The Essence of Gayatri Mantra 1

In Gayatri mantra, the term Dhiyah or Buddhi has been used in the plural sense - connoting 'many kinds of intellect'. It is a misconception that the Hindu systems of philosophy are concerned only with the spiritual or the non-worldly. Many persons neglect the material or worldly aspects of the life under this wrong impression. The term dhiyah contraducts this widely held belief. Gayatri Mantra seeks the enhancement of all kinds of intellect, not simply the spiritual intellect but also the physical, economic, administrative etc. The Upanishads contain many names - bhootvidya (the science of spirits), manusyavidya (the science of humans), the science of rashis, the science of nakshatras (star and planets), janvidya, etc. These miscellaneous nomenclatures suggest multiple kinds of intellect.

Just as the superiority of intellect is beyond dispute, so is the superiority of sun-god in all ages. Even those who do not look upon the sun as a divine entity must necessarily accept its intrinsic relationship with the cycle of life and the sustenance of all activities and phenomena in this world. If the sun remains hidden behind the clouds for a few days, the air becomes impure and disease spread. Without the sun, there will simply be no life.

As a man thinks, so does he become? This is the law of nature. The sun symbolizes brilliance and infinite energy. He is also the deity of Gayatri Mantra. Psychology and other mind related science have established that those who contemplate upon such a source of brightness will themselves become bright. It stands to reason; therefore, that remembrance of this supreme divine power will act as the medium through which mankind will progress. One must have no doubt about it at all.

Gayatri Mantra has often been recommended by many as a mantra for solo recital. But a closer scrutiny of its meaning indicaties otherwise. The plural words like Dhimahi _we contemplate) and nah (our) reflect the underlying spirit of collective chanting. Solo recital is of course not harmful, but even during this type of japa, the recite should have the intrinsic feeling that he is a constituent part of the broad society and not a separate entity.

There is another widespread misconception in public. It is that only a very elaborate and strictly prescribed manner of mantra recital gives any benefit while a causally done japa produces harmful effect. This impression is wrong. Markandeya rishi says "In whatever manner Gayatri japa is done, it purifies the interior and fulfills all desires. If however the japa anusthana is done in the proper and prescribed way the benefits are simply indescribable. This means that even for a person engrossed in the daily grind of life it is very easy to derive the benefit of this mantra. Upliftment of the mental and intellectual level of the society is a great need of the time. Gayatri mantra being targeted precisely at this enhancement should therefore be valued and practiced by the modern neo-educated too.