Vageesh Express
Vedic
Bytes
Mantras
for JAPA
This month
we continue with the Mantras. This time we discuss about ‘Mantra Japa’
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Siva is the lord of ascetics and recluses. He is part of the
Hindu Trinity. Brahma and Vishnu, the other two parts, are associated with
creation and preservation, respectively. Siva, the Cosmic Dancer, presides
over the destructive energies, which break up the universe at the end of each
age. This is the process of the old making way for the new. In a more
personal sense, it is Siva’s energy by which one’s lower nature is destroyed,
making way for positive growth. |
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Narayana is the name of Vishnu, the preserver if the world.
After the Creation, it is the energy of the Vishnu, which maintains order of
the universe. It is Vishnu who regularly takes on a human form and incarnates
in earth to benefit mankind. People who are closely involved in the running
of the world and maintaining the harmony of life are drawn to this aspect of
God. |
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Bhagavan
means Lord, referring to Vishnu. Vasudeva, meaning, “He Who abides in all
things and in Whom all things abide,” is a name of |
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Hari is
another name for Vishnu. It is that aspect which forgives the past actions of
those who takes refuge in Him and destroys their negative deeds. Thus Hari is
a redeemer and a guide to personal salvation as well as the World Preserver. |
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Rama, an
incarnation of Vishnu, took life on earth for the purpose of upholding
righteousness and rewarding virtue. His life is the subject of The Ramayana.
Rama lived the life of perfection and responsibility. Rama and Sita
epitomized the devotional relationship between husband and wife. They are the
models for all householders and people with family duties. |
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Supreme
Divinity is without qualities or attributes, and as such it contains all
qualities and attribute. The masculine principles are important yet; they
must be balanced with the feminine principles. Masculine and feminine are but
obverse and reverse of the same coin. Durga represents the motherhood aspect
of God. She is the force, or Shakti, through which Divinity manifests. Durga
is power. She is the protector and benefactor. According to Hindu mythology,
the chaitanya, or pure consciousnesses, of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva were
united to form the being of Mother Durga. She is commonly pictured riding a tiger
and having eight arms with which she carries flowers and weapons of
protection and gives the gesture of blessing. |
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Lakshmi
is the bountiful provider. As Vishnu’s consort, she aids in the preservation
of the three worlds by bestowing wealth and abundance of a material and
spiritual nature. She is pictured as a beautiful woman standing in a lotus
blossom with her arms open and giving. |
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Aim is
the bija of Saraswati, the source of all learning, and knowledge of the arts
and music. She is Brahma’s consort and is involved with the creation of new
ideas and things. Responsible for bestowing wisdom and knowledge, She is
often worshipped by people in the creative arts. |
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Kali is
that divine aspect which is responsible for the destruction and eradication
of negative qualities in this world. She is the transformative power of
Divinity, which dissolves the individual into cosmic union. Maha Kali is one
of the most fearsome of all the expressions of the Divinity. Because of the
intensity of her purgative nature, very few people are initiated to this
Mantra |
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Hanuman
is the perfection of devotion. He is the greatest and the most selfless
devotee of Lord Rama. In the Hindu tradition, he is considered to be a semi-
deity, for he is the son of the wind- god. He possesses great strength and
courage. |
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Hare is
a glorified form of address for calling upon God. Rama and |
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Victory
of Rama |
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All
these sacred names of Rama are equal to the highest name of God |
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We
worship the three-eyed Lord (Siva) who is full of sweet fragrance and
nourishes human beings. May he liberate me from bondage, even as the cucumber
is severed from the vine.This is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. It removes
disease, prevents accidents and bestows liberation. It should be repeated
daily. |
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Salutation
to thee, O great Yogi! Pray direct me that have fallen at Thy feet, so that I
may find unfailing delight at Thy lotus feet. |
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This is the Mantra for self-surrender. It should be
repeated with a pure heart free of personal desires |
References:
1. Vedic Samhitas and
Brahmanas by Vishal Agarwal
2. http://www.answers.com/topic/mantra?method=22
3. http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/saguna_mantra.php
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