Metaphysics of mantras

Dr Satish  K Kapoor

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Mantra is a word, syllable, sound, phrase or an intention, that is repeated to help in concentration, achieve worldly desires, detach the inner self from wayward thoughts, or to connect with a divine being. The word, mantra, comes from the root ‘man’, meaning ‘mind’, and its derivative, manana, meaning contemplation. The suffix tra means ‘to save, liberate, deliver or fortify’. Mantra is thus a device which protects, and provides ‘food for thought.’(Mantra mananat–Nirukta 7.12). 

Vedic mantra

The Veda is called mantra because it expounds transcendental knowledge, leading one from ignorance to bliss. Vedic mantra has been classified under three heads - padya, verse form; gadya, prose form; and gayana, musical form. If a verse is repeated aloud, according to prescribed sound modulations, it is called richa. If the prose-form of a mantra, is uttered in low voice, it is called yajus. If it is meant for chanting, it is called saman. Aum (OM), symbolizing the Absolute, is the most sacred of all Vedic mantra-s.

Six limbs 

Each mantra has six aspects to it : the sage who first visualised it; the meter or rhythmic pattern in which it is articulated; the presiding deity who illumines it;  bija, or root-form of syllables, that sustains it; shakti or energy, which propels it, and kilaka, lock or secret pin code that protects it from being misused. The nature and potency of a mantra rests on its predominant quality, repetition, and rhythm. 

Bija mantra

A mantra can be monosyllabic, polysyllabic, a sentence, or just a dot. Bija mantra-s comprise of a single syllable and yield quick results. Thus, the bija mantra of Saraswati  is aim, of Shiva, hrim or hraum, of Kali, karim, of Maha Lakshmi, shrim, and so on. A deity-specific mantra generates strong vibrations in the cosmic sphere, materializing the corresponding image. 

Benefits

Mantra-s serve a number of purposes – social, religious, cultural, spiritual, penitential, magical, medical, and others. They must be formally acquired from a guru to receive full benefit. Regular repetition of a specific mantra is believed to ward off a calamity, subjugate an enemy or bring good luck. Amulets inscribed with mantra-s protect one from negative energy. In general, mantra-s purify speech, calm the nervous system, increase will power and lead to spiritual growth. At subtler level, they empower the intuitive faculty, and bestow siddhi-s, supernatural powers.  

(Dr Satish K Kapoor is a noted educationist, historian and spiritualist)