Mantras - Part IV

Some guidelines for reciting the Mantras.

Mantra word is explained as - manatat trayate iti mantrah i.e. that which protects when dwelt upon.

There are number of benefits that one derives by chanting mantra, such as 1) Making the mind strong, (2) Protection of those who think of us, (3) Protecting sacred/secret language, (4) Distancing one self away from the borders of mind i.e. not getting affected by unsteady nature of mind.

Mantra is one of the ways of realizing the Supreme Lord. It is stated that once our mind becomes pure, there is no need for reciting the mantras. Hence, it is essential to recite them till one reaches the stage of purity. It is also stated that once you reach such a state, you start realizing that you, almighty, and all things around you are one and the same. Stories of characters such as Meera, Pralhad, Purandardas are the examples of this. They achieved a vision where they could see God everywhere.

Adi Shankaracharya has given a simple method of japa. He says, "japo jalpaha", that is whatever we speak should become a japa. There are 51 alphabets in Sanskrit language and it is stated that the Supreme Goddess (Devi) resides in all of them. Hence, he says that let whatever you speak become a japa. It means that whatever we speak must be soft, heart-rendering and soothing, like a japa. By doing this we can overcome aggressiveness, anger and unwanted loose talks. We should also do our Archana (worship of God) in the same manner i.e. all our day to day actions should be in the spirit of devotion to god. By doing this, we can reach the abode of the Lord.