This article on Mantra upasana is based on the lecture given by Shri Vidyapeeth Jadgadguru His Holiness Shri Shri Ramkrishnananda Saraswati during a satsang.
The following questions were posed during the satsang.
Question 1: What is meant by Mantra? Is it necessary to have upadesh for reciting them? Can one and all recite them?
Answer given by Sage:
Mantras help us to calm our mind (thoughts), which is always in a turmoil with various thoughts (problems).
Mantras are based on sound waves spread across the space (sky). The rishis who were able to grasp them, passed them on to the others. Hence we have to remember that they were not written by anyone. The Maharishis grasped them by Shruti (listening or hearing) and gave it to the others by Smruti (memory). As they were given with a pure mind (mana), they are known as Mantra.
It is very important to note that mantras have to be recited with exact pronunciation and tone, as the sound is more important than the words. If there is a mistake in recitation, the results may be opposite to what they are meant for. Hence, to recite them properly, in the correct tone and pronunciation, it is essential to have a Guru. A Guru always evaluates a person before giving a Mantra-upadesh. Upadesh has to be obtained in a proper manner from the Guru, only then it becomes beneficial for the Guru as well as the Shishya (disciple).
That is why, rules are laid down as to who should be given an upadesh and how it should be given. There is no other ulterior motive behind framing the rules.
Reciting Mantras in a temple under a Bilva tree or Tulsi plant is considered to be the best place for reciting mantras.
Question 2: What is the difference between ordinary (puranic) mantras and Beej-Mantras? Is it correct to use these mantras to achieve certain benefits?
Answer given by Sage:
Beej-aksharas are seeds of Mantras. When a mantra is recited by uniting with a beej-akshara, they generate/create/activate waves or ripples in our mind. For example, the beej-mantra 'Om' indicates body and 'Kreem' indicates the mind.
Om activates Mooladhara chakra and cleans our body. It makes us (our mind) suitable (amenable) for the spiritual path. Hence it is necessary to recite mantras by uniting with Beej-Mantra.
Mantra Upasana can be used for obtaining both - good and bad results. By reciting mantras with good intentions, pure thoughts and with proper and correct pronunciation, we can achieve good and beneficial results.
For example, it is stated that by doing Santan-GopalKrishna-Homam, one can obtain an off spring for family or it is also seen that it is possible to have rain by doing relevant Homam.
But most important is that the rules laid down for chanting mantras and performing Homam should be adhered strictly.
The following questions were posed during the satsang.
Question 1: What is meant by Mantra? Is it necessary to have upadesh for reciting them? Can one and all recite them?
Answer given by Sage:
Mantras help us to calm our mind (thoughts), which is always in a turmoil with various thoughts (problems).
Mantras are based on sound waves spread across the space (sky). The rishis who were able to grasp them, passed them on to the others. Hence we have to remember that they were not written by anyone. The Maharishis grasped them by Shruti (listening or hearing) and gave it to the others by Smruti (memory). As they were given with a pure mind (mana), they are known as Mantra.
It is very important to note that mantras have to be recited with exact pronunciation and tone, as the sound is more important than the words. If there is a mistake in recitation, the results may be opposite to what they are meant for. Hence, to recite them properly, in the correct tone and pronunciation, it is essential to have a Guru. A Guru always evaluates a person before giving a Mantra-upadesh. Upadesh has to be obtained in a proper manner from the Guru, only then it becomes beneficial for the Guru as well as the Shishya (disciple).
That is why, rules are laid down as to who should be given an upadesh and how it should be given. There is no other ulterior motive behind framing the rules.
Reciting Mantras in a temple under a Bilva tree or Tulsi plant is considered to be the best place for reciting mantras.
Question 2: What is the difference between ordinary (puranic) mantras and Beej-Mantras? Is it correct to use these mantras to achieve certain benefits?
Answer given by Sage:
Beej-aksharas are seeds of Mantras. When a mantra is recited by uniting with a beej-akshara, they generate/create/activate waves or ripples in our mind. For example, the beej-mantra 'Om' indicates body and 'Kreem' indicates the mind.
Om activates Mooladhara chakra and cleans our body. It makes us (our mind) suitable (amenable) for the spiritual path. Hence it is necessary to recite mantras by uniting with Beej-Mantra.
Mantra Upasana can be used for obtaining both - good and bad results. By reciting mantras with good intentions, pure thoughts and with proper and correct pronunciation, we can achieve good and beneficial results.
For example, it is stated that by doing Santan-GopalKrishna-Homam, one can obtain an off spring for family or it is also seen that it is possible to have rain by doing relevant Homam.
But most important is that the rules laid down for chanting mantras and performing Homam should be adhered strictly.
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