Sound is a result of vibration. This phenomenon is considered to be the basis of all creation. In the Vedas as in the Bible, it is said: "In the beginning was the Word". According to the Vedas, the primordial sound is OM.
If a group chants Om and places iron fillings in the centre of the group, this fillings will rearrange themselves into a Mandala (geometric pattern arranged around a circle). This experience proves, the effect of sound, thus that of vibration, on matter.
The use of this effect is part of Yogic tradition
Yogis whose mind is purified, stable, and totally turned inwards can perceive very subtle things which the ordinary man does not even suspect, because his mind is scattered and constantly outwardly going. It is from their journeys on the edge of what is perceivable, that the yogis have returned with the knowledge of mantras, amongst other things. Mantras are groups of Sanskrit words or sounds, encasing a certain type of energy.
Etymologically, mantra means, "that which brings thoughts together". It is therefore an instrument, used for the stilling and concentration of the mind which is the aim of yoga. The repetition of a mantra done out loud or in silence (japa) will have an effect on the body, the energy and the mind:
- The body: sound makes the body vibrate; it is a kind of massage.
- The energy: the mantra will harmonise the energy, while the world we live in grates it in the wrong direction!
- The mind: if you pronounce the word "orange", your mental substance ( yoga considers the mind to be matter in a subtle state) will take the shape of an orange. In the same way if you pronounce Shiva or Rama-even if you know nothing about Hindu deities-, the echo in your mind will not be the same as if you pronounced the name of a politician or a fashionable singer...
All that exists works according to certain rhythms, from the most minute cell to the galaxies: this is why the rhythm plays an important role while listening to, repeating, or chanting a mantra:
- This rhythm will impregnate the body, energy and mind
- Repeating or chanting a mantra in rhythm is conducive to disciplining and stilling the mind.
- If you become aware of the use of music (military music, advertisements, movies), you will notice that it is a powerful means of acting on individuals. Hence the need to treat the body and mind to vibration and sounds which have been proven to have positive effects!...
From a more subtle perspective, a mantra is "energy encased in a structure of sound". The repetition of a mantra according to the guidelines (pronunciation, rhythm, intonation.), along with a physical and ethical healthy lifestyle, can liberate this energy in the same way as the energy is liberated from the nucleus of an atom. This experience leads to what is called Liberation or Illumination. But according to tradition, in order to have the power to lead the individual that far, the mantra needs to be transmitted by someone who has personnally been through this experience. This imparting is called initiation (mantra diksha).
The main Mantras
They are of two types:
- The Vedantic Mantras, totally abstract: OM (called Pranava) . Yogi Hari has recorded 3 meditations on Om on his CD "Eternal Om"
- The Moksha Mantras - mantras of deities in Sanskrit, used for Liberation.
A Deity is a manifestation, a form of the universal energy, and not a god in the mythological sense. Following one's temperament one will be drawn more to one or another.
The most common Moksha Mantras are:
Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya
Shiva symbolises the power of destruction and transformation at work in all aspects of life. He holds the power of the whole universe. He is the ideal of the yogis. He is represented in meditation, living on the snowy summits of mount Kailas. For those on the spiritual path, His third eye, the eye of discrimination, symbolises the capacity to discriminate between Illusion and Reality, and to destroy Maya, the Illusion, along with the attachments inherent in it. This mantra suits those persons drawn to meditation and a life of solitude.
Yogi Hari has recorded on CD:
Om Namah Shivaya: The mantra is chanted to different melodies and rhythms
Shiva Chants: a marvellous support for those wishing to practise kirtan on the name of Shiva- chant book p. 135
Adorations to Shiva and Shiva Bhajans: To connect oneself more deeply with Shiva's energy. book of chants p.115
Cosmic chants & Satsang 3: include several chants dedicated to Shiva
Vishnu: Om Namo Narayanaya
(Narayana is another name for Vishnu)
Vishnu symbolises the tendency inherent in all aspects of life to find a state of balance. This tendency manifests for example in the healing of wounds, in chemical bonds, as well as in the great incarnations such as Buddha, Jesus, etc. who come to this plane when the order of the world is threatened. Vishnu preserves and maintains the cosmic order. He symbolises compassion. This mantra attracts those who like responsibilities and who have a protective nature.Yogi Hari has recorded on CD:
Om Namo Narayanaya mantra
Bhajan 1 & Wings of Liberation: several chants are dedicated to Narayana - chant book p. 76,78 and 162
Rama: Om Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram
Rama is an incarnation of Vishnu. He was unaware of his divinity at birth. He reached Liberation after having heard a discourse on Illusion and Reality by his guru, the sage Vasistha. He symbolises the perfected man, God in human form. He is the ideal husband, father, brother etc. Faithful, full of compassion and law abiding, He sets the example of what a perfect human life could be. His name is often associated with his wife, Sita.
This mantra will attract those for whom family comes first and those that are law abiding .
Yogi Hari has recorded on CD:
Om Shri Ram, jai Ram, jai jai Ram: The mantra is chanted to different melodies and rhythms.
Adorations to Rama - chant book p.99
Rama Bhajans -chant book p.181
Cosmic Chants & Satsang 3: several chants are dedicated to Rama
Krishna : Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
(Vasudeva is another name for Krishna)
Krishna is also an incarnation of the sustainer Vishnu. Contrary to Rama, he was in full possession of all his divine powers at birth. He came to show humankind the rules of correct conduct, and to teach them how to find Liberation through doing one's duty. He symbolises knowledge, equanimity and divine love. This mantra is for those who have to play out many different roles in their life. This mantra is the most commonly used.Yogi Hari has recorded on CD:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya : The mantra is chanted to different melodies and rhythms
Adorations to Krishna: mantras and chants dedicated to Krishna, ideal for Kirtan -chant book p.139
Krishna Bhajans: Bhajans that evoke the different aspects of Krishna -chant book p.143
Cosmic Chants & Satsang 3: several chants are dedicated to Krishna
Maha Mantra:
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare HareThe great Mantra. It brings peace. At the Sivananda ashram in Rishikesh it has been continually chanted since 1940 for world peace.
Yogi Hari has recorded on CD:
Maha Mantra chanted to different melodies and rhythms
There are also mantras representing the feminine aspect of creation (Kali, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati..)
Yogi Hari has recorded on CD:
Adoration to Divine Mother: chants dedicated to different aspects of the Mother
Satsang 2: several chants and mantras are dedicated to the Divine Mother
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