingala current.
Prana should be directed to flow in the Sushumna Nadi. Causing prana to flow in Sushumna nadi is
the most essential preparation for awakening the kundalini power.
Ida and Pingala current flow along the spine with Ida along the left side and Pingala along the
right side. Sushumna courses through the chakras between the Ida and Pingala. Both Ida and
Pingala current converge at the space between the eyebrows, the Ajna chakra.
Meditation on the Ajna chakra helps balance the Ida and Pingala current. Focusing the attention
of the mind on the flow of breath from the nostrils causes prana to flow in the Sushumna. This is
one of the vital steps in the inner journey towards the awakening of
Kundalini energy.
Techniques to awaken the kundalini:
- Physical: Asanas, mudras and bandhas
- Breath: Pranayama with bandhas and kumbhaka
- Meditation: When the degree of concentration increases, it results in Samadhi.
- Mantra: The subtle vibrations that help awaken the kundalini energy.
Kundalini is now raised upwards. Once the kundalini is awakened, it has to be
guided through the Sushumna, along each of the chakras to the Sahasrara or the crown
chakra.
When kundalini is awakened, it passes on from Muladhara to Sahasrara through all the
chakras. The yogi enjoys supreme bliss when kundalini is taken to Sahasrara chakra or the crown
chakra. This union is the essence of yoga and signifies the union of Shakthi with her Shiva.
References
www.kundaliniyoga.org
www.dlshq.org
www.3ho.org
www.sanatansociety.org
www.swamij.com
www.abc-of-yoga.com/
Tantra Yoga
The objective of Tantra yoga is to awaken the Kundalini located at the base of the spine. It aims to achieve perfect unity between this energy center and the crown chakra, also called Lord Shiva. A state of perfect harmony can be reached through constant practice that involves chanting the holy name, offering prayers and engaging in various rituals.
Swami Gnaneshwara Bharati, has embodied the tenets of tantra yoga in these words: “The journey of tantra is to know them both (Shiva and Shakthi), at once, as one. Through the process of Kundalini awakening, the two are eventually experienced in their state of union". Rightly then, the goal of Tantra Yoga is the union of the dynamic (Shakti) and static (Shiva) aspects of the personality.
It is recommended to pick up the nuances of Tantra yoga from a guru or preceptor. Tantra practice or sadhana involves:
- Bhuta Suddhi (tantric rite)- which helps to purify the five elements of which the body is composed. The body of the person practising it (sadhaka’s) becomes a fit vehicle to receive the light of the goddess.
- Nyasa (a powerful tantric rite) involves placing the tips of the fingers of the right hand on various parts of the body and reciting mantras.
- Kavacha (means protection) – The Supreme Lord is invoked with different names to protect the different parts of the body of the aspirant.
- Mudra – They are gestures performed by the hands, consisting of 108 mudras. Mudras delight the different deities invoked and an appropriate gesture is made to welcome a particular deity.
- Yantra – It is a diagram drawn on paper or a metal sheet and revered as an object of worship. Yantra is considered as the body of the deity and is appropriated to a specific deity only. The yantra is empowered with divine energy when the practitioner or sadhaka meditates upon the deity and invokes the powers of the deity into the yantra by reciting the appropriate chants or mantra that are vital to kindle the powers of the deity.
The essence of Tantra Yoga reverberates in the words of Soundarya Lahiri, which says, “only when Shiva is united with Shakthi does he have the power to create.”
Therapeutic Aspect of Tantra Yoga
Tantra Yoga focuses on spiritual healing. It helps in better utilization of energies locked in our lower chakras. This will eventually empower us to lead our daily lives efficiently.
What is Laya Yoga?
Laya yoga is an ancient form of meditation, with concentration on energy centers or chakras. Sage Gorakshnatha, an ancient sage of Nepal, and a disciple of Matsyendranath is the founder of Laya yoga. There are five main energy centers in the spine and two in the head. Laya yoga attempts to locate these energy centers and channelize them through meditation.
Laya essentially means to dissolve all Karmic patterns or conditioning and merge into the transcendental reality. It also means deep concentration and making an effort to obliterate the ego, thereby rising to a higher state of consciousness, called Turiya.
Essence of Laya Yoga
Laya yoga involves techniques of meditation that cause the energy or Prana to move in certain ways, to awaken the Kundalini, the coiled up energy at the base of the spine. Laya yoga channelizes the energy forces in the Kundalini instead of merely controlling the mind. It is important that the Kundalini is activated through performance of asanas, practice of pranayama and making a conscious effort to guide this awakened energy in the spine and allowing it to immerse in the crown chakra.
The ultimate goal of laya yoga is to attain supreme consciousness through pranayama and breath control; it is a method to prevent fluctuations of the mind.
Therapeutic Aspect of Laya Yoga
The practice of laya yoga cleanses the mind and body. It uplifts the consciousness of the seeker. As most people live only on three levels of consciousness- material, egoistic and sensual- laya yoga opens us to higher levels of consciousness. It teaches the seeker to locate the different centers of the spine and meditate on them, thereby transforming the consciousness.
References:
www.layayoga.com
www.himavanti.org
www.yogaworld.org
www.123himachal.com
www.chakrayoga.com
www.real-yoga.com
www.yoga.com
www.yogausa.com
What is Nada Yoga?
The word ‘Nada’ comes from the Sanskrit word, ‘Nad’, which essentially signifies sound. It also means ‘flow’ and in this context would relateto the flow of consciousness. Nadam resonates to the sound of ‘Om’, which is the primordial energy. Nada yoga is an exercise invoking a union with God, through sound or music.
In Nada yoga, the aspirant focuses his attention on the anahata nada or the inner sound. The focus should be on the sound produced within the human body and not on any external vibration. The practitioner
experiences a feeling of stillness, which instills an ability to
reconnect with the soul or the ‘atman’.
Yogis extol the ten inner astral sounds along with the supreme sound of ‘Om.’ Nada yoga assists in tuning ourselves to all the astral sounds, ultimately immersing oneself with the cosmic sound, ‘Om’; perhaps the reason why the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali say that mantra Om is “the sound that expresses the divine absolute, which should be repeatedly intoned while absorbing its meaning.”
In nada yoga practice, we start by merely observing the sound around us and then cultivating awareness to them.
Types of Nada Yoga:
These are four types of Nadas
1. Vaikhari – audible sound
2. Madhyama – mental sound, unstruck sound
3. Pashyanta – a subconscious sound
4. Paranada – transcendent sound
Among the four Nadas, Para Nada is endowed with the highest frequency
that produces nil vibration. The cosmic ‘Om’ is Paranada, full of pure energy and light. Nada yoga helps in raising the awareness of the self and experiencing the profound inner layers. The essence of Nada Yoga is summed up in the words of Sankaracharya,, “By one, who is desirous of attaining perfection in yoga, Nada alone has got to be closely heard (meditated upon), having abandoned all thoughts and with a calm mind.”
Therapeutic Aspect of Nada Yoga
This yoga alleviates the problems relating to the mind. It calms the
mind and raises one’s level of consciousness. Nada or sound exerts a
powerful influence on ones mind. It brings about a healthy state of
consciousness in an individual. A sense of joy, harmony, flexibility
and fulfillment develops. The potency of sound promotes relaxation,
relieves ailments from aches and pains. It also reduces the anxiety
that accompanies chemotherapy. The vibrations lower the heart rate,
relax the brain wave patterns and reduce respiratory rates.
References:
www.frankperry.co.uk
www.crystallotus.com
www.indiaforvisitors.com
www.russillpaul.com
www.shantishivani.com
www.scan-yoga.org
What is Swara Yoga?
Swara Yoga is an ancient science that existed even before the Vedic
period. It is believed to be a secret science revealed to sages and
saints by the Divine. Swara is the science of nasal breathing, which
means ‘sound’ or musical note in Sanskrit and signifies the continuous flow of breath through the nostril.
This form of yoga is an ancient tantra science, aiding a realization of the cosmic consciousness through a systematic study of the flow of
breath. Swara yoga demonstrates that the flow of breath dominates each nostril alternately and regularly. The flow of breath changes from one nostril to the other periodically, thus balancing the entire system, which is the key objective of Swara Yoga.
Swara Yoga establishes the relationship between the dominance of breath and the different activities of the body and the personality. The flow of breath at regular intervals indicates a pattern and a rhythm that affects the physical and mental states. Swara Yoga pays attention not only to the quantity of the breath through each nostril, but also it’s position in the nostril, direction of swirl, degree of coarseness and many other characteristics.
Science of Swara Yoga
It was believed in ancient times that by learning to read the breath
and manipulate it, we would be capable of maintaining harmony with the outer and inner world. The breath should be allowed to flow evenly; when the breath is balanced, there is a shift in consciousness.
The breath that flows in the right is ‘Pingala’ and the left is ‘Ida’.
The left signifies an association with the lunar while the right is
solar. The nose is in direct contact with the hypothalamus of the brain and through the sensory nerves is connected to subtle nerves or the nadis. The key technique of Swara Yoga is to influence the nadis, which carry prana current to all parts of the body.
The planetary movements and cycles of the moon affect the dominant flow of breath in each nostril. Swara yoga helps to prevent physical and psychological problems by checking and controlling the nostril dominance in sync with the moon cycles and planetary movement. We can
apply Swara Yoga
- To win friends, overcome enemies
- Gain wealth, prosperity, popularity
- Achieve sound physical, mental and spiritual health
- For yoga and meditation
Acts to be performed when left swara is active
- All auspicious acts
- Purchase jewellery, clothes, etc
- Treat incurable disease
- Undertake journey
Acts to be performed when right swara is active
- Eating
- Destroying enemies
- Work requiring extreme dynamism
- Physical Work
Types of Swara Yoga
1. Ida nadi or left swara
2. Pingale nadi or right swara
3. Sushumna or third swara
Left Swara – This refers to the breath flow in the left nostril and is on the left side of the spinal cord. It represents the lunar energy.
Right Swara – This refers to the breath through the right nostril and represents the solar energy.
Third Swara (“Sushumna”) – It represents Shiva. It is located at the center of the spinal cord. This swara is active when the left and right swara flow in unison.
Therapeutic Aspect of Swara Yoga
Various norms of swara yoga and dietary rules help in the prevention of diseases. Intake of meals during surya swara helps in digestion and avoids digestive disorder. There must be moderation in diet and observance of sequence while taking food i.e, sweet articles should be taken first, sour and saline in middle and pungent and astringent lastly. One must avoid intake of cold potency food articles when surya swara is active. This prevents digestive disorders and respiratory disorders. Taking bath during surya swara prevent common colds, arthritis, digestive disorders etc.
References:
www.swarayoga.org
www.sanatasociety.org
www.yogapoint.org
www.deccanherald.com
www.livewithyoga.net
Submitted by: Mrs. Uma
Edited by: Mrs. Savitha
KRIYA YOGA
Kriya Yoga is a science that uses the flow of breaths to oxygenate the body and make it fit for meditation. Signifying action, kriya yoga is a meditation technique of energy control, also called Pranayama. This ancient technique was revived in India in 1861.It was passed on by the great yogi Mahavatar Babaji to his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya, in the Himalayas.
Swami Yogananda became the leader of modern kriya yoga that is a concentrated approach to self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. It is a time-tested method to realize the innate spiritual nature, develop rational thinking, achieve emotional balance, promote physical health and live a life of purpose.
Influences on the mind -body- soul
The all pervading power of the life-force or prana flowing through the body and the influence of kriya yoga in balancing this energy is lucidly explained in The Bhagawad Gita by Lord Krishna. He says, "offering inhaling breath into the outgoing breath, and offering the outgoing breath into the inhaling breath, the yogi neutralizes both the breaths. When he does so, the yogi releases the life force from the heart and brings it under his control."
Sage Patanjali drawing on the goodness of this form of yoga says, "Kriya yoga consists of body discipline, mental control and meditation. Liberation can be accomplished by that pranayama which is attained by disjoining the course of inspiration and expiration".
The practice of Kriya yoga ensures growth on a physical, mental and spiritual level, bringing about a transformation. The brain cells are energized and rejuvenated, enhancing memory power. Control over the emotions is a crucial outcome of kriya yoga, achieved by the regulation of the neurons in the nerves. A sincere practice of kriya yoga clears the pathway leading to the divine power within.
References:
www.kriyayoga.org.nz
www.thehomefoundation.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.kriyayoga.org.uk
www.ananda.org
www.yoganiketan.net
Submitted by: Mrs. Uma
Edited by: Mrs. Savitha
MANTRA YOGA
The word mantra comes from the Sanskrit, “mantrana”, meaning
suggestion. Mantras are sacred, potent words, which yield tremendous
results in the physical, mental and spiritual levels, when chanted with concentration and devotion.
Mantra yoga is an exact science where the mantras are signposts to the wandering mind, steering it to an ambient poise for meditation.
Repetition of mantras completely engages the mind, offering a means of getting closer to the divinity within. Chanting of mantras produces positive vibrations, bringing benefits to the one who chants as well as the one who listens.
By constant repetition of the mantra, the aspirant absorbs the power of the presiding deity in the mantra. Chanting of mantras generate potent divine vibrations. They help fill the cells of the aspirant with the divine energy. They destroy the microbes and restore strength to the cells and tissues.
Tradition says that there are 70 million mantras. The ancient text,
Yoga-Yajnavalkya says that a whispered mantra is a thousand times more beneficial than a spoken one, a mental mantra is a thousand times more beneficial than a whispered one and finally meditating on a mantra is a thousand times more beneficial than its silent recitation.
The aspect of ‘Japa’ in mantra yoga
Repetition of mantras is called japa. Every mantra is a symbol of the
supreme divinity and when chanted, helps to gain access to the
transcendental realms of absolute reality.
A mantra has 6 parts:
- Includes a religious teacher or rishi to whom the mantra is
first disclosed. The teacher is instrumental in enabling the mantra to the world.
- The mantra has a metre, which governs the voice, making it
imperative to be recited the way it should be.
- Each mantra has a presiding deity.
- Each mantra has a bija or seed, which accords a special power
to the mantra. Bija is the essence of the mantra.
- Each Mantra is inherent with energy or sakthi. The vibrations
carry the man to the deity that is invoked in the mantra.
- Each Mantra has a kilaka or pillar, pin or plug. By constant
repetition of the mantra, this pin or plug is removed and the devotee
gets a glimpse of the presiding deity.
Chanting of mantras brings the aspirant into blissful union with the
Lord. Mantra repetition evokes god-consciousness in the purified mind
and becomes the direct cause for union with god.
MANTRA YOGA
TYPES OF JAPA
MANASIKA JAPA - Mental repetition of the mantra is called manasika japa.
VAIKHARI JAPA – Mantra when chanted loud and verbally to shut out all worldly sounds is called vaikhari japa.
UPAMSHU JAPA – Mechanical repetition of a mantra without any feeling also has a great purifying effect on the mind. This is upamshu japa.
LIKHITA JAPA – This is called mantra writing. When one writes a mantra, it is important to observe silence , which helps develop the power of concentration.
Important things to remember when practicing japa
- Pay careful attention to the speed and rhythm of chanting.
- Pronounce correctly and undertstand the esoteric meaning
of the mantra.
- Practice japa at the same time every day.
References:
www.yogaworld.org
www.sanatansociety.org
www.dlshq.org
www.yogapoint.com
www.yoga-age.com
www.yogajournal.com
Submitted by: Mrs. Uma
Edited by: Mrs. Savitha
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