Gayatri Book

Gayatri - The Sound of Divine Light Gayatri - The Sound of Divine Light
Gayatri
Mantra
The Sound of Divine Light
Aja

Gayatri Mantra
Aja
32
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Gayatri Mantra
2002 Atma Institute
A note on transliteration: Many of the words used in this book
are Sanskrit, which when transliterated into Roman (or En-
glish) letters requires the use of diacritical markings. Thus,
Gayatri would actually be written GAyatrI. However, for ease
of reading and writing, we have left off the diacritical marks, in
most case, with the exception of the words in the Gayatri man-
tra itself. For exact pronunciation of the Sanskrit of Gayatri,
see the pronunciation guide at the end.
The picture on the cover is of Gayatri Devi, the
Goddess who personifies the Gayatri Mantra.
For additional information, to be added to our email
or postal mailing lists, or to learn about classes or
Satsangs with Aja, contact:
Atma Institute
10235 NW Cornelius Pass Rd.
Portland, OR 97231
(503) 690-9513
www.ATMAinstitute.org
31
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Table of Contents
What is Mantra?............................................ 4
What is Gayatri?............................................ 5
Meaning of Gayatri ....................................... 7
Why Chant Gayatri Mantra?..................... 10
Who should chant Gayatri?........................ 12
When to Chant Gayatri and How Much ... 15
How to Chant Gayatri ................................. 19
Gayatri - The All Purpose Mantra ............. 20
Where to chant Gayatri .............................. 22
Quotes on Gayatri ........................................ 24
Pronunciation of Sanskrit ........................... 28
Additional Resources ................................... 29
About the Author......................................... 30
30
About the Author
Aja has been a student, explorer
and teacher in the areas of body,
mind and consciousness for over
twenty years. After intensive study,
he was ordained as a Vedic Priest
in India in 1975, in the Brahma
Madhva Gaudiya Vaishnava
sampradaya or lineage - an unbroken line of teachers
going back to Lord Krishna. In addition, Aja has re-
ceived a Doctorate of Naturopathy Degree from the
International University in 1984, and in 1990 received
the title of Sanskrit Adhyapaka (Teacher of Sanskrit)
from the American Sanskrit Institute. Over the years
he has extensively researched both Eastern and West-
ern teachings on spirituality, religion and transcen-
dence, personally explored the realms of conscious-
ness and awakening and authored several books on
health, spirituality and consciousness. In 1990, through
self inquiry, he experienced a permanent shift in his
perception of reality, recognizing that Self of Abso-
lute Consciousness from which all arises, and which
permeates all things.
For additional information or to bring Aja to your
area, contact:
ATMA Institute
10235 NW Cornelius Pass Rd.
Portland, Oregon 97231
(503) 690-9513
www.ATMAinstitute.org
4
What is Mantra?
First, we should consider the nature of mantra itself.
The word Mantra comes from two roots: Man,
referring to the mind or thinking process; and tra, to
protect. Thus a mantra is a particular sound vibration
or combination of sound vibrations which when
repeated or meditated upon, utilizing the thinking
process, creates a certain resonance which protects
the mind from its incessant ramblings. In other words,
through the use of a particular vibratory formula, the
mind is brought to one pointedness. If you observe
the mind for a moment, you will find that it is constantly
moving, pulling us one way or another, and arises as
innumerable desires pulling you in every direction
according to the whims of the senses. The Bhagavad
Gita states: Above the objects of the senses is the
mind; above the mind is the buddhi or intelligence;
and above the intelligence is He, meaning either the
individual Self or Supreme Self. The mind is thus
attached to the senses. But through wisdom or
intelligence, it can be controlled by use of mantra.
Secondly, the very vibrations of these ancient mantras
have a particular effect. Everyone knows the difference
between sound vibrations. The sweet sound of a
symphony has a very different effect from the sound
of fingernails on a blackboard. Even a single instrument
like the violin can have a very soothing effect or an
annoying one, depending upon whose hands hold and
29
a is pronounced like sh as in the German word
sprechen
xa is pronounced like the English shut
is pronounced like sing
is pronounced like ny
j
a is pronounced like gya
--------------------------------------------------------
-----
Additional Resources:
Mantra - the Power of Sound
by Aja
Booklet and 60 minute Tape
With mantras in original sanskrit, transliteration, and
translation. Covers pronunciation of Sanskrit,
invocational mantra, healing mantras, gayatri mantras,
mahamrtyunjaya mantra, planetary mantras, and more.
$20.00 Postpaid within the United States and Canada
(Add $5.00 elsewhere)
5
play it. Similarly, the sounds of speech and particularly
mantra have a very powerful effect. Those mantras
which have been given for the healing, purification,
and enlightenment of humanity have a supremely
beneficial effect on all levels of consciousness.
What is Gayatri?
The Sanskrit word Gayatri, like mantra, comes from
two roots: gaya, and tra. Gaya means to sing, and tra
or tri (feminine form) is that which protects. So Gayatri
means that which protects or saves the singer.
Gayatri mantra is the most well known and used man-
tra of all time. It is known by various names including
Savitri (referring to the sun), Vedamata (Mother of
the Vedas), and the Guru mantra, as it is traditionally
given at the time of initiation. It is also one of the
oldest mantras and originally appears in both the Rig
Veda and Yajur Veda.
Besides being a particular verse, Gayatri is also a meter
of 24 syllables in which hundreds of verses may be
found, generally to the various manifestations of the
Gods and Goddesses. Thus you will find various Shiva
Gayatris, Ganesh Gayatris, Lakshmi Gayatris, Vishnu
Gayatris, etc. But for our purposes, we will be
speaking of the original Gayatri or Savitri Gayatri.
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Vowels
a like in but
like in father
i like in pin
like in peek
u like in put
like in pool
like in trick
like in tree
e like in hay
ai like in aisle
o like in hope
au like in house
a nasalized closing of mouth
a a slight breathy echoing of the preceding
vowel
Consonants
Most consonants are pronounced as in English.
However, consonants have an aspirated and non
aspirated form. The non-aspirated is said with
minimal breath, while the aspirated with much
breath.
ka is pronounced like cup
ca is pronounced like chum
ta, tha, da, dha, and na are pronounced with the
tongue at the teeth while
Ta, Tha, Da, Dha and Na are pronounced with
the tongue curled slightly back about 1/2 inch
from the teeth.
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A somewhat unique aspect of Gayatri is that it is both
a mantra and a prayer. Generally speaking, a mantra
may not have inherent meaning, that is, it is a unique
combination of sound vibrations which when recited
create a particular resonance and thus have particular
effects. This is also the case with Gayatri, however,
Gayatri is also a prayer, having a meaning which can
be understood by the reciter. It is in fact a prayer to
the Divine to enlighten us. Thus, Gayatri is both an
invocation to, and vibrationally resonates as the Divine
Light of the Absolute!
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is born of the sun. For Jyotish it gives knowledge of
the movements of the heavenly bodies ruled by the
cosmic sun.
Vama Shashtri (David Frawley)
Pronunciation of Sanskrit
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Meaning of Gayatri
So, lets look at Gayatri mantra itself. The most
traditional way of chanting Gayatri is as follows:
`
-U -u R v> Sv>
tTsivtu vR re {y<
-gae R de vSy xImih
ixyae yae n> cae dyat!
om
bhr bhuva sva
tat savitur vareya
bhargo devasya dhmahi
dhiyo yo na pracodayt
What follows is a very brief description of each word.
Sanskrit is such that nearly every word has multiple
meanings and a literal translation, although possible,
falls far short of the true depth and beauty of the actual
meaning.
(For exact pronunciation see
Sanskrit Pronunciation Guide on page 28.)
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that light releases innumerable souls from the worlds
bondage. Gayatri makes man god-loving while free-
ing him from worldly wants.
Pandit Madanmohan Malaviya
The great mantra of Gayatri has a unique contribu-
tion to make in the impending new age. Its impact on
the moral and ethical renaissance of this new scien-
tific-intellectual age will be unequalled, unparalleled
and extraordinary.
Sriram Sharma Acharya
Gayatri meditation is the highest form of meditation
known in the Vedas. Gayatri is chanted for the
attainment of universal consciousness and for the
awakening of intuitive powers. (It) removes all
fears...is the best cure for all ills...destroys karma and
blesses us with liberation...brings healing to any
sickness, be they physical, mental, emotional or
spiritual.
Sant Keshavadas
The Gayatri mantra is central to Yoga, Vedanta,
Ayurveda and Vedic astrology. For Yoga it sets in
motion the Divine will toward transformation,
stimulating the Kundalini force. For Vedanta it grants
Self-knowledge, knowledge of the solar Self. For
Ayurveda it gives the power of the cosmic prana that
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om God, the primordial sound
from which all originates,
bh The earthly plane,
bhuva The heavenly plane,
sva The causal plane,
tat The Absolute. Or That,
savitu Traditionally Of the Sun,
but also Of God, the
Source of all,
vareya Worshippable,
bharga The Divine Light; that which
is ever expanding,
devasya Of God, Of the Divine,
dhmahi Let us meditate upon,
dhiya Our wisdom, intelligence
(buddhi), our meditation,
ya Who,
na us,
pracodayt Enlightens, enthuses,
awakens, quickens
(The Sanskrit words of Gayatri above are shown in
their grammatically original forms, not necessarily as
they appear in the mantra.)
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able to attain enlightenment by the power of Gayatri. When
that is so, then the worship of Gayatri by the firm and
pure minded persons will surely lead them to self knowl-
edge and self-realisation.
Sage Vashishtha
It is not possible for us to describe the greatness of
Gayatri. It is not possible to act in this world benefi-
cently without purity of mind. This purity of mind
which brings in enlightenment leading to self-realisation
is the result of the inspiration received from Gayatri.
The avatara of Gayatri has occurred to aid us in the
eradication of evil and to help increase the good.
Jagadguru Sankaracharya
I tell people that due to the sadhana of Gayatri hard
austeries have been rendered unnecessary. The great-
est of siddhis can be obtained by the japa of Gayatri.
The Gayatri mantra is small but its powers immeasur-
able.
Ramakrishna Paramahamsa
Gayatri purifies the mind. Without the purity of mind
our life is of no use. Gayatri is the producer of this
purity of mind.
Swami Vidyananda
Of the many invaluable treasures given to us by our
rishis, Gayatri is the incomparable one. Gayatri makes
mind pure and gives the light of god to the soul and
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The first three words after OM, (i.e. bhr bhuva
sva) are called Mahavyahriti, and in their most
simplistic definition refer to three states of existence:
earthly, astral, causal. However, sometimes the mantra
is expanded to include a full seven levels of existence:
bhur bhuvah svah maha jana tapa satyam, which are
sequentially higher and subtler states of existence. The
general idea is that the Lord is present in and as, and
oversees all states of existence. Thus a general
translation for Gayatri as prayer is:
Om, let us meditate upon that Supreme
Lord of all existence, the Worshippable
Divine Effulgence and Source of all that is,
that He may enliven, awaken and enlighten
our intelligence.
(Although Ive used the masculine He, Gayatri mantra
itself is deified as a female energy or Shakti. In fact,
one of the beauties of Gayatri is that everyone chants
it. It belongs to no particular sect or group. Anyone of
any spiritual tradition can benefit by chanting it. It is
used by followers of Shiva, Vishnu, various tantrik
traditions, shaktas, bhaktas, everyone. In fact, since it
is non-specific, there would be nothing wrong with
Christians, Jews, Muslims, or anyone else taking
advantage of it.)
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Quotes on Gayatri
Of the many methods of yoga one of the most potent is
the yoga of Gayatri mantra. Mantras have powers to en-
dow one with remarkable abilities. The Gayatri mantra
gives the devotees spiritual as well as material benefits.
Ramana Maharshi
The way honey is the essence of flowers, and butter
of milk, in the same manner Gayatri is the essence of
all the Vedas. Gayatri when realized is verily the
Kamadhenu - the celestial wish-fulfilling cow. Ganga
cleanses the sins of this worldly body; Gayatri purifies
the soul. The worship of god bereft of Gayatri is like
going out to beg food leaving the meals laid out be-
fore you. Gayatri is the greatest means of extending
your spiritual powers and successful accomplishment
of good ends. There is nothing greater than Gayatri
for this purpose..
Veda Vyasa
Even divinities like Brahma pray to Gayatri because
Gayatri makes possible the realization of Brahman.
Gayatri removes from you the propensity to evil ac-
tions.
Rishi Bharadwaja
Even fools, criminals and men with unstable minds are
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Why Chant Gayatri Mantra?
This is perhaps the key question. There are so many
possible paths that one may take for both material and
spiritual success. Why should one choose to chant any
mantra at all and particularly Gayatri mantra? As
mentioned before, the minds nature is restless and
unsteady. Its tendency is to go outward toward the
various sense objects, as well as to dwell on
innumerable concepts. The Gita says that the mind of
the resolute is one-pointed, while the mind of others is
many branched. Mantra brings that focus. Gayatri
particularly brings that focus. Moreover, Gayatri brings
strength and stamina. In this regard there is a story
concerning Gayatri mantra:
Manu (one of the fathers of mankind) wished to learn
all of the Vedas without studying. With this end in mind
he began to worship Lord Indra, the king of heaven.
Finally, Lord Indra appeared and asked what Manu
wanted. Manu explained that he wished to know all
the Vedas but without studying them. Indra laughed at
his request and told Manu it was impossible.
Undaunted, Manu continued and even deepened his
austerities until Indra appeared again, stated his request
once more, and once more was told it was impossible.
The next day, as Manu walked along the beach, he
saw a man throwing rocks into the sea. After some
time, he asked the man what his purpose was. The
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and tamas (darkness) characterized by lethargy, darkness,
and ignorance. All places are in one or more of these
modes. Thus it is easier to perform spiritual practice in
some place which is in the mode of goodness (the forest
or mountains), than in a place which is full of passion and
movement (the downtown of a major city for instance).
When you are chanting in a place that is characterized by
the modes of passion or ignorance, youre already fighting
those lower qualities. Its a little like trying to light a fire
while someone is dripping (or pouring) water on it. So,
the scriptures have said that there is a greater amount of
benefit derived by chanting in a particular place. It goes
something like this:
(The units are sort of an arbitrary unit)
At Home 1 unit
Near a river 2 units
Where cows are taken care of 10 units
Where Agnihotra is performed 100 units
Where Sages have achieved
j]Ana or siddhi (perfection) 100,000 or
10,000,000 units
In Temples or Places of God According to
the merit of
the place
In front of God Unlimited
When done on Rudraksha Rosary Unlimited
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man replied that he was trying to fill up the sea. Manu
laughed at the man and asked, Is it possible to fill up
the sea by throwing small stones into it? To which
the man replied, Certainly it is as possible as knowing
all the Vedas without reading them! Manu
immediately realized that this was Indra and finally
understood that his request was not possible. However,
he asked Indra if there was some technique by which
he could more easily learn the Vedas. Indra replied,
Yes. If you wish to have the knowledge of the Vedas,
then first chant Gayatri mantra. It will wipe away your
laziness, give you enthusiasm, sharpen your intellect
and make you cheerful all the time. Within a few days
you will be a new person, and by its power you will
quickly learn the Vedas.
Gayatri mantra is considered the Mother of all the
Vedas, and that they are all contained within the
Gayatri. The vibrational resonance of Gayatri purifies
the chanter in his body, mind, and consciousness. It
awakens Divine enthusiasm. Over many millions of
lifetimes we have accumulated innumerable samskaras
and vasanas or desires and tendencies. Chanting of
Gayatri helps to eliminate these accumulated impuri-
ties, known as karmas.
In addition, Gayatri is said to give second birth. The
first birth is when one is born into the material body.
The second birth (dvija), is the spiritual birth by
initiation into Gayatri mantra by which one is said to
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by the offering of either a spoonful of pure ghee, or rice
(and/or other grains mixed) with ghee. This may be done
108 times (one mala), or can be continued for a specific
amount of time - one hour, 4 hours, all day, etc. This is a
particularly potent ritual to do on full moon days, new
moon days, during eclipses, equinoxes and solstices,
or other special astrological and astronomical
occurences. It is also an exceptionally beneficial
ceremony to do for healing. An added benefit is that
the ash from the homa, if collected and kept in a bottle,
can be used for healing (rub it on the body while
chanting Gayatri; bites from snakes, etc.; to dispel
spirits; and on plants and in the garden to improve the
soil and strengthen the plants.
Where to chant Gayatri
Although chanting Gayatri is always beneficial, there
are said to be certain times and places where it is more
beneficial. Everyone is aware that spiritual aspirants
have traditionally gone to forests, hermitages temples,
and so forth to perform their practices. This is in large
part because these places are already more peaceful
or in the mode of goodness (satva). In the Vedic
teachings there are three modes or qualities of nature:
satva (goodness) characterized by lightness, purity,
happiness and wisdom; rajas (passion) characterized by
strong desire, movement, expectations, fiery nature, etc.;
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be qualified to study the spiritual scriptures and begin
the spiritual path in earnest. By chanting the Gayatri
mantra, the mind turns toward the Divine. Like a
mirror, the mind and intelligence is wiped clean and
the Absolute can shine in its purity.
The Gayatri is also a mantra for all purposes. First
and foremost it is a mantra for illuminating and
enlightening. But Gayatri is also considered to be of
immense benefit for physical healing, protection,
material advancement, and wisdom. Indeed, there is
no one who would not benefit by the regular chanting
of Gayatri mantra with love and faith.
Who should chant Gayatri?
Overall, everyone should chant Gayatri, as it brings
benefit not only to the chanter, but to those around
them, and even the environment. Traditionally, in India,
the child is given Gayatri initiation when they are at a
certain age, depending on their family background,
anywhere from the age of 7 years upward, as they begin
their education. It should be understood that in the
ancient Vedic tradition, education was understood to
be both spiritual and material as learning to read, for
instance, incorporated reading the scriptures.
However, it is never to late to begin chanting Gayatri
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mentioned above (quietly, loudly, etc.). For others, it
may also be chanted in the same way, either in the
presence of that person, or keeping the person within
your awareness as you chant, or by chanting in front
of a photo or some possession of theirs.
For specific purposes, often the addition of certain bIja
or seed mantras are added at the end. For instance:
For wealth and general prosperity chant the Gayatri
as usual but add at the end the seed mantra for
prosperity three times: r r r
For general health, add at the end the phrase: ai o
hm nama
For diseases relating to kapha or pitta problems add: ai
For disease related to vAta problems add: hm
For increased memory and intelligence add: ai
For increased sense of peace, add: a
Gayatri Homa
A homa is a particular kind of Vedic fire ceremony, wherein
ghee, grains and cow dung are burnt in a special vessel
known as a homa kunda. There are a wide variety of
mantras used in such homas, but one of the most powerful
for spiritual awakening, and especially for the purification
of the participants and the environment is Gayatri Homa.
This Gayatri Homa is not particularly difficult. Once a
small fire has been started using small pieces of cow dung
dipped in ghee, then the Gayatri mantra is chanted,
followed each time by the word svAhA, accompanied
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One of the biggest questions that arises regarding the
chanting of mantra is whether one can chant a mantra
without being properly initiated into it. Initiation (or
diksha) is when the mantra is given to the candidate
by someone who is qualified or an adept in the mantra
- generally a spiritual teacher or guru.
Nowadays, particularly in the West, the whole principle
of accepting a guru is either misunderstood or looked
upon with mistrust. Because of our independent
natures (which is what got us in trouble in the first
place) we feel that we can do everything ourselves
without any help. But in what field of endeavor can
one make progress without the help of someone who
has been there? Whether one wants to become an
artisan, a lawyer, doctor, homemaker, farmer - just
about anything - the wisdom of someone deeply
experienced in that field is appreciated if not absolutely
mandatory. How much more then in an area that is
actually beyond the minds concepts. The spiritual path
is compared to a razors edge, because it is a slender
path with many obstacles, and one slip can mean
disaster. The assistance of a teacher who has tread
the path should not be undervalued!
In addition, when it comes to mantra, there are several
more things to take into consideration. First, is the
actual pronunciation. Mantra is a science of sound,
and just like anyone can pick up the violin, what sound
emanates from that violin is a result of understanding,
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going up, from the root chakra up to the crown of the
head. This is similar to a kriya yoga technique. Or
one could simply focus at the third eye or in the heart
and hold the attention there.
If one is chanting for a long period, particularly in the
morning, it can be helpful to sometimes speed up or
slow down. If one is beginning to feel sleepy, then speed
up and chant quickly and more vigously for some time.
Also, if one is chanting it mentally and beginning to
drift, chant it out loud for some time. However, if one
is chanting out loud, and notice that their thoughts are
beginning to wander even though chanting, try mentally
chanting the mantra, as that tends to take more mental
effort and helps to eradicate extraneous thoughts.
Gayatri - The All Purpose Mantra
First and foremost, Gayatri is meant to remove karmas,
cleanse and purify the mind, and awaken us to our
true transcendental nature. However, due to its
inherent power it has other benefits as well. Whenever
there is a true need, one would do well to turn first to
Gayatri mantra as a remedial measure. It can be used
for health, awakening, prosperity and all around general
well being.
For the benefit of oneself, it can be chanted in the ways
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good instruction, and practice. Mispronunciation of
mantra can be disastrous. Of course, the most
important thing is chanting it with faith and love, which
can overcome many mispronciations. However, if one
can chant it with faith and love, and pronounce it
correctly as well, how much greater the benefit.
Secondly, the spiritual teacher comes in a lineage which
is invested with spiritual power. It is compared to an
electric current. You can plug an appliance into any
outlet, but if that outlet is not connected to the electrical
current, it wont do you much good. Through the fact
that the teacher has been initiated into that mantra,
has practiced it and recognized the Absolute nature of
it themselves, they can give not only the words, but
the Shakti or energy of the mantra as well. Often the
student will give their mala (chanting beads) to the
teacher to chant the mantra on, thus energizing them
with spiritual shakti as well.
There is a story about a king who asks his guru about
a particular mantra saying that he has heard about it
from another source and should he chant it. The guru
says this is fine, but that it lacks potency unless received
from the proper source. When the king asks, How
can that be? The mantra is the mantra. Why would it
matter where it comes from?
At this point the guru yelled to the kings guards and
ordered them to arrest and imprison the king. The
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How to Chant Gayatri
Basically, there are 3 ways to chant Gayatri: loudly,
quietly (just under the breath), and mentally. Some
sources say that chanting Gayatri as japa (quietly, under
the breath) is 10 times more potent than chanting
loudly, and that chanting mentally is 1000 times greater
than that. However, chanting with faith and devotion
is greatest of all, at whatever volume one chants. There
is a story of a saint who received a mantra from his
guru and was told not to speak it aloud or tell anyone
as it would grant liberation. The saint immediately went
outside and started yelling the mantra to everyone and
telling them to chant it. When the guru angrily came
out and insisted on knowing what he was doing, the
saint said that since the mantra granted liberation, he
wanted everyone to have it. The guru was very pleased
by his new disciples deeper understanding.
In addition to the volume of chanting, or lack thereof
when chanting mentally, one can also direct the mantra,
or in other words, chant it in various locations in
consciousness. Shantimayi suggests a method called
Descending the Mantra whereby one starts by
chanting it at the tip of the tongue, then in the throat,
thirdly at the heart, and finally at the solar plexus,
chanting the same number at each place before
continuing to the next. Another method is to focus
the mantra in the chakras or subtle centers of the body
15
king sat stupified, and of course the guards did nothing,
just staring at the guru. The guru again yelled at the
guards to arrest the king. Now the king became angry
and himself yelled at the guards to arrest the guru,
which they immediately did. The guru immediately
started laughing and said to the king, My Lord, here
is the answer to your question. We both gave the same
instruction to the guards, using the same words.
However, when I spoke them, they had no potency,
whereas when you spoke, they immediately had an
effect. The same is true with mantra!
So, although one can learn to chant the mantra through
books and tapes, one should not overlook the
opportunity to receive it from a teacher who has
similarly received it in lineage, recognized its shakti
and can pass that along.
When to Chant Gayatri and How Much
The simple answer to this question is always and as
much as possible. The more one can meditate and
chant on Gayatri, the more effect it will have. In fact,
some scriptures give various numbers, saying that one
mantra will relieve immediate karma; 108 mantras will
relieve the sins of the day; 1000 all the sins of the month,
and so forth, up to so many will eradicate all the sins
of all the accumulated lifetimes.
18
bringing the consciousness back to the Absolute.
There are a few other times at which it is beneficial to
chant. Some recommend chanting while showering or
bathing. Traditionally, it is not uncommon to see sadhus
in India chanting Gayatri while semi-submerged in a
river. There are a number of types of baths and water
bath is one and mental bath is another. Mental bath is
performed by chanting mantras, so if one is bathing
with mantra while bathing with water they are purifying
themselves both inside and out.
Before one eats or drinks it is very effective to chant
Gayatri mantra several times. Holding the hands either
in prayerful mood (with palms together) or on either
side of the food, one can chant the mantra while letting
the vibrations of the mantra spiritualize the food. In
fact, holding a glass of water and chanting Gayatri
mantra over it makes it a potent medicine and purifying
agent.
Finally, if one hasnt been chanting it the rest of the
day anyway, as one retires for the evening it can be
especially powerful to recite Gayatri as you take your
rest, allowing the vibrations to carry you into sleep.
16
However, with that in mind, there are certain times
that are considered more efficacious than others. There
are three times of the day that are especially
advantageous: early morning (that is right before and
around dawn); noon; and the time around sunset. The
early morning is especially considered beneficial. This
time from about 45 minutes prior to and up to dawn is
called Brahma Muhurta, and is considered the most
auspicious time for spiritual practice. At this time,
everything is quiet, the world is not yet moving, and
one can dive deeply into their practice.
As far as the number of times one chants it, that is up
to the practitioner. Obviously, the minimum number
is once a day. Some say 10 times per sitting. For most,
the minimum is considered to be one mala.
A mala is a rosary of 108 beads plus a 109th bead
(which isnt chanted upon). One begins on one of the
beads on either side of the 109th bead (often called a
head bead, guru bead, or meru bead) and chants one
mantra on each bead until they have completed the
circle of 108. Then if one is going to continue, one
would turn the beads around and go back. It is
considered inauspicious to use the index finger, so the
beads are generally rolled between the thumb and
middle finger. One can make these beads themselves
(often they are knotted between each bead), or one
can purchase premade malas of sandalwood, lotus
17
seeds, rudraksha beads, tulsiwood, rosewood, crystal,
etc. Each material has a particular vibration and is
often associated with a particular intention, result or
just a particular school of thought.
Chanting Gayatri for one mala (108 times) takes
anywhere from about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on
the speed. Of course, the idea is not to get them over
with, but to deeply meditate on the sound and meaning.
However, naturally as one becomes familiar with the
mantra, one can chant more quickly, without losing
concentration. Often times this becomes an issue if
one is wanting to do anusthana or purascharana, which
is chanting the mantra a specific number of times. For
instance, it is often considered that one achieves siddhi
or perfection of the Gayatri by chanting it 125,000
times, or some say one lakh of mantras per syllable in
the mantra. A lakh is 100,000. Gayatri has 24 syllables,
so it would be 24 x 100,000 or 2,400,000. By chanting
the Gayatri 10 malas per day (about 1-1/2 to 3 hours
worth), this can be achieved much quicker. Some
sources say that if you cant 1000 GAyatrIs daily (10
malas) for 40 days, one becomes radiant. However,
in the beginning it is best to start with a number one
can handle and gradually work up. So most people
can handle doing one mala a day. They should stick to
this strictly, and then perhaps add one mala in the
evening. Gradually increase to two malas, and so forth.
Between those specific times, throughout the day one
can chant mentally while doing anything else and

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