Thursday, May 29, 2014

69. Hidden Roots of Mantra Sadhana and Its Success


The working principles of a mantra are as scientific as that of a machine. The designing, controlling and efficient functioning of the technological devices/ machines is possible because their development is based on (engineering) sciences. The engineering, physical and biological sciences largely focus on the structure and function of different kinds and forms of matter and aim at deciphering the universal laws governing these. The applications developed thereby are therefore suitable only for material forms and mediums - at micro or macro levels - including such components inside the living bodies.
The spiritual sciences focus on the existence and expression of the other, the subliminal and more important half of Life and Nature, namely - the mind and the inner cores of consciousness. Mantras are the means for experimental studies and applications in the science of consciousness and spirituality. Mantras are as integral parts of the spiritual sciences as the Yantras (machine/ instruments) are of the material based sciences.
The development of material based science has endowed the human society with enormous gifts like the powers of fire, thermal energy, electricity and electronics, magnetism, atomic energy, sound, photonics, etc. The scientific investigations 'discoveries and technological advancement have been possible because of the evolved consciousness of human mind. Even the 'so called' automatic devices are designed, developed and directly or indirectly controlled, operated and used only by the conscious beings. The value of technological  progress would have been negligible like the 'hidden treasures beneath the deep oceans……, - had there been no living being to employ it. The existence and worth of matter and related sciences gains meaning only because of the co-existence of sentient world. Consciousness appears to be the perennial and paramount entity in the existence and manifestation of Nature and the Universe.
The science of spirituality deals with the expressions, manifestations and evolution of consciousness. The domain of its studies could be divided into two parts - one dealing with the panda (micorcasm) and the other with the Brahmanda (the cosmic macrocosm). One branch of this science focuses on the thoughts, emotions, beliefs and inner sentiments like faith and sraddha and the other on the external domains of jnana - knowledge about the universe and the universal self, and karma in the Brahmanda. All the experiments - like yoga, tapasya, Sadhana …., etc - of spiritual sciences are based on the theory of jnana and the practicing of karma.
The individual consciousness is a reflection of the omnipresent Supreme Consciousness. There is no life in the body without the individual consciousness. The expression of the individual self as a being is also governed by this eternal source - the individual consciousness. Strengthening of this 'vital spiritual force' of life is possible only by activating its subtle linkage with the omnipresent, eternal Supreme Consciousness. Mantra sadhanas are indeed the scientific experiments designed for this purpose. Such experiments - on stimulating the sublime powers of the individual self, are analogous to the processes of recharging of electrical power generators to enable the connecting device function efficiently.
Regular consumption of oxygen, water and food is essential for the healthy sustenance of a living body. The strength and health of the very source of its life- the individual consciousness - similarly needs a constant energizing of its sublime linkage with the divine consciousness. This relationship is more intimate and crucial than, say, that between - a child and a mother; or, the formation of clouds and the sea water …… etc. An individual consciousness, without an active connection with thy consciousness, is simply like a reservoir of vital energy that somehow maintains the routine physiological, physicochemical and biological functions of the body. There is no 'true life' in such human beings; they are no better than 'living machines'.
As described earlier, the mantras are well tested and experienced experiments devised and advised by the spiritual scientists of yore. The mantras, being based on the science of Sabda, are like formulae and devices gifted for the improvement and happiness of human-life in all respects. Jnana (knowledge) of various sciences and philosophies - including that of the Shastras and the Mantra Vijnana, alone is like theory without practical implementatioin. It is incomplete without the karma (the practice) of mantra japa as a spiritual Sadhana.

The specific combination of the syllables and vowels (phonemes) in a mantra, its enunciation  or chanting at specific rhythm and amplitude coupled with gradually deeper and stronger spell of sraddha through the heart induces a unique flow of specific currents of Sabda.This creates corresponding domains of attraction at the subtle levels within the sadhaka and in the cosmic nucleus of the mantra and sets a link between the two. The strength and piety of character and the spiritual enlightenment, sincerity and sraddha of the sadhaka are vital elements in such experiments. The rhythm, amplitude….. etc of the japa deal with the physical (sonic patterns) components of the mantra whereas the sentiments and virtues like purity of heart, serenity and sraddha have a direct bearing upon the soul - the force of cosmic consciousness associated with the Sabda, of the mantra.

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