MANTRA - what to repeat? As a Source of Power & Achievement

We often think of Mantra as a kind of ritual practice that offers a particular benefit we can't quite quantify, but when correctly practiced with dedication and faith we soon find out the benefits are indeed very tangible.

Some of the benefits include greater clarity of mind, protection from negative thoughts which are the root cause of all our troubles in the world and clear perception of our connection with the omniscient power of the universe.

My intention is not to discuss mantra but to encourage it's practice, and thus allow it to reveal it's real benefits to you. My Guru always says 'tonnes of theory is equal to a gram of practice' so my only real motivation is to inspire you to practice....... and see the result. For many the most profound results are a sense of being protected. 

Normally we repeat one mantra repetition per bead, so that's 108 times by the time you complete one round of mala. There are 5 levels of mantra practice, and these steps help to learn and finally actualise the mantra within.

They are:

• Likit; to write the mantra repeatedly
• Bekhari; to chant the mantra in one's own melody
• Upansu; to chant innerly, the lips may move but there is no outward sound
• Mansik; Mentally repeating the mantra
• Ajapa; The highest level, when the mantra repletion is spontaneous and quite constant  

The real success in mantra is when its spontaneous and constant, this means that no other thought is there, only the mantra, and this is indeed very powerful. 

A personal Mantra received from a Guru is the highest blessing, and a definite path to liberation, other MANTRAS You can use include:

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha

This mantra helps to achieve wisdom and knowledge by praying to Ganesha to remove the obstacles and hinderances both internal and external that hinder success, he is also teh one who opens and reveals spiritual gifts in spiritual people. it is a very good idea to always start anything with remembrance and repetition of Ganesha mantra.

Om Namaha Shivaya

This mantra leads one beyond all types of suffering and afflictions to the realisation of the pure light of truth. It is a very powerful mantra and helps to free one from all fears. Shiva represents pure consciousness, truth and beauty. 

Om Prabhu Deep Niranjan Saba Dukha Bhanjan 

This mantra means; My adoration to the cosmic light, may my heart and entire being receive the divine light which purifies all my suffering, frees me from attachments and illumines my consciousness, may I merge and become one with the Universal Consciousness.

The vibration of each mantra when constantly repeated brings about the real understanding of it from within. Realisation of the mantra is when knower, knowledge and the object of that knowledge become ONE. Realisation can't be taught, it's imbibed and reflects the inner state, when we're ready it will happen. 

MUDRAS - and the balancing act of vitality in the body

These are just a few pictures of common mudras you practice every class

Mudras are positions held in Yoga practice, that re-balance the flow of vital energy in the body. They can be so effective in overcoming states of depression and anxiety and creating a sense of inner harmony that we should know more about, and use them during the week. You’ll find yourself in these positions during a Yoga in daily life class, but you may not be aware of how your deeply benefiting yourself.

I’m always newly amazed at how incredibly scientific the ancient Yogic science is, and how much good it does for the human psyche. Our only problem is that we tend to practice quickly, desiring physical health, and performing postures we like, more than those we need. While that’s a positive contribution in making us ‘feel good’ , It’s not the best way to heal deeply, and manifest our deeper soul wish, to achieve fulfilment.

SURRENDERING means LEARNING and GROWING
Yes, It’s necessary to put yourself in the hands of a qualified, well experienced teacher to fully understand Yoga, and it’s depth. It’s a gradual process and what you’ll encounter is perhaps not what you expected, but what can most certainly help you immensely.

Since teaching in the city I’ve learnt that people don't want to ‘follow’, rather, they want the teacher to conform to what they think they need. And they’re quick to change teachers when they don't think they’re getting what they need. While that’s true for the most part of our lives, where were encouraged and even taught to be self-reliant and deeply independent. We must also, at some point be willing to surrender our perceived ideas of what we need, to those of someone who has more experience in something time has proven, we can benefit from immensely. It takes courage to surrender, because it involves trust.

THE PURPOSE OF A TEACHER 
A teacher can take you only so far as they have reached themselves, beyond that - if they’re a good teacher they’ll guide you further, if your fortunate and ready, to an enlightened Master. That’s the value of a Lineage - more on that another time. - Now back to mudras….

What you find in slowly down, and holding certain introverted postures and forming different positions of the hands is that all your inner systems re-energise, and re-balance. And with that your emotions and sense of identity realigns with your higher purpose. This enables you to pursue the real quest of human life, and remain on the path to your inner fulfilment, finding and living your purpose.

Who you ‘think’ you are is often the biggest obstacle to experiencing your true self, who you Really are.

OUR ULTIMATE AIM
Vishwaguruji always says, ‘to know who you are, you must first know, how you are’. We can only experience that by calming down, developing our self awareness, and surrendering in the moment to that teacher who helps us on the journey, that takes us within.