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Dr Ananth Nalabanda

The Transformative Power of Mantras in Spiritual Practice



In the realm of spiritual exploration, the significance of mantras cannot be overstated. Following my previous discussion on the cautionary tales of pseudogurus, it becomes even more crucial to understand the true essence of spiritual tools that aid in the inner journey. One of the most profound of these tools is the mantra chanting.


Origin of Mantra: The Cosmic Dance of Consciousness and Energy


At the heart of many spiritual and philosophical traditions is the concept of the all-pervasive reality, known as Brahman, which embodies both consciousness and energy. These primal forces are identified differently across philosophical systems: as Shiva and Shakti in Tantra, Purusha and Prakriti in Sankhya, and Brahman and Maya in Vedanta. In our human experience, consciousness manifests as the mind, while energy is perceived through our body and actions.


In the cosmic schema, it is only through the interaction of consciousness and energy that creation unfolds. This harmonious or dynamic interplay is the crux of existence and evolution. The earliest manifestation of this cosmic interaction is sound, or "shabda," representing consciousness and energy in their most undiluted form.


Science of Vibration: Universal and Internal Echoes


The universe is in a constant state of motion, vibrating and pulsating in a rhythm of expansion and contraction—a phenomenon that mirrors the pulsation of the nucleus within an atom as described in the Upanishads: "What occurs outside is reflected in the body." Within our bodies, there exist infinite sounds and vibrations, though our sensory perception is limited to a specific range. This concept reinforces the yogic view of the mind’s division into the lower and higher mind. The lower mind is bound by time, space, and objects, dealing predominantly with the sensory world, while the higher mind is intuitive and transcendental.


The First Sound: AUM


Among the spectrum of sounds to which the human auditory system is sensitive—ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz—it is the subtler vibrations, known as "spandan," that carry a significant spiritual weight. The primal sound "AUM" was revealed to ancient seers not through ordinary auditory experiences but as a profound spiritual insight. This sound embodies the entirety of the universe's consciousness and is considered the root of all mantras.


Mantras and Mind: Guided Meditation and Beyond


Guided meditations primarily engage the lower mind, allowing practitioners to experience peace, happiness, and comfort, often mistaken for deeper spiritual states. However, accessing the higher mind requires intense sadhana (spiritual practice) with discipline. Pseudogurus often mislead innocent seekers by promising effortless access to higher states of consciousness, which is misleading. True spiritual advancement through mantras involves recognizing the vibrations that exist universally and within ourselves, understanding that these vibrations are unified in higher states of awareness where no sensory perceptions exist.


Mantras as Tools for Liberation


Mantras help quiet the mind, transcending ordinary consciousness and paving the way for heightened awareness and, ultimately, liberation (Moksha). The Sanskrit phrase "manayat trayate it mantrah" explains that a mantra is a powerful tool that helps manage and liberate the mind. In this way, mantras become the cause for the union of consciousness and prana (life force).


Conclusion: Embracing the Sacred Mantras


In conclusion, as we navigate through the myriad teachings and practices in the spiritual landscape, the importance of embracing authentic and profound disciplines such as mantra chanting becomes clear. Mantras are not just tools for achieving transient peace or superficial healing but are profound aids in the journey towards inner liberation and understanding the ultimate reality.


As we delve deeper into the spiritual practice of mantras, we reconnect with the cosmic dance of consciousness and energy, moving closer to the core of our being and the universe at large. This journey, supported by the genuine practice of powerful mantras, stands in stark contrast to the misleading paths laid out by pseudogurus, offering a real gateway to the profound transformation and enlightenment that so many seekers aspire to.


This is my inaugural article on Mantras, inspired by my studies of publications by the Bihar School of Yoga and an exploration of Shabda Shastra. The scriptures liken our freedom to being on level ground, where we can run freely; however, this freedom ends when we fall into a well. To escape from this well, one requires a rope. Similarly, at the level of the individual soul, it remains free in its unmanifest state, but upon entering the domain of Prakriti, it finds itself constrained and confined. To ascend from this well of material existence, we need a rope—this rope is the mantra.


Pseudogurus, whilst employing mantras and mudras themselves in their occult practices such as Vasikaran, often discourage their followers from using mantras, knowing well that it could empower seekers to break free from their influence. In my next article, I will delve deeper into my ongoing exploration of mantras.

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