The Essence of Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra is considered as the most important and sacred among the mantras. The material and spiritual benefits that it bestows are immense. Yet it is a pity that the educated persons of today do not realize its supreme importance. in fact, a sort of vertical split is witnessed in the society in such matters. One category of people having received modern education tends to accept only those things that pass the touchstone of logic and reasoning. They have a cynical attitude about all that is ancient simply because they are thinks that in matters spiritual and religious logic and reason have no place and that these are matters of faith only. This dichotomy is unfortunate as well as false. To hold that reason and faith are diametrically opposed to each other betrays a lack of correct understanding of the ancient beliefs and systems. Indeed, there is place for both in it. This can be comprehended through numerous examples. Here we will try to explain and establish this point in the context of Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri Mantra is a very compact mantra having three parts. That is why is is called Tripada. It's simple meaning is - "We behold the illuminating brilliance of Lord Savita (sun). May he inspire our minds into the righteous path". It is significant to note that in the last part of the mantra "Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat" there is a prayer for buddhi or intellect and not for any material thing. The sublimity of human life lies in the upliftment of intellect. If human life lies in the upliftment of intellect. If human mind is able to get inspiration from the dazzling radiance of a divine power like sun-god, it can acquire all kinds of riches and resources. Not only worldly gains but even the spiritual progress is conditional upon the mind receiving the right kind of inspiration. Even the atheists base their rejection or acceptance on the strength of reason; that is to say, the mind is an essential element and determinant even in their scheme of things. Thus the non-believers and cryonics too cannot differ with a prayer that seeks this universally accepted and esteemed "intellect". Concepts of heaven, salvation and the like are not such sundry matters as can be experienced by everyone. Hence the atheists do not believe in them. Possibly, to overcome this very difficulty, the ancient seers of Gayatri Mantra included in it the prayer for a thing with which nobody can have any dispute.