About
Gayatri Mantra
Gayathri ThapoBhoomi ::
"utterance" may or may not be vocal or heard it
can be silent, expressed only in the mind, or at the deepest level, heard only
by the soul itself). As explained, a pure mantra may or may not have any actual
meaning or philosophical significance, its power being intrinsic to the mantra
itself, and not instrumental to any meaning.
A prarthana on the other hand does have a philosophical
meaning behind it, and it is generally through this meaning that the prarthana
has its power. Since the mantra is devoid of any kind of actual meaning, it
cannot be conceptualised or visualised. This makes its understanding extremely
difficult to the normal human mind, thus rendering its correct enunciation
almost impossible to the untrained person. A prarthana however, having a
meaning that can be comprehended through purely intellectual means, is far
easier to be understood, since rational thought, unlike spiritual meditation,
is much more in the reach of the ordinary person. Thus, the method of prarthana
is generally the form of worship used today.
The Gayatri, or Guru, Mantra
possesses both the power of mantra and the power of prarthana, and thus has
both an intrinsic power (ie "mantra shakti"), through its mere
utterance alone, and also an Instrumental power (ie "prarthana
shakti"), which is derived from the exposition and understanding of its
meaning and philosophical significance. The repeated and correct chanting of
the Gayatri Mantra, with proper understanding of its meaning, is believed to be
of the greatest good to the individual.
The Gayatri Mantra consists of fourteen words, each of which
holds an important meaning...
AUM BHOOR BHUVAH SWAH TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM BHARGO DEVASYA
DHIMAHI DHIYO YO NAH PRACHODAYAT
GAYATRI MANTRA-GODDESS GAYATRI
Gayatri, and that OM is the expression of the Absolute.
Gayatri can be considered as a concrete expression of one s aspiration to go
deeper. It can be used as a focal point for meditation, as a prayer (expression
of devotion) and as a sankalpa (vow).
Benefits: Chanting the Gayatri calms the mind and emotions,
thereby preparing us for Meditation. It helps to awaken the "buddhi"
- the Third Eye or Agya Chakra which allows subtle perception and the capacity
to SEE behind the scenes. It initiates
us into "nivritti marga" - the Spiritual return to the Source.
Word Meanings:
"OM"- Bramha.
"BHOOR" - embodiment of vital spiritual
energy(pran).
"BHUVAH" - destroyer of sufferings.
"SVAHA" - embodiment of happiness.
"TAT" - That; the Absolute; Paramatma;
Underlying Intelligence.
"SAVITUR" - bright like Sun;
"VARENYAM" - best choicest.
"BHARGO"-light; radiance; light which
bestows wisdom.
"DEVASYA" - Divine.
"DHIMAHI" - may imbibe.
"DHIYO" - intellect.
"YO" - who