My Guru

His Holiness

Swami Vishnudevananda Saraswati of Allahabad

Upanayana (The Sacred Thread Ceremony)

Upanayana means “drawing near God” and marks the formal beginning of education into both secular and spiritual knowledge. The ceremony marks the transition of a boy into young adulthood and is traditionally performed between his seventh and seventeenth birthdays. The rite consists of ritual worship of the forms of God worshiped by the family, a fire ceremony where offerings are made into sacred fire, investiture with the sacred thread and initiation into holy Gayatri mantra by the father or preceptor.

The yajna-pavitra or sacred thread consist of three hand-spun cotton threads tied at the end with a special knot and worn across the chest, over the left shoulder and under the right arm. The three threads remind us of our debts and responsibilities to our parents, teachers and the ancient sages. They also represent three powers of the Divine Mother as Gayatri, Goddess of mind, Saraswati, Goddess of speech and Savitri, Goddess of action helping us to become pure in mind, speech and body. More esoterically they represent three subtle energy currents in the body known as ida, pingala and shusumna, experienced by yogis and adepts. Wearing the sacred thread marks one as one “reborn” and declares that one is mature enough to take responsibility as a full member of his family, society and religion.

The most important aspect of the Upanayana ceremony is the initiation into the holy Gayatri mantra. This mantra, considered the Mother of the Vedas, is a universal non-sectarian prayer to the supreme divinity, shining outside as the sun and within as the Self, to illuminate our minds and hearts. It is an invocation of the energy of intelligence, knowledge, love and devotion. The very sound of the mantra awakes spiritual potential, purifies karmas and grants various inner qualities and experiences. The twenty-four syllables awaken subtle energetic centers in our bodies and releasing physical, mental and spiritual potentials. Many volumes of commentaries have been written on the meaning of the Gayatri mantra, but a literal translation would be “I meditate upon that awesome divinity shining brilliantly as the sun. May He illuminate my intelligence." After receiving this mantra, the initiate is expected to repeat it prayerfully morning and evening throughout his life. This daily spiritual practice grants the inner strength to be truthful, noble, pure, studious, non-violent, gentle, firm, self-controlled, liberal and generous. The ancient sages teach that an aspirant who conducts himself in this manner will liberate his parents, ancestors decedents from suffering and never fall from the path of God.

Let You and I Behold Her

In times of rarefied japa, consciousness is so clean that you are aware only of the subtlety of the mantra and  of awareness itself. There is only perceiver and perceived--Shiva and Shakti. The play between these two is the secret of japa. There is a song in the Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (p315) that hints at this: “Sri Ramakrishna began to sing in his soul-enthralling voice:

Cherish my precious Mother Syaama
Tenderly within, O mind;
May you and I alone behold Her,
Letting no one else intrude.
O mind, in solitude enjoy Her,
Keeping the passions all outside;
Take but the tongue, that now and again
It may cry out, "O Mother! Mother!"
Suffer no breath of base desire
To enter and approach us there,
But bid true knowledge stand on guard,
Alert and watchful evermore.

The mind will not always be in this state, but take full advantage of it when it is. We must be spiritual connoisseurs! When the mind is not in this subtle state, then repeat the mantra with faith and loving attention.

Sadhu Sanga

Once the sage Narada went to Kailas, the celestial abode of Lord Shiva and asked Him, "Lord, I have a question. I have heard that sadhu sanga (the company of saints) has some benefit. Please tell me want is the real benefit of sadhu sanga?" 

Lord Shiva told him that "Just now on earth in the village of some poor cow herders, a new calf has been born. Go there and ask the new calf your question." Narada Muni strummed his veena and descended to the village and asked to see the newborn calf. As soon as the calf looked at the sage, dressed in his saffron robes, he died. The villagers became very agitated and Narada quickly disappeared from the place, lest the villagers blame him for the death.  

Narada Muni again approached Lord Shiva and reported the unfortunate event. Lord Shiva said that a baby was just born in a family of devotees. He should go and ask that infant his question about the benefits of sadhu sanga.  Narada again strummed his veena and descended to the appointed home. The family was very pleased to see the sage and greeted him with "Namah Parvati Pataye Hara Hara Mahadev!" (We bow to the great Lod Shiva, the consort of Parvati). They where very happy to show the visiting monk their newborn child, as they considered it a blessing. As soon as the baby looked at Narada, he closed his eyes and died. The family, thinking that the sadhu had cursed the child, began to beat him with sticks as they cried for the loss of their son. Narada immediately ran from the place and returned to Lord Shiva and reported what had happened.  

Lord Shiva told him not to worry and that he would get his answer soon. He told him that in the palace of king, a new prince had just been born. He should go there and ask his question to this newborn prince. Narada Muni became frightened and said, "In the last two homes I had to run in fear of being injured. But if something happens to the prince, the king has the power to execute me." "Do not worry." said Lord Shiva, "Go and ask your question to the newborn prince. Nothing will happen to you. I am protecting you. " 

Narada Muni strummed his veena and descended to the palace of the king. He was received with great honor and shown the newborn prince. As soon as the infant saw the sage he smiled and died. Now Narada became very frightened and immediately ran from the palace. But from behind him he heard sounds of celebration instead of lamentation.  

Upon reaching Lord Shiva's abode, Narada told the Lord "It seems that I have only brought suffering wherever I went. I do not see any benefit to sadhu sanga." Lord Shiva then said, "You do not understand. Simply by seeing you, the cow attained a human birth. Simply by seeing you, a poor child became a prince. Simply by seeing you, the prince attained liberation in the Divine Abode of the Lord. Only benefit comes from the company of the saints."

Gayatri Mantra

gaayatram traayate iti gaayatri

“That which protects the one who chants it is called ‘gayatri”.
.

Mother Gayatri Devi

The holy Gayatri mantra is a prayer to the supreme divinity, shining outside as the sun and within as the Self, to illuminate our minds and hearts. It is an invocation of the Divine Mother Herself, as Gayatri Devi, to bless us with spiritual knowledge, love and devotion. It is also a powerful maha-mantra, whose very sound awakes our spiritual potential, purifies our karmas and grants various inner qualities and experiences. The holy Gayatri mantra is composed of twenty-four syllables. Each syllable is an esoteric bija or seed-sound that invokes the blessing of various deities. These powerful sounds activate the subtle energetic centers in our astral bodies known as grantis (knots), releasing their potential divine energies. 
.

Om bhuur bhuvah suvah

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo naha prachodayaat
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Om = Brahman (the Absolute)

Bhuur = earth plane,

Bhuvah = heavenly plane

Suvaha = spiritual plane
.

Tat = that

Savitur = sun / Gayatri Devi

Varenyam = worshipful

Bhargo = shining

Devasya = divinely

Dhiimahi = we meditate

Dhiyo yo nah = our intellect

Prachodayat = illuminate

"Om has manifested as the earth, heavens and spiritual planes.

That deity of the Sun, who is worshipful, 
who shines with divinity, 
upon Him (Her /It) we meditate. 
May our intelligence be illumined."

1. TA = Ganesha

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Ganesha bija-mantra “ta” awakens tapini-granti, releasing saphalata shakti, the energy that gives success. Ganesha grants the power of attaining good results, removes obstacles, frees the mind from worldly attachments, and drives away negative qualities such as hatred, greed, pride, illusion, jealousy, anger, ego, exhaustion and laziness. This mantra also energizes our toes and stimulates mulladhara-chakra.

 
2. TSA = Nrishimha

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Nrishmima bija-mantra “tsv” awakens saphalata-granti, releasing parakrama shakti, the energy that bestows great valor. Narasimha gives all protection and destroys all enemies, both internal and external. This mantra also energizes our feet.

3. VI = Vishnu

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Vishnu bija-mantra “vi” awakens vishva-granti, releasing palana shakti, the power to protect and rule. This mantra also energizes the area of the ankles

4. TU = Shiva

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Shiva bija-mantra “tu” awakens tushti-granti, releasing kalyana shakti, the power that blesses with auspiciousness and good fortune. It also removes negative planetary effects, protects one from failure, grants every kind of wealth and allows one to witness the Self, 

5. RVA = Krishna

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Krishna bija-mantra “rva” awakens varada-granti, releasing yoga shakti, the power to unite with the Supreme. It also destroys the effects of horrible sins (such as killing a fetus), bestows mental steadiness, and helps one become free from all worldly desires. It also energizes the aria of the knees and the heart chakra.

6. RE = Radha

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Radha bija-mantra “re” awakens revati-granti, releasing divya daivika prema shakti, the energy that floods the heart with divine love. Radha purifies the heart by removing jealously and hearted.

7. NI = Maha-Lakshmi

Tat savitur vareniyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Lakshmi bija-mantra “ni” awakens sukshma-granti, releasing dhana vaibhava shakti, the power that blesses with wealth and grandeur.

8. YAM = Agni (Fire)

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Agni bija-mantra “yam” awakens jnana-granti, releasing tejo shakti, divine radiance, heat and energy. Agni grants the ability to perform great work and destroys the effects of horrible sins (such as killing Lord Brahma himself).

9. BHA = Indra

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Indra bija-mantra “bha” awakens bharga-granti, releasing raksha shakti, the power of protection. Indra protects one from enemies, violence, robbery, ghosts, evil spirits and black magic. 

10. RGO = Saraswati

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Saraswati bija-mantra “rgo” awakens gomati-granti, releasing buddhi shakti, the power that bestows keen intelligence. It also dispels the consequences of sins (such as killing a cow).

11. DE = Durga

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Durga bija-mantra “de” awakens devika-granti, releasing dama shakti, the energy which gives the ability to subdue the mind and grants self-restraint. It helps us overcome obstacles, nullifies the effects of the evil acts of wicked people, bestows boundless power and eradicates the effects of horrible sins (such as killing a woman).

 12. va = Hanuman

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Hanuman bija-mantra “va” awakens varahi-granti, releasing nishtha shakti, the power which blesses one with firm faith and deep devotion. Lord Hanuman blessings bring strength, fearlessness and the ability to observe celibacy.

13. SYA = Prithvi (Earth)

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Earth bija-mantra “sva”, awakens simhini-granti, releasing dharana shakti, the power which gives one-pointed concentration in meditation. It also destroys the most heinous sins of the mind.

14. DHII = Surya (Sun)

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhii mahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Solar bija-mantra “dhi” awakens dhyana-granti, releasing prana chetana shakti, the vital energies of consciousness which bestow good health, long life, inner strength, divine radiance and heat. It destroys the effects of horrible sins.

15. MA = Rama

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Rama bija-mantra “ma” awakens maryada-granti, releasing samyamana shakti, the power which strengthens our self-control, helping us behave honorably. It also destroys the consequences of the most heinous sins of previous births, grants friendliness, patience, steadfastness and extraordinary feelings of love.

16. HI = Sita

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Sita bija-mantra “hi” awakens sphuta-granti, releasing tapo shakti, the energy enhancing our power of austerity and penance.

17. DHI = Chandra (moon)

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chaning the Moon bija-mantra “dhi” awakens medha-granti, releasing dura darshitva shakti, the ability to see distant objects and events. It completely destroys the sins committed by human beings and grants one a luminous mind.

18. YO = Yama

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Yama bija-mantra “yo” awakens yoga-maya-granti, releasing jagriti shakti, the ability to stay awake and alert. It permanently dispels negative planetary influences, and helps us use our time wisely in spiritual pursuits.

19. YO = Brahma

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

Chanting the Brahma bija-mantra “yo” awakens yogini-granti, releasing utpadana shakti, the power of procreation and creativity. It also destroys sins completely.

 
20. NA = Varuna (God of Water)

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayaat

 Chanting the Varuna bija-mantra “na” awakens dharana-granti, releasing namrata shakti, the power which grants humility. It also awakens emotions and creative abilities and increases appreciation of poetry, tenderness, compassion, cheerfulness, sweetness and a love for the fine arts.

21. PRA = Narayana

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo naha pra chodayaat

Chanting the Narayana bija-mantra “pra” awakens prabhava-granti, releasing adarsha shakti, the power which helps one become an ideal example in society. It fills our mind with noble desires and increases our respect for elders and people of knowledge.

22. CHO – Hayagriva

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo naha pra cho dayaat

Chanting the Hayagriva bija-mantra “cho” awakens ushma-granti, releasing sahas shakti, filling one with great courage, valor and steadiness. Hayagriva grants union with Lord Shiva, and knowledge of the Self.

23. DA = Hamsa (Swan)

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo naha praco dayaat

Chanting the Hamsa bija-mantra “da” awakens drishya-granti, releasing vivekata shakti, the ability to discriminate between good and bad, right and wrong, the eternal and the changing.

24. YAAT = Tulasi

Tat savitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

Dhiyo yo naha praco dayaat

Chanting the Tulasi Devi bija-mantra “yat” awakens niranjana-granti, releasing seva-shakti, the desire and power to serve others. It bestows the blessings of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, fills the soul with peace, awakens devotion for the Lord and enables one to remove the sorrow of others.

________________

 

In the Chandogya Upanishad, Brihadaaranyaka Upanishad and the Braha Sutra, is revealed the secret forth line of the Gayatri Mantra:

paro rajase savad om

“He who transcends the effulgence is this ‘OM”

This line is only given to full time seekers or dedicated sannyasins. This line can be recited along with the rest of the mantra or silently contemplated upon in the highest moments of meditation.  According to the Shakta Upanishads, this addition of the fourth line of the Gayatri Mantra spiritually connects it with the most esoteric sixteen syllable Sri Vidya Mantra and the worship of the Sri Yantra.

__________________

The five faces of Gayatri Devi

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1. Om bhuur bhuvah suvah

2. Tat savitur varenyam

3. Bhargo devasya dhiimahi

4. Dhiyo yo naha prachodayaat

5. Paro rajase savad om

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A brahmana, qualified to recite Gayatri, according to the sage Gautama:

.

“He shall always speak the truth. He shall conduct himself as becomes an Aryan. He shall instruct virtuous men only. He shall follow the rules of purification taught in the scriptures. He shall take pleasure in the study of the Vedas. He shall never hurt any being. He shall be gentle, yet firm. He shall ever restrain his senses. He shall be liberal. An aspirant who conducts himself in this manner will liberate his parents, his ancestors and decedents from evil, and never fall from the realm of Brahman.”

To the One Who Longs

"Not through discourse, 

not through the intellect, 

not even through the study of the scriptures can the Self be realized. 

The Self reveals Himself to the one who longs for the Self. 

Those who long for the Self with all their heart are chosen by the Self as His own."

~Mundaka Upanishad 3:2:3

You are a Real Sadhu

Once an old sadhu (holy man) died and went to the abode of death. Yamaraj (the Lord of death)  told him, "You have lived a divine life, so now you please enter heaven." The sadhu said, "I will do as you direct, but I have heard many people talk about hell and have also read about it in the scriptures. It is my desire to visit hell as a tourist just to see what it is like. Will you allow?". Yamaraj said, "You are most welcome to visit hell as a guest before entering heaven." The sadhu entered hell and took a nice tour of main sights. Then returning to Yamaraj, said, "Lord Yama, you have created such a wonderful realm! Hell is so beautiful!" Yamaraj, with much surprise asked, "How can hell be beautiful? Tell me what you saw there." The sadhu said, "I saw beautiful pristine forests, gorgeous palaces, breathtaking temples, fragrant flower gardens, devotees everywhere singing kirtan, gods and goddesses playing divine instruments, sages performing sacrifices, etc. I felt the divine presence everywhere." Yamaraj then said, "Now I understand. You are a real sadhu! Wherever you go, even in the depth of hell itself, you create heaven."    

~Bhajananand Saraswati