Group of action toward Peace:
KENDALL ASHRAM
Sharing the tradition of the Himalayan Masters
Just a little drop of truth in the ocean of delusion
The graphic is from the book The Secret Life of the Brain, by Richard Restak, M.D. (©2001, Richard M. Restak and David Gruben Productions, Inc.).
Mantra, the Brain, and Words
Effects of Mantra: For thousands of years, yogis have been teaching the value of mantra in stabilizing and clearing the mind, leading one to deeper spiritual awakening. Modern neuroscience is also beginning to discover the relationship between mental functioning and the way words are used.
Ways of using words or Mantra: Notice the explanation of increased blood flow (indicating increased activity) to the various parts of the brain, depending on whether one is hearing, seeing, speaking, or thinking of words. Regarding thinking about words, the text points out that "thinking about words engages the limbic association area responsible for thought, learning, perception, and emotion."
Cultivating higher functioning: This higher functioning (buddhi) is intentionally cultivated by yogis through the practices of mantra, meditation, and contemplation. Not only do the yogis use mantra (i.e., words), but often recommend focusing the attention on this frontal part of the brain as well, placing attention in the ajna chakra, the center accessed through the space between the eyebrows.
"Remembering" the Mantra: In Yoga Meditation science, different means of using mantra are prescribed. The silent, inner remembering way of using mantra use considered a higher, more effective form than hearing, reading, or speaking the mantra (Japa and Ajapa-japa). Many benefits come from the proper use of mantra, including dealing with ways of thinking, ability to learn, ways of perceiving, and positive use of emotions (the four points mentioned by Dr. Restak in the text above). Collectively, these benefits set the stage for the deeper practices of meditation, contemplation, and prayer.
Mantra is universal: In reflecting on the relationship between mantra and brain physiology, it is most important to remember that mantra is not a practice solely used by the Eastern traditions. The use of mantra, word, compact prayer, or affirmation is recommended by virtually all religions and meditative traditions, although they might describe or use them in different ways.
Material from article in Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati site. Swami "J" material helps people all over the world to have a clear understanding of what they are learning with other masters, groups and traditions.
MANTRA
GAYATRI MANTRA
Aum Bhur Bhuva Svah
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat
On the absolute reality and its planes,
On that finest spiritual light,
We meditate, as remover of obstacles
That it may inspire and enlighten us.
AUM/OM: Absolute reality. The symbol and sound of it.
Bhur: Physical realm or plane; earth.
Bhuva: The subtle or astral plane.
Svah: The higher, celestial plane.
Tat: That, the essential essence.
Savitur: Bright, luminous, sun-like, inner power of spiritual light, which brings one to Self-realization.
Varenyam: Finest, best, choicest, fit to be sought.
Bhargo: Destroyer of obstacles. Effulgence
Devasya: Divine, resplendent, shining
Dhimahi: We meditate.
Dhiyo: Our being of intelligence, intellect, understanding, mind/heart
Yo: Who, which
Naha: Our
Prachodayat: May enlighten, direct, inspire, guide, impel.
Click on the image for sound
40 day practice
The period of 40 days has been widely recognized as an auspicious period both in the East and the West since ancient times. A traditional way to do an extended mantra practice is to choose a number of repetitions per day, and to do that for 40 days. The mind likes to have a beginning and end to a practice, a sense of completion, such as comes with a 40 day (or longer) practice.
1.
Fixed time per practice session: Mind finds comfort in knowing that it will do the practice a predictable amount of time (18 minutes, for example, which is one round)
Fixed time per practice session: Mind finds comfort in knowing that it will do the practice a predictable amount of time (18 minutes, for example, which is one round) 2.Same number of rounds: Mind also likes the predictability of doing a certain number of rounds done per day. Mind may resist at times, but once it gets started in the practice, mind likes the habit. Then you choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 rounds.
Same number of rounds: Mind also likes the predictability of doing a certain number of rounds done per day. Mind may resist at times, but once it gets started in the practice, mind likes the habit. Then you choose 1, 2, 3 or 4 rounds. 3.Specific number of days: Mind also likes the plan of knowing how many days or months a practice will take to complete. This can be very beneficial in stabilizing a noisy mind, which is a common complaint.
Specific number of days: Mind also likes the plan of knowing how many days or months a practice will take to complete. This can be very beneficial in stabilizing a noisy mind, which is a common complaint. It has been said that there is freedom in discipline; choosing to do a regular practice frees the mind from wondering what practice will be done that day. It is also important not to do the mantra practice with rote repetition, but rather, with feeling and awareness.
A mala is a set of counting beads with 108 beads. Only 100 are counted, with the other 8 considered an offering to the divine, however you personally hold that.
108 repetitions (18 minutes) is equivalent to one round of a mala.
You may choose to recite the mantra, to listen to the mantra (CD), to alternate, or do both at the same time. Or also vary from time to time. With time, and maybe not yet with this practice, but with sufficient time the natural arrival of the mantra to your brain will eventually occur. It will be the “thinking” of the words. It is a natural process.
Also the breathing will coordinate naturally. Just give it time.
By running your own experiment for 40 days, you can decide for yourself whether or not the practice is beneficial.
Material from article in Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati site. Swami "J" material helps people all over the world to have a clear understanding of what they are learning with other masters, groups and traditions.
