What is Gayatri Mantra?
Gayatri Mantra is a Sanskrit mantra that has been chanted for thousands of years. It was written in the Vedic period (1500-500 BC) and is considered one of the oldest and most powerful mantras known. It is said to contain all the knowledge of the universe.
This mantra is an expression of gratitude and praise for the powers of transformation, inner growth and self-realization offered by the radiant light of the divine. Meditation on this spiritual light purifies the heart chakra and opens it to receive higher vibrations of love, wisdom and happiness.
Gayatri Mantra
Gayatri has 24 syllables and is listed below with the phonetic pronunciation in parentheses:
Om bhuh, bhuvah, swaha (Aumm Bhoor Bhoo-va Su-va-ha).
Tat savitur varenyam (Tat Sa-vee-toor Var-ayn-yam)
Bhargo devasya dhimahi (Bar-go Day-vas-ya Dhee-ma-hee)
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat (Dhee-yo Yo Nah Pra-cho-da-yaat)
Meaning of Gayatri Mantra
A general translation of the mantra is:
O Divine Mother, may your divine and pure light illuminate all the planes of our being (physical, astral and mental). Please banish all darkness from our hearts and give us true knowledge.
Translations vary, but Vyaas Houston's is among the most accessible: "Earth, atmosphere, heavens. We meditate on the sacred light of the effulgent source. May it inspire our thoughts". Stuck on the word "effluent"? Merriam-Webster's defines it as "radiant splendor," but in a yogic sense, it refers to the all-encompassing light of the celestial realms.
A word-for-word translation would be:
Om: The primordial sound
Bhur: The human body, the earth, the physical realm, existence.
Bhuvah: Life energies, sky, consciousness
Suvah: Soul, inner space, spiritual realm, happiness
Tat: Aceea
Savitur: Sun, solar powers
Varenyam: To choose, the best, to adore
Bhargo: Diffusion, own light, divine light.
Devasya: Divine, radiant
Dhimahi Dhiyo: intellect
MeCare
Nah: Ours, ours
Prachodayat: Enlightened, inspired
A mantra of power, knowledge and light
In all cultures and throughout time, the sun has symbolized spiritual light. The word "savitur" refers to Savitri, the Vedic sun deity. The mantra, considered the essence of all mantras, is personified as the shining Gayatri, the power behind the sun and mother of the universe. As we chant her mantra, we attune ourselves to the frequencies of the universal light and bring it into the earth plane (bhuh) and into ourselves.
Mantra is personified by the goddess Gayatri Devi, who is the bestower of knowledge and is called the 'mother of the Vedas'. She is often depicted as having 5 heads and 10 arms and riding on a swan. The five faces symbolize the five prana and the five elements of the universe. Gayatri Devi represents the combined power of the three goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali. Her divine powers are protection, wisdom and strength.
History of the Gayatri mantra
How the universal mantra came to be chanted here on earth is a fascinating story about anger, envy, lust and forgiveness. It begins in ancient times, when King Vishwamitra and his army visited the sage Vashista , who was able to feed their people thanks to a cow that fulfilled their desires. Vishwamitra wanted to take the cow with him, and Vashista's refusal so enraged the king that he vowed to undertake austerities and meditation until his spiritual powers surpassed those of the sage. However, every time Vishwamitra thought he was approaching success, he failed another test of ego.
When Vishwatmitra finally recognized his shortcomings and asked Vashista for forgiveness, he experienced spontaneous Samadhi, and the gods endowed him with the words of Gayatri. (The Vashistasana and Vishwamamitrasana positions honor these sages.) Vishwamitra is among the authors of the Rig Veda , the earliest known source of the Gayatri. His story teaches us that enlightenment is possible for anyone who practices with dedication, and Gayatri is recommended as a suitable practice for people from all walks of life.
Benefits of Gayatri chanting
It is said that through regular chanting of the Gayatri mantra, you accumulate spiritual light and not only raise your own vibratory level, but also that of those around you: your family and friends, your circle of acquaintances, the entire global community.
The sound of the Gayatri mantra brings us back to our true nature, which is pure consciousness itself. It reminds us that we are already perfect beings and that we have been given everything we need to manifest our highest potential. When we practice Gayatri, we are reminded that we are divinely connected to the universe and blessed by its abundance.
A regular meditation practice using this mantra can bring peace, joy, grace, prosperity and happiness. It is also said to strengthen concentration, heal the physical body, and protect against negativity, fear, anger, jealousy, hatred, hatred, greed and envy. Ancient texts claim that chanting Gayatri 10 times a day removes negative karma from this life, and chanting it 108 times a day will dissolve karma from previous lives.
How to chant the Gayatri mantra
Although it can be chanted at any time of the day, it is advisable to chant the mantra both early in the morning and in the evening before going to sleep. Focus your mind on each word as you chant the mantra. Notice where you feel the vibration of the sacred sound in your head and chest. At first you may need to keep your eyes open to read the mantra, but eventually work on memorizing it so that you can practice with your eyes closed.
The most effective will be to chant the mantra silently. As you recite the Gayatri Mantra, visualize the sunlight as it enters your heart, radiating outwards to bless the world.
Here are the nine steps to chant the Gayatri mantra:
- Make yourself comfortable in a quiet place where there aren't too many distractions.
- Close your eyes and breathe deeply and slowly.
- Focus on your breath as it goes in and out through your nostrils.
- Say the mantra out loud while concentrating on your breathing.
- Repeat in a whisper as you continue to focus on your breathing.
- Repeat the third time silently in your head.
- Keep repeating the mantra for as long as you like.
- After you finish reciting the mantra, take a few deep breaths to feel the effects of the mantra on your body, mind and soul.
- Keep repeating the mantra daily until you feel its currents of positive energy flowing inside you.
Article taken and translated: yogabasics.com/connect/gayatri-mantra/