Not Only Self-Introspection but also Self-Refinement

Mutual sharing and caring is a common human trait. It is by this process of ‘give and take’ that the entire universe is sustained. This process is seen to be working incessantly among matter, vegetation and other sentient creatures. Contributing towards the sustenance of this process is essential.

However, it should be remembered that it is self-reliance that is the prime factor in worldly success and in self - growth of human soul. Those who are dependent on others can neither sustain their lives nor move forward on the path of self-growth.

Everyone is familiar with the gravitational force of the Earth. This force attracts everything towards the Earth. A human being too has a magnetic field of his own. This not only holds together similar people, objects and favorable circumstances but also pulls them towards itself forcibly. A person instinctively searches a like - minded friend. The water of rivers ultimately reaches the ocean. The ocean again returns this water to the source of rivers through its messengers – the clouds.

One should develop worthiness in tune with one’s aspirations. There is a natural law which rewards according to one’s worthiness. Therefore, instead of knocking at other’s door for help and succor, we should not only introspect ourselves but also try to uplift and refine ourselves according to the light given to us during introspection. This is the highway to success in all fields.

Awakening Divinity in Man

"Om bhur bhuvah swah tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhimahi dhiyo yonah prachodayat"

You all must have heard of the grace of God. His special incarnations entrusted with specific cosmic tasks are called "devata" (deity) in the Vedas; devata means "one who gives". Many of us pray to and worship the deities because we either want something or we need help in adverse moments. Let us discuss about deities.

There is no doubt that deities do bless us enormously; otherwise they would not have been named as "deities" because by definition deities always give something. There is nothing wrong or unnatural if one requests something from someone who always wants to give. But what do deities give? They give only what they themselves possess. Naturally, one can give only what one has. Deities have only one thing –divinity (devátva). Divinity is the most refined and virtuous form of one’s nature, conduct, qualities and deeds. Deities gladly bestow divinity upon the devotees, saying that, "we have given you the best we could; now it is up to you to accept and make use of it in the way you find it suitable and succeed accordingly."

There is one thing in the world that indeed yields commendable success and that is excellence of personality. It is the minimum requirement to achieve anything worthwhile and fulfilling. If one has somehow gained something despite having an inferior personality and without demonstrating his talents, hard work and essential qualities, then his success will be short-lived. If your digestive system is weak then an excessive intake of eatables is sure to create problems and upset your health. Similarly, if you don’t have wisdom and the ability to make proper use of the resources and facilities available to you, then, these would be a cause of trouble to you in one way or the other. If there is a lack of nobility and wisdom then your inherited or inappropriately grabbed wealth will act as a catalyst for your evils and weaknesses; these would lead to pernicious addictions, inflate your ego and sooner or later ruin your life.

What else do the deities give?

What else do the deities give? Well they give you the capacity to digest and handle success. To wisely handle worldly possessions, powers and comforts, which appear to you as treasures of joy, you should have appropriate qualities. This ability – the key to real joy – is what could be described as an offshoot of divinity. If divinity is awakened in you, then you could accomplish high goals with small or insignificant resources and effort; if you have greater opportunities and resources then well and good, but you would be happy and successful even without them. However if you desire something you do not deserve, or you are eager to acquire success without caring to improve yourself, then, well, what can I say...! God help you!

Vigor and strength of human body is good but if it is not controlled by wisdom, it would become an instrument of demonic deeds, resulting in effects similar to that of adding fuel to the fire. Deities never commit the mistake of showering wealth or worldly resources on the unworthy. If they do, then they would be helping the evil forces to inflict incalculable disaster on humanity. "Humanity" signifies the power which elevates and excels our thinking, attitude, ambitions and activities.... It is a great attribute.

Attempting to fulfill your desires is not bad per se but is subject to one scrutiny – what is being desired and what for? If they are for a worldly (materialistic) purpose then it is necessary to know whether you deserve the object of your desire, how would you digest it if received, and how will you utilize it? Man is prone to make mistakes but not the gods. Deities can’t bless you with things you often crave and ask for. Great personages who had living contact with deities did not generally benefit materially. What did they receive? The virtues of humanity, the seeds of divinity. The virtuous talents and powers thus acquired enabled them to progress. The cultivation of these noble qualities has allowed great men and women to accomplish what sounds impossible for a normal human being. With the growth of divinity in personality, anybody can reach great heights of glory in the worldly as well as spiritual domains. It is only the wise usage of your virtues that is important; it does not matter whether they are used in the spiritual or material field. Your qualities, deeds and nature are sources of power in themselves. Where and how to use them depends entirely upon your choice.

Success is earned by unflinching courage. Courageous temper is a spiritual quality. A yogi accomplishes miraculous feats with its support; Tantriks and great personalities also achieve grand successes because of their extraordinary courage. Everyone needs it for attempting and succeeding in something (significant), even if he is a dacoit or a terrorist. If you are a yogi, you will be able to perform difficult yoga practices with the strength of your inner velour. If you are a leader, a reformer, then also you will progress as per your courageous zeal. It is a divine quality by origin. You may choose to use it the way you want.... What is noteworthy or specific in a person is the effect of his inner qualities. If deities bestow something upon someone, it will always be the wealth of virtuous qualities, virtuous potentials. Goddess Gayatri, whom you pray to and worship through anusthanas, will also endow you with divine qualities. What will happen with the virtues you acquire? Well, virtuous qualities and potentials can bring you all that you aspire for. Whether materialistic or spiritual, whenever someone has gained success, it has been attained with his virtuous potentials and talents only. Without the qualities of character and talents one cannot gain anything worthwhile – neither worldly nor spiritual.

Our folly!

Man is an intelligent being but at times displays his foolishness more than his intelligence. Now a days man has developed the notion that gods fulfill all desires; they bestow the boons of wealth, son, job, victory… and what not. Unfortunately, this misconception has entered in the field of spirituality too. This delusion has caused great harm as it has deprived the deluded devotees of enormous benefits and bright possibilities of genuine spirituality. Deities have given only one thing in the ancient times and will give only one thing in the future too. As long as deities survive; devotion (to God) is sustained; and if the regularity of worship is maintained, one thing will be granted – divine virtues. If you are endowed with the virtues of divinity, then you will acquire far more glorious success than what you dream of and desire now.

Do we want from the blessings of a deity or a great saint or from the power of a mantra? A job of few thousand rupees in lieu of the invaluable treasure of divinity? If any deity bestows divinity upon you, then it will raise the worth of your job so much that you will be grateful forever. Vivekanand had gone to Paramhans Ramkrishna to ask for a job but instead he got what a great soul like him indeed deserved –divinity, true devotion (bhakti), strength (shakti) and peace (shanti). What are these? These are divine virtues. When saints shower their kindness upon you, they inspire unique enthusiasm and optimism in your inner self, which propels you towards enlightened values of ethics and morality. When one is attracted by the soothing wave of ideals and is immersed in it, then his magnetism, his charm, his voice, his overall personality and his authenticity are so overpowering that everyone is impressed by him, attracted towards him and wants to cooperate with him. Vivekananda got abundant love, honor and support from all over of the world. Who showered them? The Goddess Kali. If gurus like Ramkrishna are alive somewhere or are reborn, they will always grant blessings that will develop virtuous personalities of their disciples.

If your personality is refined and has evolved in the righteous direction, then cooperation and harmonious association will be showered upon you from all directions according to your wishes. You won’t have to ask for them. You will receive them effortlessly. When divinity is expressed in your personality, benevolence and respect begin to bless you. So many examples are available before you. Look at revered Baba Amte! He donated everything and dedicated his whole life for the service of the socially discarded leprosy patients. This is an act of greatness, a symbol of true humanity, a boon of divinity. Blessings of deities cannot be expected by sacrifices of any lesser magnitude than that of people like Baba Amte. And there is nothing greater to be blessed by… Begging has never brought anything worthwhile to anyone and will never be able to bring anything in future either.

What do the deities do?

Deities keep doing one thing. What do they keep doing? They keep showering flowers. Look at the scriptures. The holy Ramayana, for instance, describes at fifty odd places that deities showered sacred flowers from heaven. What are these flowers? They symbolize goodwill, cooperation, cooperation, guidance, respect and caring. What attracts these virtues? Divinity, which is covertly present in the world. It alone had survived (in the past) and will alone survive (in the future); it can never be wiped out. If the demons (evils) do not die then why should God (the highest symbol of divinity) die? Like-minded people are attracted towards each other. A deity is attracted by deity-like humans and ideals are attracted by ideals; this results in the growth of benevolence, opportunities and co-operation from all directions. This is what has been happening, is happening and will continue to happen.

I am admiring deities. Where do they live? They are present in the integrity of the human character and the inner self. They inspire the motivation and zeal that clears all illusions and breaks and destroys the web of complications, infirmities, ignorance and worries. Divine inspiration compels one to follow the righteous path. This is the true blessing of a deity. Anything lesser or lower than this can’t be a blessing of a divine power. The doors of eminence, success and achievements open up as soon as your qualities, deeds and nature are illuminated by the spark of divinity.

Whosoever has gained immortal, glorious progress or notable success in any field in the world to date has accomplished it through his virtuous personality. A deity’s blessing consists of supremacy of qualities, talents and thoughts. The life history of every great personality demonstrates it. Almost all of them were born in ordinary or underprivileged families and circumstances. But they reached greater and greater heights and accomplished brighter and brighter goals! Look at our late Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s life, for example. He was blessed by God’s grace. How? In the form of two qualities – responsibility and wisdom. These great virtues establish the linkage between God and the devotee and also strengthen it further. This is the only way to communicate with the Omniscient Presence and Power.

Kamakhya the Mother Goddess

Kamakhya, the Mother Goddess. She is second only to the mighty Brahmaputra. Guwahati, where she resides, in fact the entire State of Assam, would be like a lost child without its presiding deity.

Karup Kamakhya or just Kamakhya as the place is popularly known is reckoned to be the most significant pilgrimage in the east. It is a pilgrimage to the Mother Goddess from whom springs forth all material and ethereal creation. Kamakhya is also the home of the most respected school of Tantra believed by the followers of the Tantric path to be a shortcut to salvation.

Rising to a modest height of 562 feet above the mighty Brahmaputra, the Nilachal Hill on which the temple stands commands a magnificent view of the entire city.

From the foothills of Nilachal there are two ways of traveling to the top. One is a small metallic serpentine road where vehicles ply. The other is a steep climb meant to be covered only by foot. This steep path is known by its ancient name, Mekhela Ujua Path. It goes through lush green canopied paths with various temples and stone structures and rock carvings on the way. It is believed that this path was built in a single night by the demon King Narakasura of Pragjyotishpur, the name of ancient Assam, to fulfill the Goddess Kamakhya’s wishes as a precondition to fulfill his ambition to marry her. The Goddess ultimately frustrated his ambition by tricking him when she showed him an artificial morning just when he was about to complete the construction of the path. Many such legends abound about Kamakhya.

The Kamakhya story goes back to the beginning of time itself. Material manifestation, the work of Brahama is preserved by Vishnu and is eventually destroyed by Shiva. Shiva being always engrossed in severe penances and meditation needs to be reminded from time to time of his particular task by a consort. A consort who could overlook his wild manners and cajole him to do his duties could only be the Mother Goddess. So Brahma asked his son Daksha to propitiate her to assume a physical form as his daughter and marry Shiva. The Goddess consented on the condition that at the slightest neglect on Daksha’s part, she would sacrifice herself and invoke the wrath of Shiva. In due course the Mother Goddess as Sati married Shiva and perfect harmony reigned.

On day King Daksha organized a royal yagna (religious sacrificial rite) and threw a banquet to which he invited all the deities except Shiva because he was not happy with Shiva’s unusual temperament. Sati, however, being the daughter, went uninvited. Unmindful of his promise to Sati, Daksha began to speak ill of Shiva. Sati became infuriated and she immolated herself by jumping into the yagna.

The meditation of buy Shiva, who is omnipresent, was disturbed furious, he descended on Daksha and his kinsmen and destroyed them and, with the dead body of his beloved on his shoulders he proceeded to destroy all that came in his path. But the time for the destruction of the three fold world had not yet come so a worried Brahma and Vishnu contrived to calm down Shiva. They thought that if they could cause the body to disappear, Shiva would regain his equilibrium and return to his abode to resume his austere penances. So Vishnu used his Sudarshan chakra (wheel of death) to cut up the body and scatter it everywhere. The body was cut up in 51 parts and each spot where a part of Sati fell came to be venerated as symbol of the divine decree. The place where Sati’s yoni (reproductive organ) fell thus became one of the most sacred of all religious sites.

When the yoni of Sati fell on the hill where the temple stands, the hill turned blue and came to be known as Nilachal or Blue Mountain.

The name of the place, Kamrup Kamakhya, was given by Naraksur, a former king who made Kamakhya his patron deity. It was during his time that the township around the temple came up and the place became a pilgrimage centre. The four great stone pathways from the base of the hill to the temple were built by him. The Tantras and the Puranas hold that Narakasur was born of the universe and Narayana in the form of a boar. Though a demon by birth, he was attracted by Aryan culture since he was brought up in the house of Janaka, the father of Sita. By the grace of Vishnu, Narakasur became the king of Pragjyotishpur. His kingdom flourished so long as he abided by the counsel of his mentor, Vishnu. The great Goddess Kamakhya granted his every wish. At the end of dwapar, the third epoch of creation, Narakasur formed an alliance with Bana, the powerful demon king of Sonitpur. Instead of paying obeisance to the Gods, Narakasur began to harass them. Narakasur began dreaming of becoming master of the universe and so Brahma and Vishnu had to destroy him and his kingdom and the temple of Kamakhya fell into ruins amidst impenetrable jungles.

However, the people of Nilachal remembered and always venerated the spot. Centuries passed and the land which was once known as Pragjyotishpur came to be known as the Kingdom of Ahom after the Ahom dynasty who now ruled over it. The name has survived till today but in an anglicized version – Assam.

Until the late 15^th century the temple remained in ruins and was rebuilt not by the Ahom kings but by the Maharaja of Cooch Behar, Biswa Singh. In fact Cooch Behar was at war with the Ahoms. In the helter skelter of war, Biswa Singh was separated from his army and found refuge in Nilachal. He met an old woman offering prayers near the sacred spot and learnt from her of the greatness of Goddess Kamakhya. The Maharaja prayed to the Goddess to be reunited with his forces and to bring peace to his kingdom. He promised to build a temple of gold if his wishes were fulfilled. His scattered army returned to him and his re-established kingdom became a haven of peace. Biswa Singh remembered to fulfill his promise and began to rebuild the temple. But instead of gold he used bricks. To his surprise, as soon the edifice was raised, it came crashing down. One night the Maharaja had a dream in which a heavenly maiden reminded him of his promise to build a temple of gold. He begged the Goddess’s forgiveness and spoke of his inability to procure such a huge amount of gold. The ever merciful Goddess then asked him to put just a token amount of gold between each brick and build the temple. The temple was built as such and priests were appointed for regular worship of the Goddess. The temple built by the Maharaja stands till today.

The actual site of the temple is a cave containing a spring. During the month of asadha vk’kk<+ (June-July), the spring water turns red and the temple is closed for three days. Traditionally no one ploughs his field during this interval to enable the Mother Goddess to rest. Immediately after this period, there is a festival celebrated for four days which is the biggest attraction of the year at Kamakhya. During this period, in the night hours, inside the temple, deodashis nsonklh (temple dancers) move in frenzied trance. Starting slowly to the beat of drums and blowing of conch shells, the dance reaches a crescendo when the dancer is said to be ultimately possessed by the Mother Goddess herself. It is generally believed that one can get anything foretold by the deodashis nsonklh during this time. Male members are prohibited from watching the dances. There is a story about the Ahom king who dared to watch the goddess dancing and was immediately turned into stone.

Kamakhya in its present form was built in the 10^th century by the gentle Koch Narayana who nominally ruled much of Assam alongside the Ahom kings. Preferring religious discourse to governance, the kingdom was governed by his brother, Sukladhwaj. Close to the temple cave stand statues of these two brothers because the siblings were not allowed to even look at the temple they had built because, according to a legend, the Goddess Kamakhya, pleased with the works of Narayana, visited him and gave him some instructions which he disobeyed because he did not recognize her. Infuriated, the Goddess proscribed the Koch dynasty from viewing her temple. Indeed, the Goddess is much feared. It is said that one of Narayan’s descendants, Maharani Gayatri Devi of Jaipur, visited Guwahati some 30 years ago and she meticulously averted her eyes while over flying Kamakhya in a helicopter.

Kamakhya is also the most important temple of the Shakti cult wherein all creation is perceived to the emanating from a temple deity. The practice of Shaktism has always been very personal and esoteric. It has never had any connection with any public religious order. Its tenets and history have been preserved in a special class of magical and sacramental literature, incomprehensible to the uninitiated. Not all inhabitants of Nilachal practice Tantrism. Whilst Tantra holds out the promise of unimaginable power for its followers, it also demands of them tremendous self-discipline which few can take.

Kamakhya is a unique synthesis of puritan ritualism and practicable customs. It is a pilgrimage in the traditional Indian mode. There are no hotels, no big shops and none of the attractions of urbanization. It affords an extremely privileged view into the life and rituals of an Assamese Brahmin because all the homeowners in Kamakhya are Brahmins.

From Kamakhya the next move is generally taken to Kachapukhuri. This is a natural pond full of turtles. Nobody knows as to how, when, why and who brought these amphibians from the plains to so high an altitude.

Around Kamakhya there are other temples of which the Bhutanese Tara temple and the shrine of the snake Goddess, Manasa, are more frequented. Manasa is menacingly dark because as soon as lights are fixed on, they immediately get fused.

Further up the hill, Bhubaneswari temple is situated at the highest point of the hill and offers a spectacular view of the city and the Brahmaputra River.

Not many people know that Kamakhya is a network of myriad temples. Then, there is also a tunnel (now in bat-filled ruins) leading from here all the way to Shillong!

TANTRIC CENTRES

Since prehistoric times Assam or Kamarup Desh was renowned as the home of great occult masters with magical powers and the ability to channelized sacred and profane force inhibiting unearthly realms through their tantric siddhis or gifts.

Tantric siddhi in its pure form deals with centering one’s soul force in the sahasrahar or thousand petalled lotus in the brain where Sada Shiv dells in chinta mani, the jewel which bestows al desires through his union with Shakti by the upward flow of Kundalini or the serpentine vital force coiled at everybody’s spinal base. Once the individual soul enters this divine core, mantras (chants) with tremendous powers for doing good or evil create vibrations which the tantric siddha has to control or be controlled by. But the true purpose of al Tantric sadhana is entering into nir vikalpa samadhi or that desire less state of supreme bliss when the individual atma (soul) merges with the universal paramatman.

Tantricism became very popular in those parts of India like Assam inhabited by indigenous tribes because all are entitled to Tantric worship. Vedic Hinduism on the other hand excluded females and low castes from performing the sacred rites of worship or reciting many sacred mantras. But anyone regardless of class or sex can participate Tantric chakras or circles of worship.

The Kamkhya shrine at Guwahati became India’s foremost centre of Tantra because the Shiv, Devi and Skanda Purans say that this was the precise spot here the female genitalia of the Great Mother Goddess, Sati, fell when Vishnu started dismembering her body to force her inconsolable husband, Shiv, into performing his divine duties again. Venerated since the ancient Vedic and Puranic times, this Goddess became the patron deity of Assam. Several smaller shrines and temples dedicated to Kala Bhairav, Shiv and other Hindu deities have sprung up here over the centuries. Kamakhya Devi’s inner sanctum is a deep dark.

Underground rock chamber into which one descends via dangerously worn slippery stone steps. The so-called Matra-yoni is kept covered with silk saris and flower garlands. Only a few fortunate worshippers are allowed here to light incense and lamps before the sacred yantra in which the goddess resides.

In the open temple courtyards upstairs, regular worshipers from the city and pilgrims offer coconuts, white pigeons, goats and even buffaloes as sacrifices to Kamakhya. Scantily clad saddhus and sari-draped sadhvis can be seen in quiet contemplation or talking to anxious persons eager to know the future or have their horoscopes read.

Hindus believe that the doctrine of Tantra Yoga was revealed by Shiv to his female creative force, Shakti, or goddess Parvati. These question answer sessions were recorded be her son, Ganesh, Lord of wisdom in a book called Maha Nirvana Tantra. The Yogini Tantra, the Kularav Tantra, the Kubjika Tantra and other ancient Sanskrit scriptures enumerate Tantra Yoga’s various beliefs, cults and doctrines. It is one of the accepted paths of traditional Hindu Sadhana or practice in the soul’s ceaseless search for fulfillment of desires on earth and liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth, called Nirvana or Moksha.

Precise mystic formula involving beej aksharas or word of power, yantras or geometric diagrams with occult powers, sadhana or discipline and balidaan or sacrifice were evolved, catalogued and taught to deserving disciples by great Tantric gurus. The ancient sages and masters were extremely wary of conferring awesome supernatural powers on the undeserving.

Assam’s other famous Tantric centre now falls in the State of Arunachal Pradesh. Parsuram kund and Brahmakund are the ultimate pilgrimage spots for true sanyasis and ascetics practicing Tantric yoga. This hallowed spot is associated with the great buy angry sage, Parshuram, a contemporary of Lord Rama and a great Shiva devotee. Parshuram washed his blood-drenched hands here in the swirling whirlpool created by the great Brahmaputra as it enters the plains of Assam from Tibet through the east Himalayan foothills. Since the Great Mother Goddess is believed to exist in all forms, only her worship could absolve Parshuram of the grave sin of matricide. Remote and virtually inaccessible, Parshuram kund is still crowded with determined scholars, matlocked sadhus and turbaned yogis sitting cross-legged round the Brahmakund at sunrise with iron tridents and wooden water pots. Or under the huge peepul and Banyan trees which have stood there for centuries.

A very strong Marchane atmosphere pervades Malinitha, a city famous in Vedic and Puranic times for its Tantrics and magicians and faith healers. Cobras glide through the magnificent statues, friezes and temple pillars carved from single granite block that one can still see scattered in the jungles around Parshuramkund. Temples dedicated to Maha Kali and Kala Bhairav or Lord of Time, are still see used for performing sacred Tantric rites from which outsiders are strictly excluded.

On the Structure and Effects of Mantras

Our world is physically constituted by three basic energies viz. Sound, Light and Heat. According to the electromagnetic wave theory, the ever-expanding universe is described as a limitless ocean of energy waves. Discovery and utilization of some of these have given rise to inventions like radio, telephone, television, laser, X-rays, gamma-rays, etc. Enormous combinations or superimposition of compatible waves are supposed to give rise to the energy particles, various subtle particle-states and ultimately to the atomic and molecular forms of matter. The root cause of the existence of different physical forms/states of any kind of material – howsoever subtle or gross it might be – is the ‘collision or superimposition’ of some of these omnipresent, ever vibrating, energy waves.

The eternal forms of sound vibrations are synonymous with respect to their physical existence. This in other words corresponds to the Vedic concept of shabda (eternal sound/cosmic vibrations) as the origin and controller of everything that exists (in gross or subtle form) in this universe. The Vedic and tantrik mantras are meant to be specific configurations of syllables (sonic codes) that could generate specific energy-currents of shabda. In terms of its meaning in Sanskrit, the word "mantra" also implies – ‘a liberator of mind’. This indicates the psychological impact of chanting or japa of a mantra.

Implications of Ancient Theories:

As per the scriptural descriptions, often the vision of the syllables for subtle sounds (Nada) in the etheric ocean had been revealed to the rishis (Indian sages of the Vedic times) through an afflatus or intuition in their inner selves or the mantras were just ‘heard’ by them in a state of trance. This is the reason why most of these mantras are known as – shruti (‘heard’) or as – ‘conveyed by the cosmic voice’.... These depictions also signify that mantras are compilations of sound-elements rather than linguistic structures.

In his book "The Garland of Letters" Sir John Woodroffe elucidates some of these aspects as – "The Vedic varnas (letters – sonic patterns - used in mantras) are eternal and represent in themselves and their variations all the possibilities of articulate speech in all languages. These varnas represent both the vowels and the consonants. The vowels are continuous sounds formed by varying the size of the mouth cavity. Like OUM ¬ the consonants are particular interruptions of those sounds. They cannot be sounded without vowels; for this reason, the vowels are referred as shaktis (power streams) of the consonants. The varnas are classified according to the ‘natural sound’ of their pronunciation. The subject matter of varnas occupies an important place in the "Tantra Shastra" in which it is sought to give a practical application to every ancient doctrine concerning Shabda or the Mantra Shastra". Sir Woodroffe further discusses these in detail in the light of foundational works on Sanskrit Grammar.

The scholarly works on these topics also refer to five different forms of natural modes of pronunciation or expression of letters or words. A combination of these together with the mention of the multiplicity of the phonemes associated with the Vedic varnas indeed makes it interesting to investigate the science of mantras.

The ‘elements’ of ether are highly sensitive subtle ‘particles’, which can vibrate at a frequency up to 34×109 cps. At the absolute high frequencies these oscillatory particles constantly emit a unique light. The radiation of this light can travel with a velocity of 108 meters per second. (In Communication Low frequency travel’s more Distance) The vibrations of the etheric elements never stop. They are supposed to stabilize at the outer layer of the earth’s gravitational sphere and continue vibrating there at constant ultra high frequencies. They attract the weaker waves of similar frequencies and get attracted by more powerful ones of the same range of frequencies. In either case, the superimposition of such compatible vibrations gives rise to an extremely powerful field of attraction. The ‘influencing power’ of this force of attraction is also bestowed upon those who’s ‘thought waves’ match with these supersonic waves.

Japa or chanting of the mantras is only a means for creating specific vibrations of the omnipresent subtle power of shabda. When we awaken somebody by pushing him by our hand, the hand simply plays the role of a tool; it is not a part of the process of awakening. Similarly, the specific configuration of syllables and the sound (including the sublime sound) produced by the japa of a mantra is only a means for activating specific field of the cosmic energy of shabda. Which mantra is suitable for awakening what kind of subliminal energy center – is described in the viniyoga (structural classification) of that mantra. All of the Vedica and the Tantrika Mantras have distinct viniyogas.

The Viniyoga of each mantra has five components –

(i) Rishi-The first component contains the names of the rishi(s) or the sages – seers, who had discovered, compiled and/or completely mastered that particular mantra and who therefore are regarded authorities on all the knowledge associated with the spiritual practice of that mantra. Such spiritual masters are the ideal gurus (guides) for the disciples who endeavor a sadhana of that mantra. Recalling this first component of the – viniyoga of a mantra also implies that revered devotion for those rishis and adept guidance of a noble living guru is essential for practicing (the japa of) that mantra.

(ii) Chhanda- The chhanda indicates the rhythmic composition for the enunciation or chanting of the mantra. As described earlier, each mantra can be practiced with different combinations of swaras (musical accents) and gati (speed). Manasika, Vachika, Upanshu, Udatta-Anudatta, Swarita...., etc are some of the many modes of japa that are also described in the chanda for a mantra. The specific pattern of sonic waveforms generated by the mantra–japa depends upon the syllables of the mantra and the type of chanda used. The assignment of appropriate chhanda for the spiritual sadhana processes of practicing a mantra is called – yati. The selection of a yati and hence of a chhanda for a given mantra is decided with reference to the purpose of the sadhana, the configuration of the mantra-syllables and the mental and spiritual level of the sadhaka.

(iii) Devata- The third component, the devata represents the specific cosmic field (– of the subliminal energy of shabda) in the limitless expression of the supreme consciousness– that is aimed to be realized by the japa-sadhana of the associated mantra. We all know that out of the different programmes being broadcast via the radio waves, a radio set can receive only the ones whose frequencies it is tuned for. Similarly, from the different streams of the conscious power of shabda present in the universe, a mantra can be used to link the individual consciousness with the devata of that mantra.

As the practice of the mantra involves devoted meditation upon the devata along with the specified (according to the chhanda) rhythmic enunciation or chanting, the rishis had assigned visible forms to different devatas – representing different manifestations and subliminal expressions of the One, Eternal, Consciousness…. Some of the rishis also recommended worshipping the idols – of these forms of the devata – in sacred environment before commencing the japa of the mantras.

(iv) Bija- The bija represents the origin of the mantra. It may be understood as a group of those syllables that contain, in compact coded form,

(v) Tatva- The gist (tatva) of the mantra and thereby imply the latent existence of the specific power of shabda in that mantra. The japa of the bija generates the ‘energy’ essential for initiating the activation of the shakti (sonic power) of the associated mantra.

Possibilities of Scientific Studies:

It may not be feasible to verify or analyze the role of the subtle components like ‘devata’ in the structure of a mantra by scientific methods. Nevertheless, scientific investigations – along the lines of that in the field of musical ragas – could begin with the other components, namely the bija and tatva and the chanda, as these directly pertain respectively to the symbolic patterns, sonic configurations and phonological characteristics.

It is a well known scientific principle that continuous movement of any kind ultimately results in a circular motion. The orbits and shapes of all the planets in the universe are almost round (or elliptical closed contours) due to this simple principle. It is by the same principle that continuous (non-stop) japa of a mantra creates a circular domain. The ‘Taila Dharavat Sutra’ describes that – ‘If oil is dropped at constant speed for some time continuously, its flow forms a steady stream. Similarly, the repeated rhythmic enunciation of the same word (or a string of words) forms a continuous (without an end or boundary) segment of words’. A popular story in the Ramayana also gives a simple supportive example here. It describes that Rishis Valmiki’s non-stop chanting of the word mara mara... bestowed upon him the sanctifying effect of the japa of the name of the God –– "rama rama"....

The Vaidika mantras are usually recited in specific rhythms as per the Vaidika swaras. However, during the process of japa, the recitation of all the mantras takes place at constant amplitude without any break or pause. Therefore the speed should be so regular and constant that one can count the number of japas by measuring the time taken for the completion of specific japas in one sitting. It is this consistency and continuity that gives a cyclic motion to the sonic waves generated by the japa, and thus helps in activation and focusing of the related powers of shabda.

That circular motion generates energy – can also be observed in day-to-day life; for instance, the movement of the toy ‘top’, or the functioning of machines by the movement of a flywheel, etc. Continuous japa of a mantra in a consistent manner, for sufficiently long periods of time per day, can generate energy in and around the sadhaka that would keep his physical and subtle bodies creatively active for the rest of the day....

Fast circular motion at a regular pace generates a centrifugal force. Demonstration of this force can be seen in a circus – in the rotating swings or the circular motion of a motorbike rider in the ‘well of death,’ etc. Similar effect helps generation of a supernormal ‘sphere’ of sonic energy by the cyclic japa of a mantra repeatedly while maintaining the consistency of the pace by thorough engrossment of the mind.

That sound can be recorded (e.g., by tape-recorders), amplified (e.g., by loud-speakers), propagated (e.g., by radio and TV signals), recognized (e.g., by the radar), measured and analyzed (e.g., by spectrographs or voice-printers) – in physical terms, proves its existence in matter.... A large number of examples of the destructive and creative effects of sound on matter can also be found in day-to-day life.

The mechanical devices of radar send sound signals – via radio waves – far away in the space and receive the echoed sound back in few micro (10-6) seconds. The Electromagnetive waves travel at a speed of about 1,86,240 Miles per second. Whenever their collision takes place with any object on their way, these waves are reflected back (to the radar that is set ‘tuned’ to receive them) at equally fast speed. The vibrations of these reflected signals contain the ‘information’ about the position, size and some other properties of the object. (This is how sound waves help in the recognition, through the radar, of an enemy’s airplane, during war times.)

The human body could also be regarded as ‘radar’ with respect to the gross sonic effects of the mantras. The extrasensory energy nuclei (like the shat chakras or the granthis.... etc described in yoga scriptures) of this biological radar send supernormal radio signals in the ‘etheric whole’ via the vibrations of mantras being enunciated in specific rhythms.... This wonderful radar receives back the quintessential signals of shabda as an ‘echo’ from the cosmic nucleus of the mantra.

Our gross body is a physical system consisting of bio-physicochemical components. The impact of sound on this system results in corresponding vibrations in the molecular, cellular (e.g., an enzyme in a cell or a membrane, or a hormone...) or organ (e.g., the liver, uterus or ears.....) components and generates isolated or cascade effects (positive or negative, depending on the type of sound) on the interconnected subsystems. Several instances of the negative physical effects of the impact of sound on the gross body have been scientifically verified. Examples of the positive physical effects (on the gross bodies of any living being) include – increase in the immunity of human beings under specific therapies based on sound; acceleration of the growth rate of vegetation by special music; increase in the reproduction rates of some varieties of fish and hens under certain music-based treatments.

The interest, to some extent, in the subtle power of sound has been revived in the modern era by the scientific works on ultrasound. The ultrasonic waves were successfully used for the first time in 1914 for recognition of underwater objects (like submarines) during the First World War. There has been a significant progress in the applications of ultrasound in the twentieth century. Today, the medical technology is making tremendous use of advanced ultrasonic devices for noninvasive diagnostic purposes.

Laboratory experiments on ultrasonic effects have shown that the vibrations at a high frequency – of the order of five crores per second – can produce enormous energy that would convert the surrounding material into vapors and ashes almost instantaneously. Then what about the power of the vibrations that are generated at exponentially faster frequencies by a controlled use of bio-electricity, vital energy and the sublime force of the otherwise untapped layers of human-consciousness? Why wouldn’t they induce supersonics impulses in the etheric whole and create cosmic effects?

The effects of mantra are based on subtler (in terms of the ‘audio’ perceptions) levels of sound than the ultrasound. The body components like the tongue and the palate are supporting tools for augmenting the frequency of the sound of the syllables of a mantra. The inner extrasensory energy-centers of the body (including those in the brain) exponentially amplify – with the help of the vital power of the bioelectricity and the strength of consciousness (of the sadhaka), the frequency of the sound waves of the mantra far beyond the limits of ultrasonic and supersonic vibrations.

Scientific investigations on mantras are important, considering the fact that only a handful of genuine ‘experts’ of this occult field of knowledge are available today. The creative and enchanting impacts of particular forms of sound – Indian musical ragas, in particular – on human-psychology are well accepted today. Interdisciplinary scientific research is emerging to make use of the same against psychological disorders and as a ‘tonic’ for mental health and enthusiasm for those engaged in monotonous and tiring tasks. In addition, research should also begin for understanding the patterns, meanings and complexities of the phonetic symbols used in the Vaidika mantras, deciphering the spectrum of accents and rhythmic chanting patterns for these mantras and devising scientific methods to experimentally establish their veracity.

Experiencing Om ¬

Om ¬ is the principal Divine Sound. It is Supreme source of music. All the musical notes of Nature are interwoven in it. The chirping of birds sitting on the trees, the peaceful atmosphere of high mountain peaks, the melodious sound of waterfalls, the whistling sound of winds blowing past the trees, the roaring sound of ocean waves, the thundering sound of clouds – the essence of all these is hidden in Om.

Om is the seed of alphabets / words / syllables. All the words emerge from it and all of them get merged into it. Not only Vedas but also the Bible and other scriptures are the manifestations of Om. Gita and Gayatri too have emerged out of it. That is why Vedas say "One who has realized the essence of Om, nothing remains to be realized by him." Bible too repeats the same truth when it says: "In the beginning was the word; and the word was with God; and the word was God". Everything in this universe has been created by that primordial Sound.

Om is the seed of this wonderful creation. It is the Supreme source of all kinds of energies. All the currents of energies responsible for sustaining and maintaining this vast universe originate from Om. That is why Upnishads say that everything in this world has emerged out of Om and everything will merge back in Om. All the mysteries from the subtlest to the most gigantic are hidden in this Om.

Om is the Supreme symbol for meditation. All the mysteries are unraveled by meditating on Om and the imprisoned splendors within us get released. Om is hidden within everyone but it is veiled by our ego-centered ignorance. As soon as imprisoned splendor of Om is liberated, all suffering gets transformed into bliss. This liberation is possible through meditation. It is through meditation and Gayatri Sadhana that the seed of Om is nurtured, sprouts up and grows into the tree of self-awakening. Then it no longer remains the subject of scriptural discussion but a concrete undeniable experience.

Shakti Sadhana - Amrit Chintan

Whatever exists in this world (animate as well as inanimate) is the manifestation of Shakti (Eternal Power). At some places it appears as dormant inactivity while at others it is seen as awakened activity. All the forms of life have originated from it. It is this consciousness that is seen in all the fauna and flora. It is this energy that is responsible for all the action, growth and expansion in this world. The whole cosmos is the play of Shakti.

The play of this Shakti in human life is deeply mysterious. The awakening and strengthening of the three layers of our body physical, subtle (Austral) and causal; and the five koshas (shells) annamaya, pranmaya, manomaya, vigyanmaya and anandmaya generate different types of currents of Shakti. The awakening of different subtle chakras muladhar, swadhisthan, manipur, anahat, vishuddhi, ajóa and sahastrar - is done for unraveling the mysterious world of this Mahashakti. In fact kundalini maha shakti is the base of human life itself. Mother Goddess Adya Shakti Herself energizes the awakened kundalini and enables a sadhak to achieve the highest goal of life.

People, who remain ignorant of this mysterious play of Shakti, are akin to a fish that is thirsty in the vast sea. Those, who strive to delve deep in this mystery and undertake appropriate sadhana, achieve the honor of being called the children of Adyashakti. They become full of spiritual power. Nothing is impossible for them to achieve and accomplish.

The supreme knowledge of this Shakti sadhana, capable of transforming the impossible into the possible, is hidden in the twenty-four letters of Gayatri Mahamantra. Advanced sadhaks realize this truth. From this point of view, the nine days of Navaratri are very significant and auspicious for Gayatri sadhana. Those sadhaks who undertake the sadhana of Gayatri Mahashakti, will become dynamos of uplifting spiritual energy which will be a boon for themselves as well as the society. Let all parijans engage themselves in intensive Gayatri sadhana during the Navratri Parva.

The Hidden Source of Vital - Spiritual Energy -2 (Kama)

The sons deprived of motherly affections and the daughters bereft of father’s love and protections are often found to lack in healthy psychological development. The presence of boys and girls both among the children augments the happy ambience of a family. The boys who have no company of sisters and similarly the girls without having brothers remain deprived of overall development of personality and risk some hindrance in mental evolution. With the emergence of youth one has to arrange for a married life. Healthy association between husband and wife together would offer natural boost to each other’s progress in all dimensions of life. In old age, affectionate interaction with the (grand) sons and (grand) daughters also provides extra sublime support to the hidden consciousness of the (grand) mothers and (grand) fathers respectively.

Renowned psychologists like Dr. Freud, though in a narrowed sense of the word, have advocated "kama" as the utmost need of human life. It is affirmed to be fulfilled in intimate interactions, amicable alliance between the opposite genders. Somehow in our country, the Sanskrit (or Hindi) word "kama" is mostly used to imply sexual pleasure or related desires. This is why it is often discarded as an erotic or obscene terminology and the concept of inevitability of kama appears debased and unacceptable to many of us. But a sane consideration of the overall meaning of the word with scientific outlook and an open mind would convey that kama is indeed an eternal necessity reflected in origin and infinite expansion –– right from the commingling of prakrati and purusha and the gross generation of life…, to the contributions of married life in the society and sustenance of the world. Finding flaws in this interpretation or countering it by some linguistic analysis etc would only be a prejudiced and futile exercise of arguments.

Unmindful and uncontrolled use of any resource is risky. Extremities or exploitation of every thing should be avoided. Incontinence and greed of unwise, shortsighted people often cross limits in unchecked, insidious misuse of the faculties of sense organs. Look at the state of our tongue, for instance. Many of us have ruined its vital power in abusive, bitter and false speech and all kinds of unhealthy (though lavish) foods and invited physical and mental sufferings and economical and moral decrepitude in several respects. This is not the flaw of the natural faculties of taste and voice endowed in the tongue. If restrained, refined and used wisely, this tiny organ alone could serve great purposes in enlightened progress of our life.

The same is the case of the genitals (the sex-organs). If these are restrained carefully together with adoption of brahmcarya and the nectar of kama hidden in the sex-element is enjoyed with moral purity and cautious control, the sexual indulgence too would prove to be beneficial and fulfilling like the elixir of life. After all, careful processing and medicinal use of poison makes it a life-saving drug too. However, at the same time we must note that adulteration and ill usage of these are always detrimental and could convert even the nectar into a deadly toxin. Thus, it is not the kama, rather, its perversion and eroticism that are debauching and should be reproached and avoided. That is why God gave double job to these two Indriya (Tounge and Sex Organ)

When the relations between a daughter and father, sister and brother, or mother and son could be so sacred, happy and healthy, why would those between other kinds of social interactions between the two sexes be pernicious? Take for instance the case of husband and wife. This relationship could be most enlightening and exceptionally encouraging for unalloyed progress of both if insulated from the aberrations of sensual lust. Marriage in such cases would prove to be an excellent means of nurturing fulfillment in the lives of both the partners by healthy alliance and mutual support…. Lord Krishna had mobilized a welcome revolution in this regard.

The Indian society of those days of yore was subjected to blind traditions – even the young boys and girls were not allowed to play together. People clung to a blind conviction that meeting or interaction of men and women, of whatever age groups would lead to immoral, untoward consequences. This had darkened people’s mentality and thus captured the smiles of children too in the barrier of social absurdity; little boys and girls were not able to laugh or play together under these baseless constraints.

Lord Krishna removed these suppressive barriers and encouraged healthy alliance between the two sexes by way of organizing the blissful programmes of "Raas Lila" in which the boys and girls, men and women all used to play and dance together. He found it illogical to discriminate among humans on gender basis; so what if one section of the human society can grow moustaches and the other doesn’t. How could the difference between the anatomies of the genitals make one sex inferior or harmful to the other in any way? In fact, this difference in the physical and psychological nature of the two sexes is a remarkable symbol of Nature’s art that offers soothing mutual complementarity’s among them. The sick mentality that the two different sexes would commit mistakes and indulge in obscene, amoral acts whenever they associate is an extreme of mistrust of humans towards themselves.

Chastity of conduct, virtuous development of character could be ensured only by refinement from within. This demands inculcation of sraddha prudence and farsightedness towards noble ideals and human dignity. Social norms should not prohibit healthy alliance, interaction and collaboration between the two sexes; else the society would be deprived of the great benefits available from the joint efforts, mutual support of its two major pillars. Lord Krishna had propagated this message effectively by his enchanting “Raas Lilas”.

The spiritual science of sublime power of the sex-element accords sacred interactions between man and woman. The intimacy of their relationship as married couple could also incorporate sensual connections and mutual satisfaction of sex. There should be no restriction on healthy association, joint efforts and social unions of men and women in general. As two or more men or women can share the joy of friendship without any risk or suspicion, the same way men and women could also maintain unstained, respectful alliance. This natural, serene, sober association should not be prohibited.

The mutually supplementing powers of prana, soma and agni, and swaha and swadha in man and woman are of unique biological, psychological and spiritual importance. The conjugation of these sublime elements holds limitless potentials of genesis, creation and blissful evolution at higher realms of Nature. Reproduction or growth of population is a very crude and negligible expression of this astonishing effect. These two subliminal streams of the source of consciousness and manifestation of Nature should be recognized and realized through the deeper science of spirituality. Sagacity of human mind should check the risk of tragic decline and extinction of human species by preventing the perverted dissipation of the immense energy of kama – hidden in the sex-element – in erotic passions. This sublime power should rather be channelized wisely for the overall augmentation of the physical, mental and spiritual strength of mankind.

The activity of sex-element in copulation is a subtle biological process. The sensual lust and excitement associated with copulation could be vulgar and shameful. Erotic description of the same could be detrimental and should therefore be avoided. However, knowing the roots of this process in Nature, deciphering the higher dimensions of the vital force and the deeper science of kama, is neither untoward nor vulgar. It is indeed a part of the Panchagni Vidya – the Vedic science of genesis and evolution of prana that has been lost in the mist of ignorance and tides of time. Neglect of this great knowledge has caused enough harm to our own lives and potentials. The deep knowledge of multiple aspects of the bioelectrical force and prana in the sex-elements of man and woman is dealt in the spiritual science of kama. It should be studied with same sincerity and investigative attitude as any other branch of science.

The Hidden Source of Vital - Spiritual Energy -1 (Kama)

Gayatri – the Eternal Supreme Power of God is revered as the origin of the infinite gamut of spiritual, conscious, unconscious and super-conscious faculties, cosmic energy and material existence. The cosmic power of Gayatri used for the creation and perceivable manifestation of the universe is named as Savitri. The higher-level sadhanas of Gayatri and Savitri include the endeavors of awakening and activation of Kundalini and the unfolding and sublime transmutation of the Pancha kosas. Before going into this deeper science, we may attempt understanding its basic elements. Kama – the subtle source of sex-element, zealous vitality, sublime creativity, joy and emotional exaltation, is the seed of manifestation of Kundalini – the hidden energy of cosmic grandeur. The sagacious, enlightened personalities are aware of this precious source and therefore use it cautiously for creative purposes. We too should know the importance and deeper depths of the spiritual science of kama and proceed along the path of sadhanas as per our present mental makeup.

The physical science regards atom as the basic unit of matter. As per the hypotheses prevalent until half a century ago, the origin and properties of matter and hence all its reactions and energy-variations were attributed to specific arrangements, distributions and motions of the subatomic particles in the nuclei of its atoms. Further research had discovered that the atom or subatomic particles are not the most basic entities, rather, these are consequences. After the theories of (quantum) energy waves etc, it is now believed that the root cause of the manifestation of Nature is some kind of cosmic vibration that could be regarded as generating the physical as well as conscious energy waves; the sparks of which motivate the motion of subatomic and subtler particles and give rise to the physical existence of the universe and control its expansion and ultimate destruction.

The science of spirituality begins at much deeper levels. It affirms the origin of Nature and cosmic expansion through the evolutionary impulse generated by the commingling of prakrati and purusha. These (prakrati and purusha) are also referred as prana, sakti and siva, or agni and soma in the vedic literature. We may think of these as sublime cosmic power currents of mutually complementary nature. As the flow of electricity is not possible without both the positive and negative currents, no energy or motion could be realized in Nature without the vibrating linkage of prakrati and purusha.

The Sankhya school of Vedic Philosophy describes that the cosmic impulse induced by the vibrating linkage – consistent cycle of mutual commingling and separation, originate the evolving existence of the para and apara forms of Nature. We get the first experience of this effect in the motion of (sub) atomic particles. A clock starts and continues operating with the harmonic motion of its pendulum. Similarly, the existence and unlimited activities of Nature commence and continue with the vibrating linkage of prakrati and purusha.

In order to explain and illustrate the deeper science and philosophy of this subliminal process, the purusha (Brahma) and prakrati are rhetorically described in the scriptures as representing the eternal man and woman. The trinity Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - symbolize the powers of eternal creation, maintenance and evolution. The Goddesses referred as their respective consorts are Savitri/Sarswati, Lakshmi and Shakti/Parvati. Hidden behind this rhetoric description of divine couples is the fact that the eternal Being (purusha) is incomplete without prakrati. No creation, no life and no growth would be possible without the conjunction of the two. There would be nothing except the absolute void. From the anthropological viewpoint, the conjugation of the mutually supplementary powers of man (male) and woman (female) is the root cause of all the gross existence of the world. The confluence or coupling of the two naturally complementary streams of the sex-element gives birth to new life. This reaction is like generation of spark from friction, from impulsive cycle of conjugation and separation.

The vibrating linkage in the sublime domains of Nature is also reflected in every expression of life, every process of the living body. For example, the respiratory cycle, the consecutive compression and expansion of the muscles, the beating of the heart, the pulsating flow of blood, the cyclic growth and division of the cells, the rhythmic cascade of molecular interactions etc…. Any disruption in this system invites the terror of death. This is true not only for the gross body, but also in every expression of Nature. Like the high and low tides of the sea, every activity in the universe is based on the cosmic impulse of the vibrating linkage – cyclic conjunction and disjunction of what is termed in the science of spirituality as prakrati and purusha or prana.

Human life entirely depends upon this eternal cosmic process. What is transacted by the prakrati and purusha in the subliminal realms of cosmic creation is supposed to be performed by man and woman together in the gross domains of life on this earth. The alliance of the two is therefore essential on the social fronts. Apart from the exceptional cases of individuals living singly because of some unavoidable compulsion or because of some ascetic ideals or noble aims, the life-partnership (as married couples in general) or company of man and woman is the most natural, common and favorable mode of life in the human society. No one would object to accept that the natural growth and happiness of life is sustained on the association of man and woman.

It should be noted that the intimate companionship of man and woman is required not only for reproduction or carnal pleasure. The joy of sexual linkage and desire of having offspring may trigger such relationships in a couple. However, this is not all. In fact, the intimate association between the two enables creative channelization of kama in both and thus helps arousal of their otherwise dormant consciousness; this soothing exaltation is required in every moment of life. The attachment of a child with his mother and eagerness of being in her lap or proximity are also indicative of this natural requirement.