A Mantra is mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Every Mantra contains within its vibrations a certain power. Upon concentration and repetition of a given Mantra, its energy is elicited and takes form. Japa, or Mantra Yoga, is that practice by which the power contained within Mantras is applied for specific purposes.
Each Mantra is constructed from a combination of sounds derived from the fifty letters of the Sanskrit alphabet. Sanskrit is also known as Devanagari, or language of the Divine. The ancient sages, who were attuned to higher levels of consciousness, were well aware of the inherent power contained in sound, and they ufflized combinations of sounds to set up specific vibrations. These vibrations applied systematically could literally move mountains.
In fact, one theory on the building of the pyramids suggests that it was the highly developed science of manipulating sound vibrations that enabled the early Egyptians to sculpt and move stones of such enormous proportions.
Whether such feats can be attributed to the control of sound is a question modem science has not yet covered. Yet there is no doubt that sound does have a definite and predictable effect on the human psyche and body. An obvious example is the 48 difference between classical and rock music. The first tends to be relaxing while the other is inclined to excite the senses. On a more subtle level, various Mantras are applied for certain purposes. Most specifically, they turn the mind toward concentration on the Supreme and release spiritual energy in the chakras of the body.
There are different types of Mantras. Some, called bija or seed Mantras, are such that they have no exact meaning. They act directly on the nadis, or nerve tubes of the astral body. They vibrate in the chakras along the spine, acting as a subtle massage, releasing blockages and allowing the kundalini energy to flow more freely. In these the name and form of the sound are merged and cannot be separated. There are also Mantras that have meaning which can be translated. These nirguna or abstract Mantras also set up powerful vibrations in the body, but verbally assert union with unmanifest pure consciousnesse.
More common, however, is the Deity Mantra, in which a specific form with attributes is visualised along with the repetition of the sound. For example, a reclusive person bent on destroying his negative qualities would repeat a Siva Mantra. A family person, whose ideal was to be a loving and responsible husband or wife, might meditate on the name of Rama.
You must always be wary. One desire can multiply and destroy the best intentions. The secret of conquering the tyranny of the mind is to not to play the game. By continuously controlling the thought waves, or by observing but not identifying with them, you can reduce and eventually stop them. When the thought waves are stilled during meditation, the true Self is revealed and you experience Cosmic Consciousness. The realisation of the Oneness of all existence, manifested and unmanifested, is the goal of human life.
An individual who sees the Divine as infinite, alloving, and even a little playful would build these qualities in himself by repeating a Krishna Mantra.
Japa meditation is a method of channelling one’s conscious-ness frdm the lowest to the highest level of pure thought. Repeated verbally or rnentally, a Mantra lifts one into the telepathic stage and beyond to the transcendental. “Rama,” for instance, has a specific form that merges with the name in the telepathic state. On the fourth level, name, form, and one’s own Self as witness are indistinguishable. They unite and a state of bliss prevails. One does not enjoy bliss, but becomes Bliss itself. This is the true experience of meditation.
The power of sound is tremendous. In addition to image 57 and form, it can generate ideas, emotions and experiences. By merely hearing words the mind can undergo pain or pleasure.
If somebody shouts, “Snake! Snake!” one immediately jumps with fright. Consciousness of the presence of something considered dangerous has been created. The mind reacts with terror, and the body jumps in fear. when such is the power of the name of an ordinary thing of this world, imagine what power resides in the name of the Lord.
Japa is one of the most direct ways of Self-Realisation, or Universal Consciousness. It removes the dirt of the mind, the anger, greed, lust and other impurities that hide the light within. Just as a dusty mirror acquires the power of reflection when cleaned, the mind from which impurities have been removed acquires the capacity to reflect higher spiritual truth.
Even a liftle recitation with feeling and one-pointed concentration on the meaning destroys mental impurities. Japa meditation done with faith, devotion and purity augments the power of the aspirant, bestowing on him the virtues and powers of the Mantra’s presiding deity.
Revealing God to his consciousness, it confers illumination and eternal bliss. The Supreme is not an individual entity. God is an experience realised on a particular wavelength. Japa produces in the mind the form of the deity connected with the Mantra.
Through constant practice, this form becomes the centre of one’s consciousness and can be directly realised. The Mantra of the deity, therefore, is the same as the deity. Repetition with concentration on the meaning of the Mantra and on the attributes of the particular deity will bring God-Realisation quickly. Rpwever, through sheer vibratory power, lapa with no knowledge of the meaning will also bring realisation, although it will take more time.
All Mantras are hidden in OM, which is the abstract, highest Mantra of the cosmos. OM is the manifest symbol of the Sabdabrahman vibration, or God; but, it must not be equated with the Divine. The universe has come from OM, rests in OM and dissolves in it. AUM, as it is sometimes written, covers the threefold experience of man; A represents the physical plane, U represents the mental and astral plane, and M represents the deep sleep state and everything beyond reach of the intellect. The transcendental sound of OM is heard only by Yogis, not by the ordinary ear.
Letters of the alphabet are emanations from OM, which is the root of all sounds and letters. A is the first sound the vocal apparatus can utter, and M is the last. In between is the middle range of U. The three sounds comprising OM encompass all sound. There is no language, music or poetry outside its range. Not only does all language and thought arise from this word, but also the energy vibrations of the universe itself.
Because of its universality, OM can be used as a Mantra by all who are unable to find a guru. However, its very universality and lack of particular form make it very difficult for a beginner to grasp. The mind must be very strong to be able to concentrate on formless and abstract Mantras such as OM.
Japa meditation on OM has a tremendous influence on the mind. Vibrations set up by this word are extremely powerful. By holding the hands over the ears and intoning it, one can experience its vibrations on a rudimentary physical level. No other sound similarly intoned will have the same vibrational power within the head.
Correctly pronounced, the sound proceeds from the navel, with a deep and harmonious vibration, and gradually manifests itself at the upper part of the nostrils. The larynx and palate are the sounding boards; no part of the tongue or palate is touched. As the U is pronounced, the sound rolls from the root of the tongue to the end of the sounding board of the mouth. M is the last sound, and is produced by closing the lips. Pronounced merely as spelled, OM will have a certain effect upon the nervous system, and will benefit the psyche.
Pronounced correctly, it arouses and transforms every atom in the physical body, setting up new vibrations and awakening dormant physical and mental powers.