The Chant of Ganesh with vedic Mantras

LORD GANESH & MAA PARVATHI

Lord Ganesh

Lord Ganesh (sometimes spelled Ganesha, but usually pronounced "gah-nesh") is also known as Ganapati. Being the son of Parvati and Shiva, he is definitely a Tantric deity. One myth is that Shiva (who is the highest teacher or adiguru of Tantra) wouldn't reveal any of the secrets of Tantra to his beloved wife, Parvati. But she discovered a time when he would be weak enough to reveal the secrets...during sex! So as they made love, she would ask him about the spiritual secrets of Tantra and he would reveal them. Ganesh, hidden in the shadows, would write it all down. This is the metaphoric source of the supposed 108 classic books known as "The Tantras".

In this sense, then, Ganesh has similarities to the gods Mercury or Thoth. He brings writing and knowledge. But he is most often known as the "Breaker of Obstacles". This does not mean that if something blocks your way to success that appealing to Ganesh will result in your thundering through your opposition like some great juggernaut (a word derived from the name of a Hindu deity Jaganath). Rather, Ganesh breaks obstacles by working around them. He may not help you fix a relationship, but He might help you find a new one. He might not get you a raise at work, but you might get a job offer from another company for more money. Ganesh is a warrior, but is not into fighting for fighting's sake. Indeed, that is why he lost his head and it had to be replaced with the head of a elephant. Rather, He helps you find other ways of overcoming obstacles. The real obstacles He breaks are those which prevent you from recognizing alternative solutions.

Ganesh is very popular, even among mainstream Hindus. Most worship rituals, no matter the deity they are focused toward, usually begin with a call to Ganesh. Most shops will have a statue or painting of the fat, elephant-headed, one-tusked deity near the door. He is one kewl dude.


Meaning Of Mantra

All sound has an effect on the things around it. This is known as resonance. One of the most famous examples of this consists of playing certain notes on a violin near a piano, resulting in some of the piano strings beginning to vibrate and make a sound.

Most words and sounds are simply random. But certain ones, mantras, have great power. They can cause surpirsingly powerful changes in your physical body, the environment around you, your non-physical bodies (or koshas) and the spiritual planes that interpenetrate our world.

The most famous mantra is probably om or aum. It is considered so important that there is a special additional Sanskrit letter, the omkara, to indicate the sound. When repeating longer mantras, you will frequently begin and end with the om.

The most popular mantra in India is probably the Gayatri (pronounced "guy-a-tree") mantra. There are many varations of it, but it is little known in the West. Here in the U.S., thanks to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the "Hare Krishna" mantra is better known. In this article, however, I would like to introduce you to a short mantra you can use, the mantra of Ganesh.

The Ganesh Mantra

There are many chants to Ganesh, but a simple and powerful one is this:

Om gam ganapataye namaha!

A very loose translation might be:Om = Salutations! Everyone wake up!
Gam = The secret power sound of Ganesh. It is his "seed syllable" or bija mantra.
Ganapataye = Another name of Ganesh, the breaker of obstacles.
Namaha = Yo! Ganesh! You da God!

The pronunciation is also pretty easy:Om = ohm or aum
Gam = Somewhere between "gahm" and "gum". In some dialects it is "guhng".
Ganapataye = gah-nah-paht-ah-yeh
Namaha - nah-mah-hah

Traditionally, Tantrics would use a mala when chanting a mantra. A mala consists of 108 beads with an extra larger one, the "guru bead", to mark the beginning and end of the necklace. You would hold the mala in one hand moving from bead to bead with each repetition of the mantra. One cycle of the beads is called a "round".

When beginning, take your time. The mantra is meant to be chanted. There is an African saying, "If you can talk, you can sing", so don't be afraid to chant. Simply pick a note and sound the mantra on that note.

Om gam ganapataye namaha!

As you do your first round of 108 repetitions, you should slowly speed up.

Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!

As you do, chances are your voice will get quieter and quieter. Indeed, Tantrics are known to "mumble" their mantras. Very soon you should be able to go very quickly.

Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!

Traditionally, you might do 10 rounds or 108 rounds. Or maybe you'll do 10,000 rounds, 108,000 rounds or more! You could also simply do it continuously (whenever you are not consciously doing some activity) and not need to keep count.


Doing Japa

The term japa refers to repeating a mantra. You can begin by using a statue of Ganesh, a drawing of Him, or just your imagination. Treat it well. As Apu of The Simpsons says "Please do not offer my God a peanut." Instead, you can offer Ganesh rounds of His mantra.

Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!

At one time or another we are all faced with obstacles in life. Perhaps it is passing a test or getting along with someone. Maybe it is a relationship with problems or financial difficulties. Go to the real or imagined image of Ganesh and share your problem. Ask for help. Then offer something in return: rounds of the Ganesh mantra. The more serious difficulties the more rounds you should offer.

Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!

You don't have to do a million rounds all at the same time. You could do just 10 minutes worth a day. Perhaps you could do 30 minutes a day. Or you could just do it continuously - any time you are not consciously doing something else - for a given period of time.

Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!
Om gam ganapataye namaha!

And then simply be open to ways of resolving the conflicts and obstacles in your life. remember to complete the number of rounds or time period vowed, even if you overcome the obstacle before you finish the promised number of repetitions.

Namaste!
(That which is of the gods in me recognized and acknowledges that which is of the gods in you.)

Posted By: Donald Michael Kraig
Southern California

About My Old Friend:
Donald Michael Kraig was given the name Shambhalanath when he was initiated into a Tantric tradition over 20 years ago. He has taught Tantra all over the U.S. and contributed a chapter to the book, Ecstasy Through Tantra by Dr. John Mumford. he has also written other books, including his famous Modern Magick, Modern Sex Magick, and Tarot and Magick. He lectures all over the U.S. and in Europe, and has worked in sleight-of-hand magic shops, occult stores, costume shops, as a rock musician, a writer of erotica, a courier, a radio talk show host, and as an editor. He is currently working on obtaining a doctorate in clinical hypnotherapy.

All About Lord Ganesh

Lord ganesh

Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

The Lord of Success

Lord Ganesh And Shiav Parvati 

The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a human being. He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge, wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose idolatry is glorified as the panchayatana puja.

Significance of the Ganesha Form
Ganesha's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata. The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

How Ganesha Got His Head
The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing, created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his name before undertaking any venture.

However, there's another less popular story of his origin, found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son. When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to rejoice on its birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati's insistence when Shani eyed the baby, the child's head was severed instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a young elephant, and joined it to the baby's body, thus reviving it.

Ganesha, the Destroyer of Pride
Ganesha is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. He is the personification of material universe in all its various magnificent manifestations. "All Hindus worship Ganesha regardless of their sectarian belief," says D N Singh in A Study of Hinduism. "He is both the beginning of the religion and the meeting ground for all Hindus."

Ganesh Chaturthi
The devotees of Ganesha are known as 'Ganapatyas', and the festival to celebrate and glorify him is called Ganesh Chaturthi.

MORE ABOUT LORD GANESH:

Ganesh Chaturdi

Ganesh Mantras

Organic Ganesh

Mechanism of Mantra Yoga

Mechanism of Mantra Yoga

For scientists, the present and the ancient sages is no secret that the sound creates a form (yantra). Yantra - a mechanism, the body, which remains a living being (soul). Mind - a subtle nature sounds. It is the mind we create our next body as formed its present. This is confirmed in the Bhagavad-Gita. What we think at the moment of death - and then determine our next birth.

Mechanism of Mantra Yoga

Therefore, in all spiritual traditions of the world's largest value is paid to the chanting of the holy names of God (Om, Maha-mantra, the Jesus Prayer, etc.), the memory of which forms our spiritual body, not subject to material changes (birth, old age, disease and death) . This is the main practice of all reasonable people.




"Om anavritti shabda." The Vedas say, "When the sound comes through." This - the final conclusion of all Vedic philosophy and cosmogony. The only sound is able to purify our consciousness to a higher perception of reality.

Mechanism of Mantra Yoga

Modern science, which studies the phenomenon called SEMATIKOY. Interesting experiments on the conversion of a thin sound in the yantra can be seen here. All forms of this world come from the sound - especially vividly illustrated by the armor of turtles in roliike below:




Maha Mantra (Hare Krishna Maha Mantra)

Hare Krishna mantra, also known as the Maha Mantra ("Great Mantra") - Vaishnava mantra of the 16 words. It is believed that her hearing, chanting and chanting elevates the consciousness of the practitioner to the spiritual level. The practice of chanting Hare Krishna is rooted in the Vedic past.

History

Mahamantra Hare Krishna - the ancient Vedic mantra, first mentioned in the Yajur Veda (Kalisantarana-Upanishad). Popular in India, it was thanks to the Vaishnava saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the XV-th century praised God through the chanting of this mantra. In the XX-th century mahamantra popularity has spread around the world thanks to Swami Prabhupada - founder of the "Society for Krishna Consciousness."

The text of the mantra

Hare Krishna Hare KrishnaKrishna Krishna Hare HareHare Rama Hare RamaRama Rama Hare Hare

Maha Mantra performed by Krishna Das and Sting

Meaning of the mantra

Many of the texts suggest that it is this mantra helps to remove all the obstacles of the current Iron Age (Kali Yuga), and to raise awareness of the practitioner to the highest levels. Mahamantra consists of 16 words - this is repeated three names of the Absolute: Hare Krishna Rama. The name "Krishna" means "Vseprivlekatelny", "Rama" - "all-good", "Hare" - an appeal to the aspect of energy, the female manifestation of the Absolute. Repetition mahamantra - this appeal to the Absolute is in these forms that embodies these qualities not only in the surrounding world, but also within the practitioner.


Kirtan - it is a natural function of the soul. Kirtan by nature joyful, as the flow of love, pouring out his soul, he gives the true eternal blessing.

Kirtan - a dynamic meditation based on the repetition of sacred sounds.
kirtt Sanskrit root meaning "to say something loud enough for others to hear." This is the main difference between the individual kirtan mantra meditation.

Kirtan - a joint practice of reciting various mantras, usually accompanied by traditional musical instruments and is sometimes accompanied by dancing.

Shanti Mantras - Peace Quotes

Om sarveshaam swastir bhavatuSarveshaam shantir bhavatu

Sarveshaam poornam bhavatuSarveshaam mangalam bhavatu

Sarve bhavantu sukhinahSarve santu niraamayaah

Sarve bhadraani pashyantuMaakaschit duhkha bhaag bhavet

Meaning:
Auspiciousness (swasti) be unto all; peace (shanti) be unto all;
fullness (poornam) be unto all; prosperity (mangalam) be unto all.

May all be happy! (sukhinah)
May all be free from disabilities! (niraamayaah)

May all look (pashyantu)to the good of others!
May none suffer from sorrow! (duhkha).
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Om asato maa satgamayaTamaso maa jyotir gamayaMrityor maa amritam gamaya

Meaning:
Lead us from the unreal to the Real
From darkness to Light
From death to Immortality

Om poornamadah poornamidam
Poornaat poornamudachyate
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Poornasya poornamaadayaPoornamevaavashishyate

Meaning:
That (pure consciousness) is full (perfect); this (the manifest universe of matter; of names and forms being maya) is full. This fullness has been projected from that fullness. When this fullness merges in that fullness, all that remains is fullness.
- Peace invocation -Isa Upanishad
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Om sham no mitrah sham varunah sham no bhavatvaryamaaSham na indro brihaspatih sham no vishnururukramah

Namo brahmane namaste vaayo twameva pratyakshamBrahmaasi twaameva pratyaksham brahma vadishyaami

Tanmaamavatu tadvaktaaramavatuAvatu maam avatu vaktaaram.Om shantih shantih shantih!

Meaning:
May Mitra, Varuna and Aryama be good to us! May Indra and Brihaspati and Vishnu of great strides be good to us! Prostrations unto Brahman! (Supreme Reality). Prostrations to Thee, O Vayu! Thou art the visible Brahman. I shall proclaim Thee as the visible Brahman. I shall call Thee the just and the True. May He protect the teacher and me! May he protect the teacher! Om peace, peace, peace
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Om saha naavavatu sahanau bhunaktuSaha veeryam karavaavahai

Tejasvi naavadheetamastu maa vidvishaavahaiOm shantih shantih shantih

Meaning:
May He protect us both (teacher and the taught)! May He cause us both to enjoy the bliss of Mukti (liberation)! May we both exert to discover the true meaning of the sacred scriptures! May our studies be fruitful! May we never quarrel with each other! Let there be threefold peace.
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Namaste sate te jagat kaaranaayaNamaste chite sarva lokaashrayaaya

Namo dvaita tattwaaya mukti pradaayaNamo brahmane vyaapine shaashvataaya

Meaning:
Salutations to that Being, the cause of the universe! Salutations to that Consciousness, the support of all the worlds! Salutations to that One Truth without a second, which gives liberation! Salutations to that pure, eternal Brahman who pervades all regions!
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Om yaschandasaamrishabho vishwaroopahChhandobhyo dhyamritaat sambabhoova

Sa mendro medhayaa sprinotuAmritasya devadhaarano bhooyaasam

Shareeram me vicharshanamJihwaa me madhumattamaa

Karnaabhyaam bhoori vishruvamBrahmanah Koshoasi medhayaapihitah

Shrutam me gopaayaOm shantih shantih shantih!

Meaning:
May He, the Lord of all, pre-eminent among the Vedas and superior to the nectar contained in them, bless me with wisdom! May I be adorned with the knowledge of Brahman that leads to immortality! May my body become strong and vigorous (to practise meditation)! May my tongue always utter delightful words! May I hear much with my ears! Thou art the scabbard of Brahman hidden by worldly taints (not revealed by impure, puny intellects). May I never forget all that I have learnt! Om peace, peace, peace!
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Om aham vrikshasya rerivaaKeertih prishtham gireriva

Urdhwapavitro vaajineeva swamritamasmiDravinam savarchasam

Sumedhaa amritokshitahIti trishankor vedaanu vachanamOm shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:
I am the destroyer of the tree (of samsar; worldly life). My reputation is as high as the top of the hill. I am in essence as pure as the sun. I am the highest treasure. I am all-wise, immortal and indestructible. This is Trishanku’s realisation. Om peace, peace, peace!

Om aapyaayantu mamaangaani vaak
Praanashchakshuh shrotramatho
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Balamindriyaani cha sarvaani sarvam brahmopanishadamMaaham brahma niraakuryaam maa maa brahma niraakarod
Niraakaranamastva niraakaranam me astuTadaatmani nirate ya upanishatsu dharmaaste
Mayi santu te mayi santu.Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:
May my limbs, speech, Prana, eye, ear and power of all my senses grow vigorous! All is the pure Brahman of the Upanishads. May I never deny that Brahman! May that Brahman never desert me! Let that relationship endure. Let the virtues recited in the Upanishads be rooted in me. May they repose in me! Om peace. peace. peace!
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Om vaang me manasi pratishthitaaMano me vaachi pratishthitam

Aaveeraaveerma edhi vedasya ma aanisthahShrutam me maa prahaaseer anenaadheetena

Ahoraatraan samdadhaami ritam vadishyaamiSatyam vadishyaami tanmaamavatu tadvaktaaramavatuAvatu maam avatu vaktaaram avatu vaktaaramOm shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:
Let my speech be rooted in my mind. Let my mind be rooted in my speech. Let Brahman (Supreme Reality) reveal Himself to me. Let my mind and speech enable me to grasp the truths of the Vedas. Let not what I have heard forsake me. Let me spend both day and night continuously in study. I think truth, I speak the truth. May that Truth protect me! May that Truth protect the teacher! Let peace prevail against heavenly, worldly and demoniacal troubles. Om peace, peace, peace!
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Om bhadram no apivaataya manah.Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:
Salutations! May my mind and all these (the body, senses,
breath etc.) be good and well! Om peace, peace. peace!
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Om bhadram karnebhih shrunuyaama devaahBhadram pashyemaakshabhiryajatraah

SthirairangaistushtuvaamsastanoobhihVyashema devahitam yadaayuh

Swasti na indro vridhashravaahSwasti nah pooshaa vishwavedaah

Swasti nastaarkshyo arishtanemihSwasti no brihaspatir dadhaatu.

Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:
Om, O worshipful ones, may our ears hear what is good and auspicious! May we see what is auspicious! May we sing your praise, live our allotted span of life in perfect health and strength! May Indra (who is) extolled in the scriptures, Pushan, the all-knowing Trakshya, who saves from all harm, and Brihaspati who protects our spiritual lustre, vouchsafe prosperity in our study of the scriptures and the practice of the truths contained therein! Om peace, peace, peace!
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Om yo brahmaanam vidadhaati poorvam
Yo vai vedaanshcha prahinoti tasmai

Tam ha devmaatma buddhi prakaasham
Mumukshurvai sharanamaham prapadye

Om shantih, shantih, shantih!

Meaning:
He who creates this entire universe in the beginning, and He about whom the Vedas gloriously praise and sing, in Him I take refuge with the firm faith and belief that my intellect may shine with Self-knowledge. Om peace, peace, peace!
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Om vishwaani deva savitar duritaani paraasuvaYad bhadram tanma aasuva

Meaning:
O all pervading, Supreme Lord, the effulgent Creator, we place our faith and trust entirely in Thee. Keep away from us all that is evil and bestow upon us all that is good.
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Om agne naya supathaa raaye asmaanVishwaani deva vayunaani vidvaan;

Yuyodhyas majjuhu raanmenoBhooyishthaam te nama-uktim vidhema.

Meaning:
O Supreme Lord, who art light and wisdom, Thou knowest all our thoughts and deeds. Lead us by the right path to the fulfilment of life, and keep us away from all sin and evil. We offer unto Thee, O Lord, our praise and salutation.
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Tvamekam sharanyam tvamekam varenyamTvamekam jagatpaalakam svaprakaasham;

Tvamekam jagatkartu paatruprahartruTvamekam param nishchalam nirvikalpam.

Meaning:
O Thou my only refuge, O Thou my one desire, O Thou the one protector of the world, the radiant One. O Thou the creator, sustainer and dissolver of the whole world, O Thou the one great motionless Being, free from change and modification.
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Vayam tvaam smaraamo vayam tvaam bhajaamoVayam tvaam jagat saakshiroopam namaamah;

Sadekam nidhaanam niraalambameeshamBhavaambhodhi potam sharanyam vrajaamah.

Meaning:
O Thou eternal all-pervading witness of the whole universe, we meditate on the one Truth. We silently adore Thee and offer Thee our salutation. We take complete refuge in that one Almighty Being, the basis of everything, self-supporting and supreme, a vessel in the stormy sea of li


Shanti Mantras

By Sri Swami Shivananda
The Divine Life Society, Rishikesh

Is Hinduism a Pagan Religion?

Lord : Brahma, Vishnu , Siva

Some American law-makers recently characterized Hinduism as pagan. This raises the question: is Hinduism a pagan religion?

The Abrahamic religious traditions, as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are collectively called, associate paganism with the worship of many gods, and their many idols. The former is condemned as polytheism and the latter as idolatry; and the two are viewed as inextricably intertwined forms of worship, which has been superseded in the aniconic monotheism and which these religions self-consciously uphold and propagate.

Hinduism at first blush appears to conform to paganism. It seems to worship many gods and seems to do so by worshipping different images. It thus comes across as polytheistic and idolatrous and therefore pagan. This perception fuels the missionary zeal of the Abrahamic religions to destroy such paganism.

There is only one problem with this scenario. It is based on a false presumption. It is true that there are many gods in Hinduism and that it abounds in image worship, but while these various gods are considered different gods in paganism as traditionally represented, in Hinduism they represent the various forms of the one and same God. Thus a plurality of gods does not denote polytheism in Hinduism but rather the plurality of the forms in which the same one God might appear. A new word such as polyformism may have to be coined, or an older word polymorphism may have to be invoked, to be set beside polytheism, to provide the corrective. The Hindu situation is characterized not by polytheism but what might be called at best “apparent polytheism,” because the reality underlying all the different gods is the reality of one God. Hence, ironically, the situation could also in a sense be described as one of “apparent monotheism,” in the sense that the one God appears in various forms.

Similarly, the various images of the various gods also reflect the same point. Any of the many forms, in which God might be seen as appearing, can be visually represented in Hinduism, as a way of focusing the mind on God. This should not be taken for some new-fangled apologetic exegetical sleight of hand performed by modern Hinduism. When the 17th century French traveler, Francois Bernier, was shocked by what he saw of Hinduism, this is how the pandits of Banaras explained the situation to him: “We have indeed in our temples a great variety of images. …To all these images we pay great honour; prostrating our bodies, and presenting to them, with much ceremony, flowers, rice, scented oil, saffron, and other similar articles. Yet we do not believe that these statues are themselves Brahma or Vishnu; but merely their images and representations. We show them deference only for the sake of the deity whom they represent, and when we pray it is not to the statue, but to that deity. Images are admitted in our temples because we conceive that prayers are offered up with more devotion when there is something before the eyes that fixes the mind, but in fact we acknowledge that God alone is absolute, that He only is the omnipotent Lord.’”


The explanation may not have convinced Bernier but Hindus apparently have no difficulty with it. Sometimes Abrahamic parents wonder whether this plurality does not end up leaving the Hindus confused, and particularly their children. For the Hindus, however, such plurality does not create any confusion of identity, no more than several pictures of us in our album, taken at different stages of our life and in different forms and dresses, causes us to become confused about our identity.

Thus no matter how paganesque Hinduism might appear, it is not pagan in the sense attributed to the word by Abrahamic religions. As a well-known scholar of Hinduism, who was also a missionary in India for a while, Klaus K. Klostermaier observes: “Many Hindu homes are lavishly decorated with color prints of a great many Hindu gods and goddesses, often joined by the gods and goddesses of other religions and the pictures of contemporary heroes. Thus side by side with Śiva and Viṣṇu and Devī one can see Jesus and Zoroaster, Gautama Buddha and Jīna Mahāvīra, Mahātmā Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, and many others. But if questioned about the many gods even the illiterate villager will answer: bhagvān ek hai – the Lord is One. He may not be able to figure out in theological terms how the many gods and the one God hang together and he may not be sure about the hierarchy obtaining among the many manifestations, but he does know that ultimately there is only One and that the many somehow merge into the One.”

This then is the great difference between Hinduism and the Abrahamic religions. Monotheism in Abrahamic religions represents the denial of gods in God, while the monotheism of Hinduism represents the affirmation of gods in God. Failure to recognize this tempts the followers of Abrahamic religions into branding Hinduism as pagan.



Source: Mr Arvind Sharma

Birks Professor of Comparative Religion, McGill University, huffingtonpost.com

WHAT IS '' MANTRA '' ?

The Incomprehensible Power of the mantras to change one's whole life, on all its levels from karma,mind and emotions to the physical level cannot be understood but only experienced.

Mantras - the name comes from the root Man=mind and Tra=protect. however mantras are much more than a way of "protecting" one from the wonderings of the mind. As is done when repeating a simple word or sound with the intention of reaching a state of concentration upon it.

The mantras are sounds and words of power that, when properly activated by initiation, resonate with specific forces in the universe, and can make these forces become alive in the practitioner.



The mantras are of two kinds, bija mantras and long mantras.

The bija (seed) mantras are single syllabic and each once of these corresponds to a specific kind of energy or shakti (power) which exists in the universe and therefore also in the human organism (according to the adage “what is found outside is found in the body & what is not found in the body will not be found outside” as expounded in the Shiva Samhita).
The long mantras are mantras composed by the combination of different bija's and words, giving rise to complex and unique forces which can be tailor suited for each occasion.
The mantras affect the human organism on all its levels; The Karmic-causal, Mental-Emotional, Energetic & Physical.
As the mantras themselves and the forces working behind them are coming from levels of existence which are beyond the mind (and will lead the aspirant beyond his) it is quite impossible to use words and concepts (which are of the mind) to explain the way in which these mantras work.
However their efficacy can easily be verified by practice, in a very short time powerful results are noticed.
The mantras are used ultimately in order to raise the kundalini energy from its seat in the base of the spine the muladhara chakra to the Apex of the Skull, the Sahasrara. In terms of kundalini yoga, when the kundalini has risen to sahasrara one achieves the state of samadhi.
How the mantras do this we cannot say as we ourselves do not comprehend it. Yet objectively all the signs both external and internal that one manifests in a kundalini rising are experienced.

While in the Kundalini mudras of hatha yoga, the kundalini is raised in a powerful way for a short time, giving rise to transient states of high consciousness. When using the Tantric Mantra Sadhana the kundalini's rise is slower. However any “state” achieved becomes a permanent shift in consciousness. And so while with the kundalini mudras one suffers a “fall” into mundane consciousness after one has stopped the practice, with the Tantric mantra sadhana the practitioner, step by step, raises his consciousness, until it will reach its peak. And never again fall down.

RIG VEDA

The hymns of the Rig Veda are considered the oldest and most important of the Vedas, having been composed between 1500 BC and the time of the great Bharata war about 900 BC. More than a thousand hymns are organized into ten mandalas or circles of which the second through the seventh are the oldest and the tenth is the most recent. The Hindu tradition is that even the Vedas were gradually reduced from much more extensive and ancient divine revelations but were perverted in the recent dark age of Kaliyuga. As the only writings from this ancient period of India they are considered the best source of knowledge we have, but the ethical doctrines seem to have improved from the ancient hymns to the mystical Upanishads.

WATCH THIS '' RIG VEDA '' MANTRAS - OOOMM

Essentially the Rig Veda is dominated by hymns praising the Aryan gods for giving them victories and wealth plundered from the local Dasas through warfare. The Aryans apparently used their advances in weaponry and skill in fighting to conquer the agricultural and tribal peoples of the fading Harappan culture. Numerous hymns refer to the use of horses and chariots with spokes which must have given their warriors a tremendous advantage. Spears, bows, arrows, and iron weapons are also mentioned. As a nomadic and pastoral culture glorifying war they established a new social structure of patriarchal families dominated by warriors and, eventually with the power of the Vedas themselves, by priests also.

Generally the hymns of the Rig Veda praise the gods and ask them for worldly benefits such as wealth, health, long life, protection, and victory over the Dasa people.

He, self-reliant, mighty and triumphant,

brought low the dear head of the wicked Dasas.

Indra the Vritra-slayer, Fort-destroyer,

scattered the Dasa hosts who dwelt in darkness.

For men hath he created earth and waters,

and ever helped the prayer of him who worships.

To him in might the Gods have ever yielded,

to Indra in the tumult of battle.

When in his arms they laid the bolt,

he slaughtered the Dasyus

and cast down their forts of iron.

Rigveda is a Veda in form of Sukti's, which mean 'beautiful statements'. A collection of very beautifully composed incantations itself is a Sukta. The Sukta is also synonymous to Richas. 'Rit' means - an incantation that contains praises and Veda means knowledge. The knowledge of the Richas or Suktas itself is the literal meaning of Rigveda.

The Rigveda Richas comprises mainly of the praises of God. Other than this it also has incantations containing thoughts which are evolved by the sages through their minute observation, contemplation and analysis. Every element of nature was an issue to contemplate upon for the sages. In this process they have randomly even spoken about the mysteries of the universe, which are not only worth reading but also for practical usage.

Rigveda is a Veda in form of Sukti's, which mean 'beautiful statements'. A collection of very beautifully composed incantations itself is a Sukta. The Sukta is also synonymous to Richas. 'Rit' means - an incantation that contains praises and Veda means knowledge. The knowledge of the Richas or Suktas itself is the literal meaning of Rigveda.

The Rigveda Richas comprises mainly of the praises of God. Other than this it also has incantations containing thoughts which are evolved by the sages through their minute observation, contemplation and analysis. Every element of nature was an issue to contemplate upon for the sages. In this process they have randomly even spoken about the mysteries of the universe, which are not only worth reading but also for practical usage.

Rigveda is the oldest Veda. It comprises of 10 Mandals, 102 Suktas and containing 10,552 mantras. These mantras are filed with good thoughts and they have the ability to inspire us greatly. The ultimate aim of all these mantras is to purify the human mind through knowledge. Darkness is symbol of lack of knowledge or illusionary living, which makes us devoid of justness and sagacity.

The Rigveda is divided into 2 parts-
(i) Mandal, Anuvak and Sukta
(ii) Ashtak, Adhgaya and Sukta

According to the first division, the Rigveda consist of 10 Mandalas. There are Suktas that comprise the Mandalas. In every Sukta there are mantras or Richas. The quantity of Suktas is 1017 and the other additional Suktas account to 11. In this way, the total number is unequal. There seem to be maximum Suktas in the 1st and 10th Mandala and there are very few Suktas in the 2nd Mandala. It comprises of 10 Mandals, 102 Suktas and containing 10,552 mantras. These mantras are filed with good thoughts and they have the ability to inspire us greatly. The ultimate aim of all these mantras is to purify the human mind through knowledge. Darkness is symbol of lack of knowledge or illusionary living, which makes us devoid of justness and sagacity.

The Rigveda is divided into 2 parts-
(i) Mandal, Anuvak and Sukta
(ii) Ashtak, Adhgaya and Sukta

According to the first division, the Rigveda consist of 10 Mandalas. There are Suktas that comprise the Mandalas. In every Sukta there are mantras or Richas. The quantity of Suktas is 1017 and the other additional Suktas account to 11. In this way, the total number is unequal. There seem to be maximum Suktas in the 1st and 10th Mandala and there are very few Suktas in the 2nd Mandala.

The following tables show the no. of Suktas and mantras in every Mandala :

Mandala	Sukta	Number of Mantras
1	191	2006
2	43	429
3	62	617s
4	58	589
5	87	727
6	75	765
7	104	841
8	103	1716
9	114	1108
10	191	1754
10	1028	10,552

Inclusively in 10 Mandalas there are 1028 Suktas which in turn comprise of 10,552 mantras.

The Brahmanas stand second to the Vedas. The ultimate aim of these books is procedures of performing Yagya and rituals. The Brahmanas are divided into 3 parts.
(i) Brahmana,
(ii) Aranyaka,
(iii) Upanishad

There are 2 Rigveda Brahmin texts i.e. Kausheetki and Aitereya. These 2 texts share a very intimate relation. In both these texts critical appreciation is done of the same subject and the meaning of the mantras is surprisingly contradictory. These Brahmana speak about the Soma and Rajasuya Yagya.

A big portion of the Upanishads seems to have been taken in the Aranyaka. The Aitereya and Kausheetki are the 2 Aranyakas of the Rigveda.

There are 5 texts of the Aitereya and each of these is known as Aranyaka. The 2nd and 3rd are independent Upanishads. In the 2nd half of the last 4 paragraphs are counted as Vedanta texts that is why they are referred to Aitereya Upanishads. There are 3 parts of the Kausheetki Aranyaka. The 2 parts of this Aranyaka are filled with rituals. The 3rd part is referred to as Kausheetki Upanishad.


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RIG VEDA: First Mandala

(1) MAHO ARNAHA SARASWATI PRA CHETAYATI KETUNA |
DHIYO VISHWA VI RAJATI ||                                                                    -------------(3/12, Rigveda)

Only education can help us to understand the knowledge of the universe, which is alike, an ocean. It enlightens everyone's minds.

It is because of education that one can absorb knowledge. The best method to imbibe maximum knowledge is reading and self study and as a result of knowledge, the mind becomes enlightened. We should regularly study books having a lot of knowledge because it is through study only that the mind is filled with good thoughts, that inspire us to seek good company which is equally beneficial in acquiring knowledge. This is the sure way for growth of the mind and also to acquire eternal happiness and peace.
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(2) ASMANTSU TATRA CHODYENDRA RAYE RABHSTHAVAHA TU VIDYUMNA YASHSTHAVAHA ||                                                                                        ---------------(9/6Rigveda)

O radiant! Inspire the diligent and the successful only to yearn for wealth.

Those who are industrious and successful only, earn wealth. Those who try, definitely acquire wealth. One who is having, their aims fixed are the ones who are prosperous, wealthy and successful. They should realise that efforts never go in vain.
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(3) ELA SARASWATI MAHI TISRO DEVIRMAYO BHUVAHA BARHIHI SEEDANTVA STRIDHAHA ||                                                                                               -------------(13/9, Rigveda)

The 3 goddesses Earth, Saraswati and Vani are the givers of happiness who never become less. They are seated on their seats.

One should regularly worship your motherland, the basic culture and the mother tongue because they are givers of happiness. That person who has a humanistic approach towards his land, civilization and Vani realises the greatness and he acquires all the happiness. He should indulge in those types of deeds that make the motherland, the culture and language proud.
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(4) GARHAPATYEN SANTYA RITUNA YAGYANIRASI ||                      ---------(15/12, Rigveda)

The householders who can do good work only if he remains like seasons.

If a person (householder) moulds himself alike a season and indulges in the Karma of householder then only shall he acquire happiness. One should understand the meaning of seasons and should love his family. As a result he shall benefit monetarily and materially. A householder who practices restraint in taking care of his family only shall acquire family happiness and achieve higher social status.
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(5) DEVAN DEVYATE YAGYA                                                                      ---------(15/12, Rigveda)

A person who desires godliness should worship gods.
A person who desires godliness should respect scholars. By doing so they can attain some knowledge and can be inspired to do good Karma. By attaining godliness one shall be blessed with happiness and growth.
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(6) YUVAKU HI SHACHINAM, YUVAKU SUMATINAM BHUYAM VAJADANNAMA ||
(14/4, Rigveda)

May all our energies become one and may all the good thoughts come together and may we become the greatest amongst the mighty.

Scholars who are intelligent, valiant who are brave, and businessman who donate food, if come together and have no difference of opinion then the nation shall grow.

The intelligent on the basis of their knowledge shall become mighty and great as a result of the fusion of food and energy.
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(7) YASMADRUTE NA SIDDHYATI YAGYO VIPASHRIT SHRANA SA DHINAM YOGAMINVATI ||                                                                                                      (18/7, Rigveda)

May that divine knowledgeable person inspire us without whose inspiration the knowledgeable does not attain complete knowledge.

Without the blessings of the knowledgeable even the knowledgeable shall cease to attain complete knowledge. It is knowledge only that enlightens our mind. It is well known that, the president of the league of scholars himself is very knowledgeable and it is this authenticity which proves that the knowledgeable has attained total knowledge.

Only scholars can decide whether the knowledgeable has imbibed complete knowledge or no.
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(8) DATA RADHANSI SHUMBHATI |                                                            ---------(22/8, Rigveda)

The sun, the giver of all Siddhis (powers) is rising. The rising sun is the giver of Energy, heat and is the giver of all powers. In the same way you also alike the rising sun (Sun God) give all equal knowledge and inspiration by which we benefit. Alike the energy and heat of the sun which beneficial, you also can realise the importance and be blessed by happiness and prosperity.
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(9) SADYO DASHUSHE KSHARASI                                                           ------------(27/6, Rigveda)

You bless the donor instantly with wealth.

One who donates definitely gets something or the other in return. By imparting knowledge there is a rise in knowledge. So one definitely benefits by donation. Only after giving does the feeling of gaining something come to the mind, By performing Karma we do Shram Dan meaning donation of hard work. The benefits or returns of hard work are relative to the good or bad deeds performed, which one shall definitely gain sooner or later.
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(10) TVAMAGNA URUSHANSAAYA VAGHATE SPARHA YAD REKNAHA PARAMAM VANOSHITAT ||                                                                                                      ----(31/14, Rigveda)

You give good and anticipated wealth to those who worship, praise you with devotion.

When a person chooses a deed and performs it  with devotion, he as a result of that benefits accordingly. He who yearns with mind and soul for his aim or goal, attains totality and attains his objective. In true worship a good objective is priorly determined and accordingly good Karma is performed to result in its fruits.

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HINDU MANTRA

It is a properly repeated hymn or formula used in ritual worship and meditation as an instrument for evoking the presence of a particular divinity; first uttered by an inspired seer (rishi) and transmitted orally from master to disciple in a carefully controlled manner. A mantra may be composed of but a single sound (om), or several syllables. Each deity is represented by its own mantra. It is only by the correct enunciation of the correct mantra that the deity will descend to enter the body of its images or will respond to a devotee. A mantra has great potency and represents the Supreme Being Himself in the guise of sound. The disciple must keep his mantra secret and say it silently as part of his regular worship. Other mantras are openly known and commonly said, e. g. the Gayatri Mantra, which forms part of the morning ritual.

Hindu Mantra #1

Gayatri Mantra - Most Powerful Vedic Mantra

Om Bhur Buvaha Svaha 
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayath
Gayatri Mantra English Translation

'' O Supreme Creator, Thou art the giver of life, the remover of pain and sorrow and the bestower of happiness; O Creator of the Universe, may we receive Thy supreme sin-destroying light; may Thou guide our intellect in the right direction. ''
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Hindu Mantra #2

Mahamritunjay Lord Shiva’s Mantra 

Om
Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam
Urvarukamiva Bandhanat
Mrytyor Muksheeya Mamritat
Mahamritunjay Mantra English Translation

'' O Great Three Eyed Lord of All Worlds. You are the sweet fragrance of life. You are the creator and sustainer. Free us from the terrible diseases of ignorance, attachment and weakness. Deliver us from the cycle of birth and death to freedom and ultimate liberation. ''
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Hindu Mantra #3

Vishvani Deva Mantra for Abundance

Om Vishvani Deva
Svitarduritani Para Suva
Yad Bhadram
Tanna a Suva
Vishnavi Deva Mantra English Translation

'' O Supreme Creator, You are the creator of the entire Universe. Take away all the bad deeds, bad habits and miseries. Give us all the good qualities, and blissful and auspicious objects. ''
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Hindu Mantra #4

Lord Ganesha Vakratunda Mahakaya Mantra for Success 

Vakratunda Mahakaya
Surya Koti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kurumedeva 
Shubha Karyeshu Sarvada
Lord Ganesha Mantra English Translation

"O Lord, with large body, curved trunk and the radiance of a million suns. Please make all my good work free of obstacles, always". 
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Hindu Mantra #5

Om Mantra - The Highest Mantra 

AUM (OM)
AUM Mantra Meaning

The primodial sound representing Divinity and all of manifestation.