The Supreme Significance of the Gayatri Mantra (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 02)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/May_Jun/v1.SupremeSignificanceGayatri)

Mantras and yantras have been in existence since prehistoric times. The Vedic scriptures describe that once the devas (deities) and the asuras (demons) argued as to what was superior - mantra or yantra? The demons regarded yantras as superior and mightier, as material resources and capabilities were more important to them. The deities affirmed the prominence of mantras, that is, spirituality was of greater significance to them.

We all have seen and used several types of yantras in this age of materialistic progress.

Let us acquaint ourselves with some knowledge of mantras here. The effects of mantras largely pertain to the mental, emotional and spiritual realms of life. Mantras inspire positive and penetrating thoughts, and enlighten the emotional and deeper levels of consciousness.

The Supreme Significance of the Gayatri Mantra (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 01)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/May_Jun/v1.SupremeSignificanceGayatri)

(Translation of the original discourse in Hindi given on the last day of an anushthan camp at Gayatri Tapobhumi, Mathura in the 1960s; Original Title: "Gayatri Mahamantra Ki Mahatta")

Let us all begin with the collective chanting of the Gayatri Mantra, "Om Bhur Bhuvaha Swaha, Tatsaviturvareyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yonaha Pracodayat ||"

Sisters and Brothers, Gayatri Tapobhumi is the living abode of Goddess Gayatri. It is an Ashram for the sadhana of the Gayatri Mantra.

The spiritual experiments using mantras are of unique importance because mantras are carriers of immense occult potencies and can be used to accomplish great tasks. A snake charmer can relieve a person from the poisonous effects of snake-bite by perfecting the practice of the particular mantra.

The utility of mantras for spiritual sadhana is like that of instruments (yantras) in the material world. Yantras play a key role in the materialistic development of the world. The history of the ascent of human civilization is, to a great extent, the history of the invention and advancement of yantras.

Mantras also have their own history of discovery and mastery of inner realms of consciousness by a long line of masters. Mantras have great significance in the mental and spiritual evolution of harmony. These could also manifest tremendous results in the physical world; they could be powerful like a Patton tank or an atomic bomb. Our spiritually empowered, eminent ancestors, the Rishis, knew this fact, and had therefore developed a whole gamut of mantras for specific purposes, and had also devised the methods of experimentation with the use of these subliminal tools.

Awakening Divinity in Man (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 20)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Mar_Apr/v1.AwakeningDivinity) 

You would be blessed by God, just as the great devotees of the past have been. I have tried and followed this path, and have been blessed with sublime gifts in my life. I want all of you, who have come for this sadhana course, to get inspired and be blessed by divine grace. If this inspires you and you begin to practice it, I assure you that the result will be so fulfilling, so majestic that you, your country, your life, your God, this sadhana course and I myself will be glorified. May God bless you with His grace.

Awakening Divinity in Man (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 19)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Mar_Apr/v1.AwakeningDivinity)

The self disciplining practices of this Anushthan sadhana are meant to refine your personality so that virtuous tendencies flourish in you. If this tapashcharya of yours is sincere, then at the end of this Anushthan you will feel endowed with Godly attributes of an authentically virtuous and noble person. When a person imbibes an attitude of loving service, he sees his own good in the welfare of others and experiences happiness in it.

Awakening Divinity in Man (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 18)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Mar_Apr/v1.AwakeningDivinity) 

Friends, turn away from the mirage of cravings, passions, greed and discontentment, and let your prayers and worship reach the stage where your personality would be illumined by God's light, by the glow of divinity. This is true devotion. If you have cultivated virtuous tendencies and conduct, I assure you that you will get support and cooperation from people around you. Boons of enlightened progress will be showered upon you from all directions. This is what has been, and will continue to be, the source of God's blessings, the blessings of divine Mother Gayatri. This has been the great tradition of devotion, and of devotees, and will be so in the future too. If you understand this secret and learn the true meaning of worship and devotion, your Gayatri Anushthan here will be accomplished in the truest sense.

Awakening Divinity in Man (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 17)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Mar_Apr/v1.AwakeningDivinity)  

Transparency of character is a great asset of a person through which he gets abundant support, affection and co-operation from all quarters. This is real prosperity.

Can any monetary or material resources ever provide it?

People donated all their wealth and resources at the feet of Buddha, moved by his compassion and absolute selflessness.

Gandhiji's benevolence, his missionary zeal, his aspirations were all aimed at the welfare of the lowliest and the lost. This, together with the impeccability of his character, made him a universally acclaimed mahatma. People from all strata of the society stood by him, cooperated with him and followed him. Millions of people voluntarily went to jails and sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of national freedom upon his call.

Is such ethical and spiritual eminence attainable by us all? Yes, indeed, subject to only one condition - you too like mahatma, should be ready to be led by truth dwelling light of the spirit - your shadow will follow you. But you seem to be chasing your own shadow, the shadow of illusive worldly attractions and attachments  that seem to have overwhelmed you. You should learn to walk towards the light, towards God, noble aims and ideals. Such ideals are the attributes of deities like Hanuman and other emanations of God.

Awakening Divinity in Man (Translation of a discourse of Revered Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya)

(Post 16)

(Source: http://literature.awgp.org/akhandjyoti/2003/Mar_Apr/v1.AwakeningDivinity) 

Those who worship God begging for a few worldly possessions or for fulfillment of ego-centric desires can't be true devotees, even if they spend all their time in prayers and rituals.

Glad consent to God's will is the real spirit of devotion; it is the prime condition to be fulfilled for being a devotee in its true sense.

God has assured His devotee in the Gita - 'yogakshemam vahamyaham' - I will provide for all your needs.
True! God does take care of his devotee but He has not promised to satisfy his cravings.
Yoga and kshema mean taking care of your physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual well-being. Don't chase the mirage of passions and desires; it devalues the dignity of devotion and the eminence of God's grace. The relation between the deity and the devotee is graceful and dignified only when the devotee doesn't beg for anything but rather offers to entirely give himself to the divine. God has already given you so much! He has created you. He is always taking care of your yoga-kshema, without your praying for it.

God is not a particularly embodied being. It is we who have conceived Him in various forms. If it is a must to give a definition, God could only be vaguely described as an infinite ensemble of supreme moral principles, saintly ideals and nobility. Faith in divine values and ideals, and a self-disciplined endeavor to live for high principles is true devotion and enlightened worship.