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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