Mantra

Q. Is there any mantra or japa that will give us this shanti state that you spoke about just now? If there is any, which is the important one?

A. Mantra and japa are essential for all types of men. What is a mantra? Ma means manana and tra means saving; so mantra means that which can save you if you meditate on it. Mantra will save you from being caught up in the coils of this worldly life that is infested with death, grief, and pain. Of all mantras, the Pranava [primordial sound Om] is the highest and the best. It is the very head and crown of all of them.

Q.Suppose each one does the japam of the name of the Ishtadevata according to his own light, I believe it is not wrong. Or is it?

A. You mean that however savage or foolish a man may be, he cannot but call on the Lord! Well, if the name is recited along with the Pranava, it is bound to be beneficial. Just as the waters of the ocean are raised into the sky by the rays of the sun and then, falling as rain, they form rills and rivers and rush toward the ocean to become once again the waters of the ocean, all sounds and mantras that were once only Pranava, reach the Pranava through the japa and other disciplines and rites. They all get merged in the Pranava, their source.

Q. Swami! Some elders have said that the more bija-aksharas a mantra has, the more effective it is. Are such mantras to be preferred to others that have only a few bija-aksharas?

A.  I don’t agree with the view that when the number of bija-aksharas diminishes, there is less chance for concentration in dhyana [meditation]. Sadhakas [spiritual aspirants] would be benefitted more if they repeat the panchakshari [5 syllables] or ashtakshari [8 syllables] with the Pranava added in the beginning. When they have proceeded some distance thus, they can give up even the words and concentrate on the form depicted through the sound and transform the mantra into the Devata [Lord] Himself. That is why the shruti [scriptures] says, “Nissabdo Brahma uchyathe—Brahma is silence, absence of sound.”

Q. How are we to create a vacuum of sound? How can that be Brahmam?

A.The shrutis declare that this objective world, this prakriti [nature], is maya; they also say that He who has all this maya under His control is Easwara [God]. So, try to have all this creation under control and become Easwara yourself. The stage when, so far as you are concerned, the objective world has come to naught, is the stage when you attain Brahmam. Until that is set at naught, you cannot attain Brahmam; that is certain. Like the snake that discards its skin and assumes a new skin, the sadhaka discards the old skin, puts on the skin of the deity indicated by the mantra that he concentrates upon.

Q. Pardon me, Swami! I cannot understand all this. Make it clear through some more examples.

A. You have seen an egg, is it not? When the bird sits on the egg for some time, the chick grows inside it to its full stature and then, when the shell of the egg is broken it emerges and assumes its real form. In the same way, when the sadhaka, with purified consciousness dwells on the mantra and its meaning, and revolves its significance in his mind without break, the vision grows in his mind without break, the shell of ajnana [ignorance] breaks and he shines in the splendor of the divinity that he has formed in his consciousness.

Source: Prasanottara Vahini

Mantra

In the spiritual traditions of India, Mantra has always held a sacred place in the hearts of seekers. The sound vibrations created through a Mantra are believed to purify the mind, awaken inner strength, and connect the soul with divine consciousness. Ancient sages discovered that repeating a Mantra with faith and devotion could transform human life from within. Even today, people across the world practice chanting as a way to attain peace, concentration, and spiritual balance. The power of sacred words is not limited to rituals alone; it becomes a source of healing and positivity in daily life.

The beauty of a Mantra lies in its simplicity and depth. A few divine syllables repeated with sincerity can calm restless thoughts and remove negativity from the environment. Many spiritual practitioners begin their day with meditation and chanting because it helps create clarity and inner stability. Whether chanted softly or mentally repeated, the vibrations generated by a sacred phrase influence both the mind and body. Spiritual masters have often explained that sound carries energy, and holy chants carry the highest spiritual energy capable of uplifting consciousness.

India’s spiritual culture has preserved countless sacred chants dedicated to different deities and forms of divine energy. From Vedic hymns to simple devotional prayers, every Mantra carries a unique spiritual essence. Some are meant for protection, some for wisdom, while others inspire devotion and surrender. In many homes, families gather during morning or evening prayers to recite sacred verses together. These practices create harmony within the household and strengthen spiritual values across generations. The influence of Devotional India can be seen in temples, festivals, and spiritual gatherings where collective chanting fills the atmosphere with divine vibrations.

The spiritual heritage of Devotional India has inspired millions to adopt chanting as part of their daily routine. Pilgrims visiting holy places often experience a deep sense of peace when they hear sacred hymns echoing through temple halls. Such moments remind people that spirituality is not separate from life but deeply connected with every breath and thought. Through discipline and regular practice, chanting gradually removes fear, anxiety, and confusion while encouraging compassion and faith.

A powerful Mantra also helps in improving concentration and emotional balance. Students, professionals, and spiritual seekers often use chanting techniques to maintain mental focus and reduce stress. Unlike temporary distractions, sacred repetition works at a deeper level by calming the subconscious mind. Many meditation traditions recommend repeating a divine name silently during difficult situations because it brings courage and positivity. Over time, the practice develops patience and spiritual awareness, helping individuals face life with confidence and grace.

In the spiritual journey of humanity, Mantra continues to guide people toward inner awakening. It is not merely a collection of words but a bridge between the human soul and divine reality. The timeless wisdom of Devotional India teaches that sincere prayer and sacred chanting can purify both the heart and mind. Even in modern times filled with distractions and pressure, spiritual practices rooted in ancient traditions continue to inspire hope and peace. Through regular chanting, one can experience silence within, discover inner strength, and move closer to a life filled with harmony, devotion, and spiritual fulfillment.

-Prakriti and Paramatma