There are so many tools and ways for us to travel toward a state of yoga or union, and mantra practice (chanting) is a wonderful tool for some. Traditionally one chants a mantra 108 times in one sitting. Although it might seem daunting and quite challenging to commit to this practice (especially because it can take almost an hour with certain mantras), it is quite powerful, leading the practitioner to deeper clarity and overall happiness.
Sanskrit, the language of yoga, is one where every sound in each word is significant. Sanskrit is said to be a sacred language used to communicate with the Divine, and so when you speak or chant it, your focus is pure. Thoughts and chatter still arise in the mind, however they appear without much counter-thought or tangents. This allows for deeper understanding of the mind and ultimately the Self.
In my own mantra practice I have noticed that the first 40 or so are challenging and my mind keeps thinking, "Am I almost through?!" Then about halfway, I often will have moments of such clarity and realization, things I've been struggling with, I will rather suddenly understand clearly. By the last few rounds I feel I could chant for another hour. It's can be quite beautiful.
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest and most widely used mantras. In India it is considered the most sacred mantra, second only to the primordial sound; Om.
Below is the sanskrit mantra as well as a breakdown of the meaning. In sanskrit the sound is as important as (if not more than) the meaning, so below the article is a link to Deva Premal chanting this sacred mantra.
Om
Bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhimahi
dhiyo yo nah prachodayat
Om
*Om The sacred sound
*bhu 'earth'
*bhuvas 'atmosphere'
*svar 'light, heaven, space'
*tat 'that'
*savitur God as in 'stimulator, rouser; name of a sun deity'
*varenyam 'fit to be worshipped', varenya desirable, excellent
*bhargo 'Glory Effulgence' (radiance, luster, splendor)
*devasya 'of God'
*dhimahi 'may we attain'
*dhiyah nah 'our prayers'
*yah prachodayat 'who may stimulate' (pra-cud- 'set in motion, drive on, urge, impel)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I invoke the Earth Plane, The Astral Plane, The Celestial Plane, The Plane of Spiritual Balance, The Plane of Human Spiritual Knowledge, The Plane of Spiritual Austerities, and The Plane of Ultimate Truth. Oh great Spiritual Light which is the brilliance of all Divinity, we meditate upon You. Please illumine our minds.
The Gayatri Mantra by Deva Premal
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