Gayatri Mantra

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GAYATRI MANTRA

A HUMBLE OFFERING

HUMBLE SALUTATIONS TO BHARAT MATA

HUMBLE SALUTATIONS TO GAYATRI MATA

HUMBLE SALUTATIONS TO COSMIC PARENTS SHIVA-SHAKTI AND THEIR EMBODIMENT AS SAI

Written by , Vinnith Ramamurti Email

: [email protected]

Divine Artwork of Gayatri Manta by Vetri Thillagan Gunaseelan

INDEX CONTENTS PREFACE EXPRESSIONS OF GRATITUDE AND LOVE

PAGES 4-5 6

INTRODUCTION TO GAYATRI MANTRA

7-8

MYTHS REGARDING GAYATRI MANTRA

9

IMPORTANCE DURING PREGNANCY AND TO MOTHERS

10

BENEFITS OF GAYATRI MANTRA

11-15

HOW TO CHANT THE GAYATRI?

16-18

MEANING OF THE MANTRA

19-23

REFERENCES

24

This booklet emphasises on the eminent Mantra- Gayatri Mantra.Compilation of various instructions about this mantra has been packaged here.The method of chanting ,rules,do’(s) and don’t(s) are expressed in this booklet in detail. Now,What does Mantra even mean? ‘Ma’ means ‘ Manana’ ( contemplation) and ‘tra’ means ‘saving’.So,the mantra means that which can save you if you meditate on it.The mantra will save you from being caught up in the coils of this worldly life,which is infested with death,grief and pain’ ( Sai Baba,SS,4/96,p.108) The subtle effect of mantras (mystic formulae) mentioned in the Vedas cannot be seen or heard by the senses; they have to be experienced in and through the inner consciousness, the Anthahkarana. The sound of these mantras has the power to transform the impulses and tendencies. The word mantra means ‘that which saves when turned over in the mind’. Repeating the mantra constantly in the mind will keep off wild talk, purposeless conversation, aimless gossip and scandal. - Sri Sathya Sai Baba

‘’The most revered and the most popular mantra (prayer clothed in a ritual formula) in the Vedas is the Gayatri.It seeks the grace of the Source of all Lights to foster one’s intelligence’’. ( Sai Baba,SSS,Vol. VII,edition : 1980,p.8 )

In ancient times,kids were initiated into the Gayatri Mantra at a very young age,This omnipotent Mantra built them to such a powerful level,producing powerful bharateeyas ( of those from the land of Bharata,known as India today ) of great character,virtue,spiritual realisation and intelligence.The prowess of our vedic culture can be easily identified from the contribution it has given to the world.Take at our traditional marvels that modern society drops jaw at. Architectural wonders that even modern technology would fail to produce.Great sciences in every inch of our traditional practices. Unfortunately,our gurukul education system and Indian culture was weakened and partially destroyed by the British Invaders systematically. The following image would put this in a nutshell.

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‘’ In the olden days,the first words a child was taught at school were OM NAMAH SIVAYA ( the five letter Divine Mantra ) or OM NAMO NARAYANA .Today,during the sacred ritual of initiating,a child is taught a nursery rhyme like ,' Baa baa Black Sheep,', or ' Ding Dong bell,pussy in the well'.Is this kind of stuff that should be taught to our children???? What should be implanted in our hearts of our children are sacred names like Rama and Krishna.’' -

Sai baba

‘The debt which the world owes to our Motherland is immense.Taking country with country,there is not one race on this earth which owes so much as to the patient Hindu,the mild Hindu’ -

SwamiVivekananda

5

Expressions of Gratitude and Love. Requesting readers to take some time and shower their gratitude and love. Expressing gratitude is a very powerful transformation.Simply thank.Thank.Thank.Thank.Be thankful for waking up,be thankful for being able to eat.See how you transform.Never take things for granted. -

Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to Mother Bharata. Let us thank Mother Earth. Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to the Vedic tradition.

-

Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to all Gods,gurus,incarnations,masters,spiritual leaders,yogis,lightworkers,sadhus and great beings. Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to Mother Gayatri and the Gayatri Mantra. Let us bow and shower gratitude to the science that has enabled easy communication for priceless messages to be passed wordwide.

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Let us bow and shower gratitude and love to all the bharateeyas who sacrifice for the protection of sanatana dharma and vedic tradition. - Bow and shower Gratitude and love to yourself.

Bharat mata ki jai

6

Introduction to Gayatri Mantra

A request to readers to propagate this Gayatri Mantra throughout,and ensure that the young master them so that we can create a great generation in the future.The Gayatri Mantra is so important that it cannot be forsaken.So readers,reach out to everyone you can and spread the greatness of Gayatri Mantra.Jai Gayatri Mata. Do make an attempt to chant at least 108 times per day ( 15 minutes ) The Vedas are the very breath of God and the Gayatri Mantra is at the very basis of the Vedas.

In the Sukla Yajur Veda (XXVI - 2) it is urged to spread the beneficient words (Vaacham Kalyaaniim) of the Vedas to all people without distinction of caste, creed or sex, even to people of other religions. Now the time has come, as declared by Swami Vivekananda in 1901 (Complete Works III - pages 454-461 The Religion we are Born in) that the Vedas and the Gayatri Mantra must be propagated among all, as before, irrespective of caste, creed, sex or religion. Women should also perform Sandhya as in olden times. "This Veda is our only authority, and everyone has the right to it." Svami Mukhyananda

Q :Who is Gayatri? A :Gayatri is the Mother of the Vedas -Gayatri Chandasaam Maathaa.

Q : Where is Gayatri present? Gayatri is present wherever the Mantra is chanted. (SS 9/95-235)

Q : To whom is the Gayatri Mantra addressed? A : The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the Immanent and Transcendent Divinity.

Q : What is the Gayatri Mantra considered to be? 7

A : The Gayatri Mantra is considered to be the Essence of the Teaching of the Vedas the Veda Sara.

Q : Who discovered the Gayatri Mantra? A :The Gayatri Mantra was discovered by Sage Viswamitra. It was the same Sage Viswamitra who initiated Sri Rama into the mysteries of Sun worship, through the Mantra Aaditiya Hrdayam. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 183, 184) Aaditiya Hrdayam is chanted by many people as part of their Sadhana. Booklets on the Aaditiya Hrdayam have been published by the Sri Ramakrishna Math, Madras 4 and by the Central Chinmaya Mission Trust, Bombay 72. Q : What should the person chanting the Gayatri Mantra ensure at all times? A : The person chanting the Gayatri Mantra should ensure that his heart is pure at all times.

Q :What did the Gayatri Mantra enable Sage Viswamitra to do? A :The Gayatri Mantra enabled Sage Viswamitra to use rare weapons which bowed to his will when the Mantra was repeated with faith. Through the powers he attained in this way, Viswamitra was able to create a counterpart of this Cosmos. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 184)

Q : To whom is the Gayatri Mantra addressed? A : The Gavatri Mantra is addressed to the energy of the Sun, Surya. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 183)

Q : What is the potency of the Gayatri Mantra? This Mantra has infinite potentiality.It is a vibrant formula.It has immense powers, powers that are truly amazing, for the Sun is its presiding Deity. (Sathya Sai Vahini 184)

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Myths regarding Gayatri Mantra Some say that the Gayatri Mantra cannot be chanted by everyone.Some say women should not chant mantras.These are myths. Correct understanding: ‘The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer that can be used by people of all climes,because it calls upon the Glorious Power that pervades the sun and the three worlds to arouse,awaken and strengthen the intelligence,so that it may lead to intense Sadhana ( spiritual practice ),and Sadhana ( spiritual practice ) may lead to success’ (Sai Baba,SSS,Vol.III,p.242) Women Have Equal Rights for Chanting OM (The Gayatri Mantra is the elaboration of OM) ‘There are many who argue that the Pranava can be repeated by a few,and that others are not entitled to it.This is wrong.This false conclusion has been arrived at since they do not know the Truth.It springs from a mistaken belief.The Gita does not mention this group or that group.Krishna declares ‘’whoever’’ ( Gita VIII-12,13) without any qualifying words limiting it to one class or sex’ (Sai Baba, Geetha Vahini,p.143 ) ‘Contemplate on the OM,symbol of the Inner Flame.For this adventure,women as well as men are equal.Sex is but vesture worn by soul for the role of life on earth.It does not affect the life of the spirit,which is eternal,and on a super-sensory plane.Man and woman have each to purify the inner consciousness so that the Divine may reveal itself in all its glories therein.There are some crude thinkers who declare that women are not entitled to pronounce the sacred syllable OM,but this is a pernicious narrow doctrine.With one voice,these people revere the mother,acclaiming the dictum ‘ Maatra-Devo Bhava’ (respect your mother) and with the other,they disgrace the mother by denying her right to save herself.This is hypocrisy’ ( Sai Baba,SSS,Divine discourse,dated 22-11-1970,at All-India Conference of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation ) A common question by many: Q: Can women have equal right to men regarding bakthi jnanam and vairgyam ? Answer: How can women avoid or keep away from OM which is ever-present in the akasa ( atmosphere ) and which their breath is reciting every moment ? As a matter of fact, Prakrithi,the feminine principle comes first and the Purush ( male ) is second.You say SitaRam,Lakshmi-Narayana and Gauri-Shankara , not putting prakrithi in second place.Women have equal rights to attain the Godhead. -Baba ( SSS:Vol.VII A;p.203 9

Importance During Pregnancy and to Mothers. It is very very important on how mothers keep their thoughts and actions when they are pregnant.We know from our scriptures that Abhimanyu learnt the secrets of entering the chakravyuh in the Kurushetra war from His father Arjuna who was explaining this secret to his mother when he ( Abhimanyu ) was still in the womb.We also know that Prahlada's mother when pregnant,received through her ears the name of ' Narayana' - thus making Prahlada such a great being and a great devotee of Lord Narayana. What is uncanny is that modern science today is confirming this.The foetus or child inside the womb listens to whatever the mother hears/speaks and grasps it.This is why in ancient times,pregnant mothers were kept in a very careful environment.Even the people a pregnant mother met was monitored. It is an ancient practice in Bharat to relate to pregnant women stories about heroes and saints so that the child in the womb may be influenced by the vibrations produced by such sublime stories and the thoughts produced in the mother. The ancient Rishis knew this truth. No wonder that the children born under such conditions had noble nature and heroic virtues. It was a common practice to relate stories of exemplary children like Markandeya, Dhruva and Prahlada. They provided the inspiration and ideals for the children of those days. What do we find today? Pregnant women are engaged in seeing Television, Cinemas and other deleterious media which play up crime and sex. The result is the children who are born develop undesirable tendencies.(Sathya Sai Speaks Vol 18, Chapter 24 'Cultivation Of Love Is The Greatest Need) Therefore,this Gayatri Mantra will be a handy tool for mothers to mould model citizens who would exhibit paramount qualities in character.

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Benefits of Gayatri Mantra - If the Gayatri Mantra is chanted various kinds of powers will emerge in one. Hence the Gayatri Mantra should not be treated casually. (SS 9/95-236) -Gayathri will protect your body,make your intellect shine and improve your power of speech.That is why Gayathri is considered to be very important for this second stage of your life. ( Sai baba,SS 6/95,pp.166 & 167 ) -In ancient times,children were initiated into the Gayatri Mantra by the age of 6.This made them grow into very intelligent and enlightened beings.Should we not awaken this culture back ? - The children by virtue of chanting this Mantra in the morning and in the evening, may they be endowed with a rare Intelligence which will take care of their fortunes that will be presiding over their destiny. They will become highly qualified. They will become model citizens so that the future of the country will be safe in their hands." - It (the Gayatri Mantra) is an essential requisite for the young, because it ensures a bright and auspicious future for them." (SS 9/95-237) - You may or you may not chant any other Mantra, but do remember that by chanting the Gayatri Mantra, the benefits are there for you to see. By continuously chanting the Gayatri Mantra you yourself will reach the state of fulfilment, a sense of feeling that you have achieved something. But there is an inner meaning in this Gayatri Mantra being given to young children. We have in this Mantra the concluding words - 'Dhi Yo YoNah Prachodayat'. The meaning is this: Before you have been given this Mantra, you have been backward intellectually, mentally a bit lazy and with a few negative points to your credit. But after you have been given this Mantra, you have become sharper in Intellect, you have become more zealous, more enthusiastic, and certainly qualified to get better marks, better rank and first classe -'Sarva-roganivaarini Gayatri' ; Gayathri is the reliever of ALL DISEASES.'Sarva dukha parivaarini Gayatri '; Gayathri wards off all miseries.'Sarva-vaancha-phalashri Gayatri'; Gayatri is the fulfiller of all desires.Gayatri is the bestower of all that is beneficial.If the mantra is chanted properly,various kinds of powers will emerge in one. ( Sai Baba,SS, 8/95, p.236 ) -If you chant the Gayathri Mantra whole-heartedly,you will never face difficulties or hardships in life.Chant the divine name incessantly ( Sai Baba,SS 3/2000 , p.72 )

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- It calls upon the Glorious Power that pervades the Sun and the Three Worlds to arouse, awaken and strengthen the Intelligence, so that it may lead us through intense Sadhana to success. (See also: SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - III - 242) -It will protect you from harm wherever you are --traveling, working, or at home. The Gayatri Mantra will protect us from harm wherever we are,whether in a bus or car,in a railway train or in a plane,in a bazaar or on the road.Do we need any protection other than what we can get by chanting the Gayatri Mantra? No.Sai Baba tells us that, ' The Gayatri Mantra is enough to protect the person who chants it'. Why is the Gayatri Mantra enough to protect the person who chants it? The Gayatri Mantra is enough to protect the person who chants it because,the Gayatri Mantra embodies all Divine Potencies. - If we chant the Gayatri Mantra while taking a bath,out bath gets sanctified.If we chant it before taking our food,our food becomes an offering to the Divine.We should develop heartfelt devotion to God. ( Sai Baba, SS , 9/95, p.238 ) -This Gayatri has the subtle power of removing evil tendencies and implanting virtuous habits -The Gayatri promotes the acquisition of Daivasakthi (God-power) -Gayatri is the bestower of all that is beneficial -Do not sing cheap and defiling film songs. Instead, recite the Gayatri. When you bathe, the body is being cleansed; let your mind and intellect also be cleansed. Make it a point to repeat it when you bathe as well as before every meal, when you wake from sleep, and when you go to bed. And also repeat santhi thrice at the end, for that repetition will give santhi or peace to three entities in you --body, mind, and soul.[Sai Baba, 20-6-1977] - Gayatri mantra assures you a long life. -It gives immediate relief from bites of poisonous insects and creatures (scorpion, snakes etc.). -Parents in many families (especially in India) are very much worried that the marriage of their children (especially girls) is postponed for some reason or other (e.g. 'DOSHAM' information of stars as seen from the horoscope). Regular chanting of the Gayatri Mantra dilutes the gloom in the family and throws light and new hopes and destroys all delusions and thus belated marriages are settled -Gayatri is 'Annapoorani'. In the home where She is worshiped, the family does not require to wail for food or shelter. -Gayatri mantra gives protection to those who have become prey of black magic, and antieffects of demons instigated by black magic. 12

-"Gayatri Chandasaam aham": In Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna proclaims that He is Gayatri in Veda mantras. -" It is essential to recite the Gayatri mantra at least three times during morning, noon, and evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day. It is like buying goods for cash, instead of getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of karmic (result of action) debt, since each day's karma (action) is atoned for that day itself by reciting the Gayatri mantra “( Sai Baba ) -"One who repeats the Mantra 108 times in each sitting will attain radiance soon.One who repeats the Mantra 1008 times with sincerity and devotion in each sitting will attain illumination in 40 days." (SATGURU SANT KESHAVADAS) - Gayatri must be worshipped as a Mother.The Vedas proclaim Gayatri to be such a Mother.The benefit we derive from the Gayatri Mantra is the cleansing of the mind - Chitta suddhi. Even other Mantras have this ultimate purpose.However, Chitta suddhi is the direct result of Gayatri Japa. (The Shankaracharya of Kaanchiipuram ) - All of the Vedas and all Mantras are represented when chanting the Gayatri Mantra.And,their purpose and powers are included when the Gayatri Mantra is chanted.This is why Gayatri Maa is called , ‘ the mother of the Vedas’. - All Gods and Goddesses are embodied within Mata Gayatri. ( Sai Baba ) - The Gayatri Mantra has been given to us as the Third Eye (the Ajna Chakra) - to reveal the inner vision to us. By developing this inner vision, we may realise Brahman -Westerners have investigated the vibrations produced by this ( Gayatri Mantra ) and have found that when it is recited with correct accent as laid down in the Vedas,the atmosphere around becomes visibly illumined. - The Westerners have discovered that when the Gayatri Mantra is chanted with the correct accent as laid down in the Vedas, the atmosphere around is visibly illumined by the vibrations produced by the Gayatri Mantra. Bhagavan tells us: "The Sound of a Mantra is as valuable as its Meaning". SADHANA - The Inward Path - 90, Prasanthi Nilayam. Also: SATHYA SAI SPEAKS - III - 242 - The effulgence of Brahma - Brahmaprakasa, will descend on us, illumine our intellect and light our spiritual path when we chant the Gayatri Mantra correctly as taught by Bhagavan.

- The regular repetition of a few Malas (one Mala consists of repeating the Gayatri Mantra 108 times) of Gayatri every day will bestow upon you all that is auspicious and benevolent to you, herein and hereafter ( Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh ) - At least one Mala of Japa you must do daily without a break. It will guard you from all dangers, give you infinite strength to overcome all obstacles, and take you to the very pinnacle of splendour, power, peace and bliss. ( Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh ) 13

- Gayatri is the Mother of the Vedas and the destroyer of all sins. There is nothing more purifying on earth than the Gayatri Mantra. The Japa of Gayatri brings the same fruit as the recitation of all the Vedas with the Angas. This single Mantra repeated sincerely and with clear conscience brings the Supreme Good, which is liberation or emancipation from the wheel of birth and death. ( Swami Sivananda ) - At least on Sundays, all those who wear the sacred thread must do Gayatri Japa a thousand times. They must take every care to see that their body is kept pure and fit to absorb the Mantric power. ( The Sankarachaarya of Kanchipuram ) - Gayatri Mantra removes all fears. - Gayatri Mantra is the best cure for all ills. - Gayatri Mantra destroys karma and blesses us with liberation. - This entire universe has emerged by the power of the Gayatri Mantra. Indeed all this is nothing but the manifestation of the power of God. - There is no Japa higher than the Gayatri Japa. - There is no greater wealth than the Gayatri Mantra. - The gayathri Mantra develops the Dhee Shakti ( intellectual power) or the power of discrimination.So,its consequence will be the giving up of evil company and the seeking of kindred souls.( Sai Baba , SSS, Vol.IV edition : 1981,p.407,Discourse on 26 April 1965 )

- The Gayatri promotes the acquisition of Daivi-shakti. If you intend to overcome the delusion,you must establish yourself in God.The Bhrama ( delusion ) can be overcome only by the attainment of Daivi-Shakti ( divine power ). - Sage Manu lays special stress on Gayatri.He has declared that the gayatri is the very lifebreath of the Brahmin.It is not his declaration only;it is the truth.What is more efficient for spiritual uplift than Dhyana ( meditation ) on the effulgence that illumines and feeds the intellect of man ?What is more vitally fruitful than prayer,which pleads for saving the mind from sin-ward tendencies ? For man,there is no better armour than the cultivation of virtues.Manu states that the Brahmin will not lose his status as long as he holds on the Gayatri and is inspired by its meaning.He says that if he is too weak to pursue the study of the Vedas,he must at least recite the Gayatri Mantra and adhere to it till the very end.The Smriti ( Manu-smriti) too says that there is no treasure richer than the Gayatri. ( Sai Baba,Dharma Vahini,Reprint 2001,pp.43 & 44 ) - There can be no fanaticism,no hatred,no rivalry,if the Gayatri is adhered to.Its Japa ( recitation ) will clarify the passions and promote love. ( Sai Baba,SSS,Vol.VI,edition : 1982,p.114 ) ''The regular repetition of a few Malas (one Mala consists of repeating the Gayatri Mantra

108 times) of Gayatri every day will bestow upon you all that is auspicious and benevolent to you, herein and hereafter.'' -No driver of a car identifies himself with the car.Likewise,the body is a car and the Atma is the driver.Forgetting one's true role as a driver,one identifying one's self with the body,which is only a vehicle.This truth is emphatically brought out by the Gayatri Mantra - No driver of a car identifies himself with the car.Likewise,the body is a car and the Atma is the driver.Forgetting one's true role as a driver,one is identifying one's self with the body,which is only a vehicle.This truth is emphatically brought out by the Gayatri Mantra (Sai Baba,SS,9/95.p.234 ) --Chanting of the gayatri mantra purifies the mind and confers devotion,detachment and wisdom ( Sai Baba,SS, 3/2000, p/71 ) - If you chant the Gayathri Mantra whole-heartedly,you will never face difficulties or hardships in life.Chant the divine name incessantly ( Sai Baba,SS 3/2000 , p.72 ) -The Gayatri Mantra enabled Sage Viswamitra to use rare weapons which bowed to his will when the Mantra was repeated with faith. Through the powers he attained in this way, Viswamitra was able to create a counterpart of this Cosmos. (Sathya Sai Vahini - 184) - Bhagavan's advice to young people is that they should chant the Gayatri Mantra when taking their bath.Bhagavan says that when we take our bath, we are cleansing our bodies. Therefore, we should take this opportunity to cleanse our minds and intellects also at the same time. -The more one chants the Gayatri Mantra, the greater the benefit to the one who chants it. - We should chant the Gayatri Mantra at least 108 times (One Mala) every morning. This will take only 15 minutes. -At least one Mala of Japa you must do daily without a break. It will guard you from all dangers, give you infinite strength to overcome all obstacles, and take you to the very pinnacle of splendour, power, peace and bliss.

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Chanting the Mantra - HOW TO CHANT IT ? There are certain precautions and rules one must seriously exercise during the chanting of this ominous Mantra. Please go through this section thoroughly. Many chant it defectively, hence unable to derive the benefits and power satisfactorily. Note this crucial point: ‘’If the Gayatri Mantra is not recited correctly,it has the opposite effect of enveloping the person in darkness.But,if we recite it with Love,God will accept it.’’ ( Sai baba ) ‘’ Each word should be pronounced clearly and distinctly, without undue haste or hurry’’ (Sai Baba) While chanting the Gayatri Mantra, we may be well advised to follow the Instruction that Lord Krishna gave to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita V - 27 "Shutting out all sense perceptions, and fixing the gaze between the eye-brows..." We should chant the Gayatri Mantra at least 108 times (One Mala) every morning. This will take only 15 minutes.

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Gayatri Manta : OOOMMM Bhur Bhuva Svahaaaaa Tat Savitur Varenyammmm Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo yo Nah Prachodayaaat. - The mantra starts with a long ‘OM’, and not a short one.The Om lasts to about 3 seconds..Remember that Om chanting includes the silence after the ‘mmmmm’ at the ending dissolves into silent chanting. How do you chant ‘OM’ itself? AUM must be recited slowly and with deliberation.It has a fading 'M sound that tapers into silence - a silence that must be felt and experienced. It has to be chanted in a rising crescendo as slowly as possible and coming down just as slowly.Do not take it in two stages,arguing that breath will not hold out for so long.Preserve,until you are enthralled by the upward sweep,the downward curve and the subsequent slience. The sound must be like that of an aircraft approaching from a distance,coming to the spot where you are and then flying away into the distance- low at first, but gradually becoming louder and louder,and then slowly relapsing into silence.This silence after each recitation is as significant as the AUM itself. (Baba,the breath of Sai, Grace J.McMartin,Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust.) -As for the ‘Suvaha’ .. The ending should be prolonged.It is ‘Suvahaaaaaaaaa’ ... the ‘ aaaa’ chanting is prolonged ( as you can see how Sai Baba chants ) . -The Varenyamm.The ‘N’ In varenyam is a palatal ‘N’ ( meaning, when you chant the ‘ N’ , the tongue must be touching the palate, see diagram below to know which is the palate).

The tongue should touch the area pointed in diagram( the palate ) when pronouncing the ‘N’ in Varenyam.

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-The ‘M’ at the ending of Varenyam has to vibrate on the lips until it dissolves into silence. - As for ‘dheemahi’, the ‘ dhee’ must be a strong one, as in saying in the word‘ buddhi !’ - Make sure to pronounce ‘nah’ and not ‘na’. Na means ‘no’.If you chant it as ‘na’,you are asking the comos NOT to enlighten you. Lifestyle to be practiced in chanting Gayatri Mantra to obtain significant benefit : -You need to cultivate the proper lifestyle to gain the benefits from this mantra properly. -As with food,you must ensure the intake of only sattvik ( spiritually pure ) food.Nonvegetarian food is a big disadvantage here.Avoid meat,fish ( seafood ) ,eggs,onions,garlic . -If you want a spiritual life,you must even discard garlics,onions and spicy food. -You need to be careful as to what is happening to your mind.The food that you take affects the nature of your mind. Note that all diseases are caused by food and mind. -You must also note the source from which the food is obtained.It should be from a good source.The cook must be considered . The food must be cooked with love.The vessels from which the food is cooked must also be considered- they must be pure,washed well etc.. -The money used to obtain the food must be derived from honest labour. Everything attending to the process of consuming food must be made sure pure. -While chanting,you need to sit up straight with spine erect. This is because when you are chanting,the subtle positive vibrations are moving up and down your spinal cord.Strictly NO leaning or bending body.Spine must be straight and erect.There should NOT be restlessness.Put in your concentration and self into the chanting with full faith and devotion. -When you chant the Gayatri Mantra in the morning,you face the east.You face the North when you are chanting it at noon.And you face the west when you are chanting it in the evening.In other words,you chant facing the direction of the Sun at all times. -The Gayatri Mantra should be chanted unconditionally,asking nothing for ourselves.It should not be done with ideas of greed of a desire and restlessness in mind.

( Adapted from Dr. Sase Narayanan Persaud’s speech based on Sai Baba’s instructions to him on Gayatri Mantra teaching- Youtube Video : ‘Sase’s view on chanting the Gayatri Mantra’ ) -Full faith in the power and potency of the Gayatri Mantra will be generated only when the seeker has developed the requisite degree of enthusiasm,reverence and love towards the Mantra.Love and reverence for the Mantra and faith in its promised results are far more important than mere mechanical repetition while the mind is wandering. -The more one chants the Gayatri Mantra,the greater the benefit will be to the one who chants it.To absorb the Mantric power,purity of life and an abstemious diet are essential.

To learn the correct way to chant Gayatri , access Youtube and search ‘ Sai Baba chanting the Gayatri’.

MEANING OF THE MANTRA. Please take note to know the meaning of the mantra that you are chanting. This is very important. You must chant with awareness of the meaning. Fundamentally, The Gayatri Mantra is the elaboration of the Pranava Sabda or OM. Now,let us understand the meaning of the Gayatri Mantra. In brief,the Gayatri Mantra can be translated as : Almighty God ( OM ) , we meditate ( Dheemahi ) upon your sublime spiritual effulgence ( Bhargo ) of that Adorable Supreme Divine Reality ( Savitur ) , the source of physical or materialisation ( Bhur) and the astral region or vibration ( Bhuvah ) and Heavenly Sphere of existence ( Svaha ).May that ( Tat ) Supreme Divine Power enlighten ( Prachodayaat ) which ( Yo ) our ( Nah ) our Budhi ( so that we may get liberation). Now,let us look into the meaning of each ‘word’ in the Mantra : OM: Para Brahman. Bhur : Bhu loka ( physical plane ) .It also refers to the body made up of the five Pancha Bhootas ( five elements),materialisation.The five elements constitute Prakriti ( Nature).

Bhuvah : Bhuva Loka ( astral region ),the middle world.Bhuva is also Prana Shakti ( vibration) to animate the body.It is on this account that the Vedas have declared ‘ Prajnanam Brahma’ ( Constant Integrated Awareness Is Brahman). Suvah : Swarga Loka ( heaven,the land of Gods ). It also means radiation (Atma ) which energizes the body and mind. Tat: Stands for That.The ultimate reality is simply referred to as That because it defies description through speech or language. Savitur : From Savita ( sun,ever effulgent God ) from which all is born. Varenyam : Adorable Bhargo : Spiritual splendour,radiance,effulgence which confers wisdom. Devasya : Of Deva ( divine entity ) Dheemahi : We meditate Dhi: Buddhi (intellect) 19

Yo: Which Nah: Our Prachodayaat : Enlighten.

Common Question : What Is meant by the three lokas ( physical plane, astral region and heaven ) ?? Is the heaven a place where we go after we die ? Answer : Let us also be clear of what is meant by the three lokas ( Bhur , Bhuvah , Suvaha ) The spreading of Vishnu-tatwan ( the principle of all-pervasive divinity ) is known as Trivikrama-tatwam ( Tatwam=the principle of Tri=triple Vikrama=pervasiveness ) . The aspect of 'Trivikrama-tatwan is represented by the Gayathri Mantra,'Bhur Bhuvah Suvah'.The Bhooloka,Bhuvahaloka and Svarloka constitute the Tri-vikrama-tatvam. It is wrong to conceive these three Lokas as existing on top of the other and thus capable of being reached by climbing a ladder,as it were.In fact,the three Lokas are interwined with each other and one exists within the other.The real meaning of this kind of geometrical configuration of the three Lokas is that the Pancha Indriya ( five senses ), Pancha Bhoota ( five elements ) and Pancha Kosha ( five sheaths ) , the aspects of man's body is Bhoo-Loka.

The aspect of Prana-shakti ( vital air ) or Manas-tatwam ( mental aspect ) is Burloka.The microscopic state of Anandam ( bliss ) represents Suvarloka.So it can be said that the three worlds - Bhooloka,Bhuvarloka and Suvarloka - are nothing but the dehatatwa ( physical state ) ,respectfully and the totality of these three represents the Trivikrama-tatwa.Again these three aspects of Tri-vikrama-tatwa can be understood in terms of the three states of an individual , viz, : 1. the one you think you are, 2. the one that others think you are. 3. the one what you really are. Hence,only by proper Sadhana ( spiritual practice ) ,can one transcend from Bhoo-loka through Bhuvar-loka to Suvar-loka.The attainment of Suvarloka is known as Moksha ( Liberation ) , and it represents the stage of complete mergence with the Lord. (Sai baba, SSS, Vol.X, edition: 1980 , p.252 & 253)

- In the Gayatri Mantra,the first line is : ‘Om Bhur-Bhuvas-suvah’.This Mantra is assumed to refer to three worlds- the earth,the middle world and heaven ( or Swarga,the land of the gods). ‘Bhu’ refers to the body.It is made up of the five elements ( Pancha Bhutas).These five elements constitute nature ( Prakriti).There is an intimate relationship between the body and nature.The same five elements that are in nature are also in the body. ‘Bhuvah’ is the Life Force that animates the body ( Praana-shakti).Even if the Life Force exists,without Jnana (

awareness ) the body will be of no use.It is on this account that the Vedas declared : ‘ Prajnanam Brahma’ ( Constant Integrated Awareness is Brahman).It is by the presence of Prajnana that Life Force is able to animate the body.The body represents the inert matter.The Life Fore is able to animate the body.The body represents the inert matter.The Life Force operates in the body as vibration.This vibration derives its power from Prajnana,which finds its expression in radiation.

Therefore,the body,the Life Force and Prajnana are all within man.The entire cosmos is present in miniature within man.It is because of these three constituents that we are able to see the cosmos and experience many other things.Every type of potency is within us.The external is reflection of the inner being ( Sai Baba,SS,8/95,p.235).

Three parts Of the Gayatri Mantra : ‘The Gayatri may be considered as having three parts: (1) Praise (2) Meditation (3) prayer ‘ The first nine words of the Gayatri mantra ( OM , Bhur ,Bhuvah ,Suvah,Tat,Savitur Varenyam,Bhargo,Devasya) correspond to the description ( praise ) of the Gayatri. ‘Dheemahi’ pertains to meditation. ‘ Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat’ is the prayer to God for steady and pure intellect.The Divine is first praised and meditated upon and then an appeal is made to awaken and strengthen the intellect ( Buddhi).So,first and foremost is that you should extol God.But in what way ? You should extol Him with a feeling of intimacy.The son will never shower lavish praise on his father when he asks for a new address.Instead,he demands rightfully.A devotee has a similar right to demand from God’ ( Sai Baba,SS,11/98,p.297). ‘ It ( Gayatri ) has three parts : Dhyana ( meditation ) on the glory of God as illumination immanent in the three worlds-upper,middle and lower ( Om Bhu-Bhuva-Suvah,Tat Savitur Varenyam).It has Smarana or picturisation of the ( God’s) Grace ( Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi),and Praathana ( prayer) for compassion to attain liberation,through the awakening of the intelligence that pervades the entire universe,not any particular Name or Form of that intelligence.So,all can use it and be saved by it.There can be no fanaticism,no hatred ,no rivalry,if the Gayathri is adhered to’ ( Sai Baba,SSS,Vol.VI,edition : 1982,p.114).

In a nutshell, 21

-‘In the case of Gayatri,the meaning is easy and profound.It does not ask for mercy or pardon.It asks for a clear intellect,so that truth may be reflected therein correctly,without any disfigurement’. ( Sai Baba, SSS,Vol.III,edition : 1981,p.242 ) - ‘In the Gayatri Mantra,the unity of body,mind and soul is depicted in the first line as ‘Bhur-Bhuvah-Suvah’.The next line ‘Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi’ means ‘ throw away the darkness’. ‘Dheeyo yo nah Prachodayaat’ means ‘Let the effulgence of the Divine dispel the darkness of ignorance ( to sharpen intelligence)’. ( Sai Baba,SS,6/95, p.165) -We have in this mantra the concluding words- ‘ Dhi Yo Yo Nah Prachodayaat’.The meaning is this : before you have been given this Mantra,you have been backward intellectually,mentally a bit lazy and with a few negative points to your credit.But after you have been given this Mantra,you have become sharper in intellect;you have become more zealous,more enthusiastic,and certainly qualified to get better marks,better rank and first class. ( Sai Baba )

GAYATRI MATA:

-Gayatri is said to have five faces and hence,it is called ‘Panchamukhi’.Is there anybody in the world with five faces ? No.Gayatri is described as five faces.The five faces are : ‘OM’ ( the Pranava) is the first face.The Pranava Principle represents eight different forms of wealth ( Ashta-Aishwarya).The second face : ‘Bhur-bhuvas-suvah’.The third is : ‘Tat22

SaviturVarenyam’.The fourth is : ‘Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi’. ‘Dheeyo yo nah prachodayaat’ is the fifth face.When the Gayatri Mantra is understood in this way,it will be realised that all the five aspects of Gayatri are within each of us ( Sai Baba,SS,8/95,p.235 & 236 ) .

SYMBOLIC MEANING OF DIFFERENT COLOURS OF THE FIVE FACES OF GAYATRI DEITY’S IDOL. 1. PEARL COLOUR - Pearls are collected from sea,from the bosom of snails.Snails come to the surface of the sea with their eyes and mouth open.When it rains,the raindrops fall into their mouths.During that time,if the snails see SWATI-NAKSHATRA (star) in the sky and absorb its radiation into them,then raindrops are converted into original pearls ( as distinct from cultured pearls).These original pearls are divine in nature.Thus,the first face of Gayatri is of pearl colour,giving out lustre of pearl ( representing brilliance or intelligence) 2. CORAL COLOUR - (i.e. pinkish,which is of one of the nine gems). The second face develops the principle of Nishchala Tattwa ( the principle of still mind) in the aspirant’s minf. 3. GOLD COLOUR - Very bright both in colour and quality.Merely seeing gold and exposing its lustre promotes good quality and external charm in the aspirant. 4. BLUE COLOUR - Represents the sky.Sky is blue in colour.(Sri Maha-Vishnu is also blue in colour ( Vishnutattwa).This face of Gayatri fosters the aspirant with all types of wealth and Divine Grace from Lord Vishnu.Blue colour also symbolises infinity.Blue sky is fathomless.Ocean which seems blue is very vast and deep.God is also fathomless. 5. WHITE FACE - This face represents purity.It develops purity in the mind of the aspirants and also grants divine grace from goddess Saraswati ( Goddess of Wisdom ). ( J.V.Krishnamurthi,Sarvadevi Swarupini Vedamatha Gayatri,pp.36 & 37 )

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References Books : (1) Suresh C.Bhatnagar,Gayatri Archana ( Based on Sai’s Teachings ),sathyasaipublications. Websites : (1) http://www.sathyasai.org/devotion/prayers/gayatri.html (2) http://scriptures.ru/gayatr_l.htm (3) www.maiyiliragu.blogspot.com

Youtube : (1) Sase’s view on chanting the Gayatri Mantra (2) Sai Baba Teaches About The Gayatri Mantra (3) Sathya Sai Baba chanting the Gayatri

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