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MANTRA YOGA OR THE YOGA OF UTTERANCE

They even forget, that all deities reside in the human breast.
WILLIAM BLAKE

Mantra Yoga is concerned, in the main, with the acquisition of one or
the other material or mental power or powers through the constant
repetition of a particular mantra or oral formula in order to attract
the presiding power or deity to which the mantra relates, and then to
press that power into service, good or bad, according to the will and
pleasure of the practitioner. One who uses these powers for effecting
evil and doing harm to others often runs the risk of self immolation
and usually falls a prey to the wrath of the deity concerned. Those
who employ such powers for selfish motives with the object of material
gains to themselves at the cost of others, very soon lose their power,
and in the end ruin themselves. These powers may, however, be
profitably used for the good of others and there is not much harm in
that, though it may mean loss of some vital energy after each such
act. All types of miracles of the lowest order, like thought reading,
thought-transference, faith-healing, particularly in cases of nervous
and mental diseases, fall under this category. It is therefore much
better to avoid such things and to conserve whatsoever psychic powers
one may acquire, and use them for gaining at least the lower spiritual
planes and regions which form the seat of the deities concerned, in a
spirit of selfless devotion. Then all the psychic powers will of
themselves function without incurring any loss by one's own
acquisition of them. It should however be borne in mind that
repetition of the mantras per se does not bear any fruit unless it is
done with full attention fixed on the specific mantras, and with
intense devotion such as may set up particular vibrations connected
therewith. But Mantra Yoga by itself is not of any value in self-
realization, and more often than not those who practice this form of
yoga remain ever entangled in useless pursuits of one kind or another
as described above, with no great benefit to themselves in the
upliftment of the self or soul.

As regards the exercise of mantra siddhis or supernatural powers
acquired through the efficacy of meditation on mantras, Patanjali, in
his Yog Sutras, sounds a definite note of warning :
Thev are obstacles to samadhi, powers but in worldly state.

Technique in Mantra Yoga
Mantra Yoga is the yoga of rhythmic repetition of hermetically sealed
formulas-sacred and secret-prepared by the ancient mantrakaras (adepts
in phonetics and in the power of sounds, including supersonics or
sounds beyond the human ken), each designed separately for winning
over the particular god or goddess representing one or the other
powers of Nature. It may be practised with or without the aid of a
rosary of Rudrakhsha, as the Shaivites do, or of Tulsi beads, as used
by the Vaishnavites.

The mantras represent vibrations. The most sacred of the Vedic mantras
is that of the Gayatri. It is the mool mantra of the Vedas and hence
is considered to be of the first importance. Its virtue is said to be
great and its japa or repetition has been enjoined on all Hindus from
a very early age. The easiest and the most efficacious is the sacred
syllable AUM, symbolizing the creative life-principle itself, and
hence most of the mantras themselves begin with this sacred syllable.
The Advaitists, who see the power of God immanent in all forms and as
all-pervading, believe in the mantra of identification of atman with
Parmatman: Aham Braham Asmi ( I am Brahman), and Ayam Athma Brahman (I
am Thou); and these are often shortened into Soham or Sohang and Hansa
or Aham-sah, meaning respectively " I am He" and "He is I." The
Vedantists repeat Om Tat Sat (Aum is the Truth and the Reality) and
the Buddhists Om Mani Padme Hum. Next in the scale are mantras
dedicated or addressed to this or that deity in adoration, praise,
propitiation or entreaty for boom.

The efficacv of a mantra depends on its right pronunciation, right
appreciation of its significance, which is often very profound, the
right attitude of the person engaged in Mantra Yoga, and on the
competence of the preceptor or Guru, who has mastered not only the
technique but has successfully manifested for himself the seed-power
lying hidden in the core of the mantra, and can offer it as a prasad
or a gift of grace to his disciple.

Some of the mantras bring forth quick results, some fructify in their
own good time and some bear fruit according to the merit of the
individual concerned. Some are, however, of a forbidden type and hence
inimical in nature, and more often than not they prove harmful.

Again, the effect of a mantra also depends on how the japa is
performed. The japa done in whispers is considered as more meritorious
than the one uttered loudly, and japa done in low murmurs is still
better, while mansic japa done with the tongue of thought is the most
meritorious.

The japas too are of different kinds according to the occasion, the
season and intention of the doer. The nitya japas are, for example, to
be performed every day as a matter of routine. The namittika are for
certain ceremonial occasions. The prayushchitta are those done as a
penance, atoning for lapses from the path of rectitude. Then there are
chala and achala japas, that can be performed at any time, at any
place, and under any circumstances, in any state or position. The
others require a specific asana, place, time and direction, etc.,
coupled with a regular and elaborate ritual, e.g., offerings of
flowers, scent, incense, light-waving and bell-tinkling, havan and
tarpan (rituals of fire and water), with various purificatory acts.

For success in Mantra Yoga it is necessary that the sadhak should
observe purity within and without, having a fullhearted devotion,
exemplary character and conduct, before he can have any degree of
concentration and contemplation.

We observe similar practices among the Muslim faqirs, who practice
vird or repetition of sacred words like Hu, Haq, Analhaq, and use a
tasbih (rosary) for the purpose. The Christian monks also tell their
beads and chant hymns and psalms.