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

(Post 06)

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

The Gayatri Mantra is given paramount recognition in the Vedic science of spirituality. The sadhana (devout spiritual endeavor aimed at inner refinement and elevation) of this mantra illuminates and opens up the inner treasure of intelligence. It has the ability to inspire the human self towards great ideals, and eventually elevate and transmute it into divine self. Each syllable of the Gayatri Mantra enfolds tremendous energies of spiritual knowledge, enlightenment and wisdom.

The Vedas, Upanishads, Darshanas, Smritis, Gita, Ramayana, and other Vedic Scriptures are all derived from it, and are, so to say, detailed commentaries on this mantra.

Gayatri is said to be the Mother (origin) of the Vedas. The scriptures describe that the commentary of the four segments of the Gayatri Mantra through the four mouths of Lord Brahma has been compiled into four Vedas as indicated below:
The segment of Gayatri Mantra and the Veda generated from it:
Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha - The Rig Veda
Tatsaviturvarenyam - The Yajur Veda
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi - The Sama Veda
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat - The Atharva Veda

Later on, the in-depth understanding, detailed explanation of and discussions on the Vedas by the Rishis gave rise to the six Darshanas, ten Aranyakas, hundred and eight Upanishads, eighteen Puranas, twenty Smritis, etc.

The microscopic sperm and ovum contain the complete genetic blueprint of a human being. A seed possesses the information (DNA) for the development of a tree. Similarly, each letter of the Gayatri Mantra comprises all the elements of knowledge, sciences and philosophies. Be that the knowledge of the visible or the invisible world, that of making gold, or that of the divine empowerment of life, all is subliminally present in this mantra.

Gayatri Mantra also provides the supreme method for the upasana (worship) of God, as its meaning is a universal prayer for the enlightenment of the human intellect towards the righteous path. The awakening of this pure intelligence brings boons for the spiritual as well as worldly progress of life.

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

(Post 05)

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

Mantras are not some verbal structures to be enunciated rhythmically and repeatedly. Rather, these are subtle means of contemplating that can reorient the mental tendencies.

Many people suffer from a variety of adversities, scarcities and worries because they do not have the aptitude to be initiated into proper mantras (of sane thinking, righteous attitude, etc).

Mantras are defined as the tools for liberation from ignorance, illusion, infirmities and sorrows. These can transform the course of life and convert agonies into joys. Indeed, mantras, as special carriers of the energy of cosmic sound, do have amazing potentials for affecting the physical world also (as some of you might have seen or read about mantra based healing of physical and mental ailments, etc.). But the spiritual powers and benefits of the mantras are far more intense and creative. The domain of spirituality is immeasurable and so is the field of the activities of the mantras.

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

(Post 04)

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

Everything, which is made up of matter, including our physical body, is perishable.

The gross manifestations of life are short-lived - A child looks so cute and fresh. He most often continues to be energetic and attractive in his youth as well. But all his charm and strength are gone after the age of 55 or 65 years.

Nothing is stable or long lasting in this world. Movement and change appear to be the law of Nature. In other words, the world seems to be created by vibrations, movements and variations.

Man usually thinks that if he had enough money, he and his family would live happily and peacefully. But extra wealth brings new worries and tensions; he now has the fear of it being stolen, worries about its safety from thieves and dacoits.

If one is well educated and trained, he would often dream of excellent jobs, power, etc. But the hunger of his desires and cravings can be never fulfilled. If we look at human life closely, it will appear as though man begins his life with problems. He lives with his problems, related tensions and stresses, and spends his whole life in attempting to resolve them, creating newer ones in the process. He leaves this world carrying a burden of too many unresolved problems. The life of a person usually revolves around this cycle, always hunting for some joy or calmness outside him. The living yantra of human body seeks to get peace and happiness through extrovert, materialistic means; it does find some at times, but only momentarily.

If man could ever attain long-lasting peace and happiness, it will be possible only through mantras, by turning towards spirituality, i.e. by realizing his own self-fulfilled divinity within.

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

(Post 03)

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

The genesis and development of the knowledge of mantras has a deep scientific basis. The production of speech or pronunciation of sound involves specific vibrations of the vocal chord and the harmonious movements of the tongue, palate, lips, teeth etc. The grand network of nerves connected to these organs is spread across the body. Each phoneme, vowel or consonant uttered silently or spoken loudly affects this network in specific pattern as per the vibrations it generates.

Mantras are very special configurations of sounds or syllables. Accordingly, each mantra has specific patterns of enunciation or chanting. Mantras work on the yantra of our physical body and also on our energy-body, mind and the inner-self.

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.