Importance of Steadiness and concentration of mind in Sadhana.
A Sadhak should remove all disturbing thoughts from his mind and perform Sadhana with an unperturbed and quiet mind. He should have firm faith, confidence, devotion and reverence. It can hardly be termed Sadhana if the mouth utters the Mantra, the hand works on the rosary but the mind wanders wildly. The magnetic field to attract Gayatri cannot be created so long as the mind remains wavering and restless. The other obstacle in Sadhana is lack of faith. Some people are by nature cynical and lack in depth of feelings. They have no real faith in spiritual pursuits. Words of praise from someone just arouse some casual curiosity in their minds. They think that by merely chanting a few Mantras their most-coveted desires might be fulfilled. Some persons are even seen taking a vow to do prescribed Jap after their desires have been fulfilled. Probably they assume that divine powers might be sitting hungry in the absence of their worship. This tendency of crude bargaining is ridiculous and reveals the shallowness of their faith. However, if persons who are lacking in faith, devotion and reverence and those who have an unsteady mind perform Gayatri Sadhana regularly, they are able to overcome these defects and in course of time, their Sadhana starts progressing smoothly. By and by faith and confidence are built up and they achieve concentration of mind. A person should, therefore, get started in Sadhana, although his mind may be unsteady. A day will come when he will overcome his defects and will receive Divine Mother’s grace. He will then understand that faith, confidence, devotion and reverence have a mighty power with the help of which impossible looking tasks can be accomplished, as was done by Bhagirath. Essential Rules to be observed by Gayatri Sadhaks A person engaged in Gayatri Sadhana is required to observe the following rules :-
1) The body should be cleaned by taking bath before sitting in Sadhana. In the event of any disability, seasonal unfavourableness or illness one can make do by washing hands and face or by taking a sponge bath with a wet cloth.
2) One should wear as few clothes as possible at the time of Sadhana. If there is excessive cold a blanket may be used instead of putting on tight clothes.
3) The Sadhak should find out an open secluded place for Sadhana where the atmosphere is calm and quiet. A field, garden, temple or the bank of a river or lake are best suited for this purpose. But, if such a place is not available, a clean calm and quiet portion of the house can be selected.
4) It is better to put on newly washed clothes while doing Sadhana.
5) The Sadhak should sit in cross-legged, comfortable position so that there may not be difficulty in sitting in that posture for a long time, and the mind is not distracted by a sense of physical discomfort.
6) The back-bone should be kept erect so that the spinal column remains straight and there is no obstruction in the flow of Pran in Sushumna.
7) One should not sit for Sadhana on bare ground. The energy which is generated flows out into the earth if one sits on the ground. A mat prepared of Kusha is best for this purpose. In its absence one can sit on a cotton mat. Woollen and leather carpets are used only for Tantrik Sadhana of Gayatri.
8) Rosary of Tulsi or Sandalwood beads should be used. Rosaries of rudraksh, red-sandal-wood and conch-shells are used only for Tantrik Sadhana of Gayatri.
9) Jap should be started two hours before sunrise. In the evening it should be finished an hour after Sunset. Only Tantrik Sadhanas are performed around midnight. The non-Tantrik Shadhana should not be performed during the night.
10) Special attention should be paid in Sadhana to four matters. Firstly, the mind should not run hither and thither. If it does so, it should be gently persuaded to meditate on the beautiful image of the Mother. Secondly, there should be unflinching faith and belief in the Divine Mother. Persons with wavering faith cannot derive full advantage of Sadhana. Thirdly, the Sadhak should resolutely stick to Sadhana. Lack of enthusiasm, dejection, ill-health, delay in getting benefits immediately and other worldly difficulties act as obstacles in Sadhana. Ignoring them, the Sadhak keeps on advancing on his way. Fourthly, regularity or continuity is an essential rule of Sadhana. Howsoever, busy one may be, and even while placed in adverse circumstances, Mother’s worship should not be interrupted. Irregularity in this respect is harmful. Due compliance of these four rules makes the progress in Sadhana smooth and sure.
11) Jap of one rosary or one hundred and eight Mantras should be performed daily. If more Jap could be done it is so much the better.
12) Before starting Sadhana some experienced righteous person should be made Sadhana-guru. It should be ascertained from the Guru which type of Sadhana is appropriate. A patient is not competent to diagnose and treat his own disease. He has to seek the help of some physician. Similarly, a Sadhana-Guru is needed to suggest appropriate Sadhana to rectify drawbacks and solve difficulties.
13) The Sadhak should sit facing the East (towards the Sun) in the morning and West in the evening.
14) If one feels tired in sitting in one posture there is no harm in changing the posture.
15) On being required to get up in between for answering the call of nature or for any urgent work, Sadhana can be resumed after washing hands, face etc. with pure water. In that event, Jap of one additional rosary should be performed by way of penance for such an interruption.
16) If on any day there is break in Sadhana for some unavoidable reason additional Jap should be performed the next day by way of compensation.
17) Performance of Jap rosary should be stopped during the period of impurity, in the event of any death or birth in the family. Only mental Jap can be done during this period. If such an emergency arises during Anusthan of 1.25 lakh, it should be discontinued during this period and resumed after the expiring of the period of impurity. Additional Jap of one thousand Mantras should be performed for purification in lieu of such an interruption.
18) There is no necessity of taking bath during long journeys or illness. In such an event, mental Jap can be performed during the journey or lying on bed during illness.
19) The food and daily routine of the Sadhak should be righteous (Satwik). In food, the Sadhak should eat Satoguni, simple easily digestible food prepared by some pious person. Chillies, excessive spices and pungent articles, fried dishes, sweets, stale food-stuffs kept overnight, meat, intoxicants, food prepared from money earned through foul means, and food offered disdainfully should be avoided, as far as possible.
20) It is always desirable to observe Brahmacharya, but it is specifically essential to observe it during Gayatri Anusthan.
21) It is also desirable to follow some specific disciplines during Anusthans.
(1) The Sadhak should avoid getting hair of his head cut although he can shave himself.
(2) He should sleep on a hard, wooden bed or on the ground and not on a cot.
(3) Foot-wear of leather should be avoided.
(4) Food, if possible, should be taken only once a day. Fruits or milk can be taken in the evening.
(5) The Sadhak should do his own service himself. He should not, as far as possible, allow his body and clothes to be touched by others.
22) Sumeru (the central big bead) of the rosary should not be crossed while doing Jap. After completion of the rosary every time, the Sumeru should be touched on the eyes and forehead and after reversing it, Jap should be resumed till the Sumeru is reached again. Materials of worship should be placed at such a place that they are not touched by others.
23) There should be no slackness in maintaining cleanliness of the place and articles of worship. Cleanliness of body and clothes is also essential. Jap is more useful if it is done in a fixed number at a fixed time and place. There is no harm in doing Sadhana anywhere at whatever time with unsteady mind, but such symbolic worship is not as beneficial as one which is done with utmost sincerity and with observance of above mentioned guidelines.Gayatri Sadhana is never harmful. There are specific rules and procedures for Mantra Sadhana in general by which Anusthans, Puruscharans are performed. Ordinarily, any Anusthan performed in violation of the prescribed procedure may result in harm instead of doing good. There are innumerable instances wherein the Sadhak had to suffer on account of certain omissions in the Sadhana. People have sometimes become insane. There are also instances narrated in the scriptures and history about people suffering from illness, death or loss of property due to such aberrations. As the story goes, Vrattra and Indra had to suffer great calamity on account of wrong pronunciation of Ved-Mantras. It is but appropriate that like other Ved-Mantra, Gayatri Mantra should also be pronounced correctly in a rhythm and its Sadhana should be performed in the prescribed manner, so that it may bestow the desired results. Yet, there is one speciality in Vedmata Gayatri that an aberration in Gayatri Sadhana done through ignorance does not cause harm. Just as a compassionate, generous, wise mother always thinks of her child’s welfare, so also, Gayatri always promotes the wellbeing of the Sadhak. Children often commit mistakes and behave disrespectfully and rudely towards their mother. Even then, the mother does not entertain any malice nor does she harm them. When worldly mothers are so kind and forgiving, far more so is Vedmata-Gayatri who is Mother of all the Universe and is divine Ganga of righteousness. She is moved by faith and devotion of her devotees. Sadhak’s aberrations in performance of rituals of Sadhana due to ignorance are washed away in the divine stream of Mother’s love and affection. Lord Krishna has assured in the Gita that no good action ever reacts adversely. A work done, bona-fide, with good intention is bound to have good results. Righteous action, howsoever small it may be, safeguards a person against perils, fears and apprehensions. Once Gayatri Sadhana has been started, the mind is slowly and steadily attracted towards it and if, for some reason, it is given up by the Sadhak, a keen desire to resume Sadhana again repeatedly surges up in his mind. After tasting some delicious dish once, a person desires to savour it again and again. In the same way, spiritual food is as sweet as nectar and is so tasteful that the soul insists in, craves for and cries repeatedly to get it. It never results in any distress, calamity or hardship. It may be that due to certain omissions or mistakes one may not get the expected benefits but there is not the least doubt that even little of Sadhana does not go in vain. No Discrimination in Gayatri Sadhana.
God has created all human beings. How can there be any discrimination on grounds of caste, creed, colour or sex? All have equal claim on the objects created by God. The sun, moon, air, water etc. are all being liberally used by every one. No one has the right to cause obstruction or put any restrictions in the free flow of these divine gifts. Gayatri Mantra manifested through Brahma in the beginning of the creation. Brahma interpreted it by four mouths in the form of four Vedas. This knowledge is for the benefit of all mankind. Persons of all castes, creeds, and of both sexes have equal right to adopt Gayatri Mantra as means of their Sadhana. Unfortunately, in the dark feudalistic era of middle ages, discrimination on the grounds of high and low, master and slave, came in vogue. This discrimination created a gulf of high and low castes and mankind was divided into several hierarchical divisions. Pronouncing women and Shoodras as undeserving, so that they may consider themselves to be inferior, several such practices were initiated in which male members of Savarnas (high caste people) enjoyed all the rights, while women, Shoodras and slaves were depriVed of all of them. Thus, was it proclaimed by feudal lords and priests that women and Shoodras have no right to chant Gayatri Mantra. Pandits interpolated some fake couplets here and there in some scriptural texts, so that people may believe that discrimination on the grounds of caste, creed and sex was an ancient tradition duly approved by the Shastras. The present is, however, an era of enlightenment, of fundamental human rights of equality for all. Women and the so-called Shoodras are integral part and parcel of mankind. They have been guaranteed equal rights in the constitution. This is equally applicable in respect of Gayatri Mantra. It uniformly belongs to all the human race. Persons belonging to any country, caste, religion or sex can, gladly, adopt Gayatri Mantra for Sadhana and derive benefit from it. It must not be confined to Brahmans or Dwijas alone.
Human brain is an extremely wonderful cosmic computer. The activity, movement and potentiality of each of its cells leaves even the greatest of scientists awe-struck. Great energy is generated in the direction in which these cells are applied. All the physical energy of a person is diverted in the direction of his desires, aspirations and cravings.
Emotions first arise in human mind. When the mind concentrates on such emotions a magnetic field is created which attracts the desired elements from the atmosphere. This is the science of meditation. On this basis (AdiShakti) the power of the primordial energy pervading the interior of the nature can be attracted by the Sadhak towards him and retained by him within himself.
Gayatri should be meditated upon daily at the time of Jap or at any convenient time. The Sadhak should sit for meditation in a secluded place having calm and quiet atmosphere. Mind should be steady and the body relaxed. While meditating during Jap one should sit in cross-legged position, keeping the backbone straight. When not meditating with Jap one can sit on an easy-chair or take the support of a large round pillow, wall or a tree. Body should be relaxed, as if it is life-less. Eyes should be closed, both the hands should be rested in the lap and it should be visualized that nothing but a vast blue space exists everywhere. At the time of Pralaya (universal annihilation) nothing survives except the blue sky or space. A mental picture of such a stage of universal annihilation should be drawn in imagination and when it is fully established, a small round mass of light should be visualized in distant space by inner vision. Thus Gayatri should be meditated in the form of a small brilliant star, as bright as the sun. With development of concentration in meditation this round mass of light comes more and more closer and becomes bigger and brighter.
On minute observation, black spots are visible in the middle portion of the Sun or Moon. In the same way in the round mass of light of Gayatri a faint image of Gayatri should be visualized in the beginning. Slowly and gradually this image appears to be clearer - smiling, speaking, sensitive and lively to the Sadhak. Before starting meditation the picture of Gayatri Mata should be examined minutely, lovingly and repeatedly along with its each and every part and it should be firmly established in the mind in such a way that the Sadhak may be able to formulate a mental glimpse of that image within the round mass of light. In due course of time a beautiful and enchanting image of Gayatri Mata surrounded by a round mass of brilliant light will be visible to the Sadhak.
Just as a person sitting in the sun feels warmth, similarly the proximity of Gayatri in the form of a mass of light suffuses the Sadhak’s mind , his inner-self and his entire body with divine light. Just as iron, when put in the fire, becomes red-hot, so also, when the Sadhak retains the brilliance of Gayatri within himself during meditation, he becomes one with the Almighty Goddess, becomes a rishi, radiant with Brahmateja. He feels as if his whole body has become red hot like pure gold and a celestial, divine, sun-like light shines through him. The impurities, sins etc. of the Sadhak’s soul are burnt out in this light . He feels himself god-like, pure, fearless, pious and detached.
In this meditation, lights of different colours are seen. Sometimes small and big stars of different colours are seen appearing and disappearing in this light. They are seen moving from one direction to other, sometimes traversing back in opposite directions. Sometimes, they are seen moving round in a circle and also shooting fast like an arrow. These are all good omens of progress in meditation. With the growth of the energy of Gayatri within the soul, several potentialities and qualities start developing which are reflected in the form of small masses of light of different colours.
When this Sadhana becomes more mature and profound, the brilliance of Gayatri stabilizes in the middle of the brain or heart. This is the stage of attaining Siddhi. When the Sadhak attracts that brilliance from the outer space and settles it within himself, a stage is reached where his body and Gayatri’s life force combine at one point. Just as a person, under the influence of an evil spirit, acts according to the will of the latter, so also after establishing Gayatri within himself, the thoughts, actions, behaviour, feelings, tastes, desires, aspirations of the Sadhak are oriented towards selflessness and universal good. Progressively, animality decreases and divinity increases.
This is the ideal form of meditation of Gayatri. When the Sadhak meditates on Gayatri in the form of a mass of light, he should feel that along with its rays, wisdom, virtuousness and divine energy are being infused in him. When the Sadhak comes out of such a meditation he feels that the proportion of wisdom, purity and refinement has increased within his mind and body. The Sadhak in due course, becomes a store of divine light (Brahmateja). This divine light is like a bank draft which can be instantly got encashed at any bank of Shreya or preya and divine or material riches, as the case may be, obtained in lieu thereof.
Inexhaustible Source of Spiritual Energy
The scriptures prescribe that Gayatri should be worshipped thrice daily during Trikal Sandhaya in the morning, at noon and in the evening. It is all the more beneficial if Jap, worship, meditation and contemplation of Gayatri is done even more intensively. But for specific purposes, when more energy is required to be generated, specific performance which is known as Anusthan is done. When long journey is proposed to be undertaken, special food and adequate money are kept for being used in transit. Anusthan, similarly is like journey expenses. When this energy capital is accumulated, Sadhak’s journey through life, whether in mundane or spiritual pursuit, becomes easier and smoot
When a tiger pounces upon a deer or a cat attacks a mouse or a heron attacks a fish, they pause for a moment, stop breathing, move back a little, and sharpen all their inner faculties and then charge suddenly on their prey. An athlete in high or long jump, stops for a moment, moves back a little and then leaps up or forward. A wrestler also takes a counter-move and suddenly changes his strategy. A marksman has also to do the same thing before shooting. In Anusthan, same thing has to be done on spiritual level. If any calamity has to be averted or some success achieved it is done by performance of Anusthan.
The baby cries ‘ma-ma’ and loving conversation between him and his mother goes on throughout the day, But when due to some emergency the child cries loudly and bitterly his mother abandons all work, rushes and attends to the child. Anushtan is such an emergency call of Sadhak which has specific force and magnetism in it. The Sadhak, thereby, attracts within him, the extraordinary energy of Gayatri. When human endeavour fails, there is no way out to avert a crisis. Darkness prevails all-around, the future appears grimly dark, circumstances become menacingly adverse. In such a plight, it is but natural to become nervous. The intellect of such a worried and dejected person does not work properly. A pigeon caught in a net is entrapped more and more when it flutters to get out of it. On such occasions, the name of God is the only strength. Draupadi, Narsi, Prahlad etc. had to call upon Divine help in a state of utter helplessness. When human efforts fail, the entire situation is changed by divine intervention. The intense dark night of calamity suddenly disappears with the out-break of Light and a person is able to see the right path. Anusthan erupts in the heart in the form of light which enlightens the path.
Extra-ordinary relief is obtained by Gayatri Anusthan in worldly difficulties, mental disturbance and internal restlessness. No doubt, Gayatri does not literally give the Sadhak a golden treasure. But it is also true that by its influence fundamental positive changes take place in human attitude and mentality which make it possible to find appropriate solutions to difficulties. Appropriate intelligence, wisdom and far-sightedness are intuitively revealed to the Sadhak to enable him to surmount the special difficulties and challenges faced by him. Some irrelevant way ward thoughts, desires and cravings overpower a person having a confused mind on account of which he remains unhappy for no reason. Gayatri Sadhana cleanses the mind in such a way that things which formerly appeared to be crucially important appear to be insubstantial and trivial. Such internal changes take place by Anushtan on account of which an unhappy, worried and harassed person suddenly finds himself uplifted into a state of peace, harmony and joy.
Jap of 1,25,000 Mantras is known as Anusthan. There are certain conditions for a thing to attain maturity. Pulse, vegetables, bricks, glass etc. require to be heated upto a particular temperature. Fruits take their own time to ripen. Eggs need specific time for hatching. A baby takes its due time in mother’s womb before birth. Premature action in all such matters results in complications and failure. In Anusthan, performance of Jap of 1,25,000 Mantras in the prescribed period culminates in desired fulfilment.
Women have the same right as men in respect of worship of Vedmata Gayatri. To convert inertia into momentum two objects of opposite qualities which attract each other are required. Electricity is generated by attraction and repulsion of negative and positive currents. Electrons and protons of an atom get activated on account of their mutual give and take. This conscious creation has been divided into male and female forms to make the eternal animate creation alive, otherwise this universe would have remained enveloped in inconscience. Union of rayi and Pran energies results in chaitanya. If there is no union of male and female elements, consciousness, pleasure, pulsation, speed, activity, growth etc. will all disappear and inconscience will reign supreme in the Universe.
Male and female elements supplement each other. One is incomplete without the other. The importance, utility, position and rights of each are the same. Those who say that women have no right to chant Gayatri Mantra, which is a Ved-Mantra, are completely mistaken. Of course, uneducated, unwise and impious women are like Shudra; and due to their own mental state they become depriVed of the right of Gayatri worship.
Women have equal right with men to perform all Sadhanas relating to Gayatri described in this book. It has, however, been observed that housewives who are ever much busy in house-hold chores, who have small children to look after and are unable to maintain cleanliness cannot find time to take up difficult Sadhanas. They have to be provided with a technique of Sadhana which is easy and does not take much time. Those who cannot remember full Gayatri Mantra can make do with chanting the brief Panchakshari Mantra (Om bhoor bhuvaha swaha). During the period of menses they should suspend regular Sadhana. The performance of Anusthan, if it is being done, should also be suspended during this period. It can be resumed on the expiry of this period, after taking bath.
Issue-less women or those whose children have grown up, unmarried women or widows, can conveniently perform Gayatri Sadhana like men. In routine Sadhana it is not necessary to observe specific rules and restrictions and there is no bar to discharging normal marital functions. But during specific Sadhana or Anusthan, the rule of observing Brahmacharya is to be strictly followed.
Sadhana for Concentration of Mind and Self-realization
Gayatri Sadhana can be used as an unfailing discipline by widows for exercising self-restraint, controlling sensuousness and for promoting righteousness and wisdom. Feelings of mental peace, steadiness, wisdom and self-restraint start growing from the very day. this Sadhana is started. Mind is brought under control and wayward thoughts are reigned in and silenced by righteousness. Desires, tastes, actions, sentiments, become pure, pious and righteous (Satoguni). Interest develops in self-realization, devout austerity, penance and love of God. Slowly and steadily the Sadhika is transformed into a Sadhwi, Tapasvini, Brahmavadini. She sees divinity in the form of Gayatri and attains deep inner peace in comparison to which the life of a mere house-wife appears to her to be purposeless.
Before sitting in Sadhana, women should take bath in the early morning by warm or cool water according to season. Water which is very hot or very cold is harmful for women. A pot of water should be kept close by. Rosary or mala of Tulsi and Kushasan are best suited. Gayatri should be meditated upon in the form of a middle-aged lady with a smiling face, wearing white clothes sitting on a bull, having four hands containing mala, kamandal, book and lotus flower. This meditation is extremely useful for controlling mind and developing righteousness. Mind should be applied repeatedly on this meditation. In Jap there should be some sound from the throat, lips should be so moved that even a person sitting close-by is not able to hear what is being uttered. Jap can be performed both in the morning as well as in the evening. More Jap can also be performed according to convenience. It is all the more beneficial if life of devout austerity and penance could be lived.
Sadhana by Unmarried Girls for a Happy Married life.
Unmarried girls can worship Bhagwati for getting peace and happiness in married life. Parvati performed Tap according to Narad’s directions for getting the husband of her choice and ultimately her aspiration was fulfilled. Sita worshipped Gouri to get the husband of her choice. Gayatri Sadhana is beneficial in all respects if it is done by unmarried girls in Nav-Durga.
The picture or image of Gayatri should be kept on a small carpet or altar and Chandan, incense, lighted lamp, rice, grains, flowers and sweets, water etc. should be offered. The lighted lamp or camphor should be moved circularly round the idol or picture of Gayatri Mata. Chandan can be applied on the fore-head of the idol but not on the picture otherwise it maybe spoiled. Eyes should be closed during the meditation. Mental Jap of Gayatri Mantra at least twenty-four times should be performed. The picture or image of Gayatri can, if necessary, be obtained from Shantikunj, Hardwar. Gayatri Sadhana is most useful for unmarried girls. It helps them in getting good life-mates and good fortune.
Beneficial Sadhana for Married Women
Married women should worship Gayatri Mata for happiness, prosperity, health and longitivity of their husbands. The spoiled nature, thoughts and behaviour of their husbands get purified and suffused with righteous wisdom with which they are able to discharge their house-hold obligations with enthusiasm and commitment. A woman who performs this Sadhana is loVed and respected by all due to her sweet nature, cooperative and service-oriented attitude cultivated as a result of Sadhana. House-wives should perform Gayatri-Sadhana to set right their own and their family member’s deteriorating health, to remove financial stringency, poverty, family disputes, misunderstandings mutual conflicts etc. Family members on her paternal side as well as those belonging to her husband’s family, both are benefited by her Gayatri Sadhana. However, it is particularly beneficial for family members of the husband of such Sadhikas.
Sadhana should be performed in the morning before noon. Food should not be taken till Sadhana is completed. Water can be taken. The Sadhika should sit with clean body, mind and clothes facing East. Sandal-wood paste mixed with saffron should be applied on the forehead, heart and throat. Image or picture of Gayatri should be installed and it should be worshipped according to the prescribed procedure. Yellow coloured flowers, rice, sandal-wood paste mixed with saffron, ladoos of gram-flour should be used for worship and prasad. In Arti, cow’s ghrit of yellow colour and if it is not available any ghrit mixed with saffron, should be used. Sandalwood powder should be used as incense. In short, preference should be given to maximum use of yellow colour in worship. She should meditate with closed eyes upon Goddess Gayatri wearing yellow-coloured clothes, sitting on yellow tiger under yellow coloured sky. At least one of the clothes, if not all, worn by women at the time of worship should be of yellow colour. Meditating in the aforesaid manner, Jap of at least twenty-four Mantras should be performed. Mind should be applied to Bhagwati Gayatri whenever there is an opportunity to do so. Fast should be observed on every Poornmasi (full moon day), In daily food one article of yellow colour should always be taken. It is good to occasionally apply paste of turmeric powder on the body. This yellow coloured Sadhana is beneficial for making marital life happy.
Sadhana for Progeny
Women whose children always remain sick or die prematurely, who get only male or female issues, who are infertile, or whose issues are pro-crastinators, lazy, dull, wicked, disobedient etc. may get rid of their anxiety by ardently praying to Vedmata Gayatri. There are several instances within my knowledge in which childless women had begged the favour of getting a child from Vedmata Gayatri and they have been duly blessed by Bhagwati. Nothing is impossible for Gayatri Mata to grant. There can, therefore, be no impediment for a barren woman being blessed with an issue.
If a pregnant woman meditates upon effulgent Light in their womb before sunrise and sunset and perform mental Jap of Gayatri, the child to be born will be brilliant, wise, long-living and renowned.
A woman who has no issue should sit in Sadhana with a wet cloth around her waist and should meditate as if the light of Gayatri, like the rays of the Sun is entering into her womb, through her vagina. Eyes should be closed. This Sadhana helps in conception. Kunti had performed this Sadhana and had been able to conceive and give birth to Karna. This Sadhana should not be done by unmarried girls. Soon after finishing Sadhana water should be offered in libation to the Sun and a handful of remaining water should be drunk. By doing this Sadhana a barren woman can conceive and those who get abortions or whose children die immediately after birth are able to give birth to normal children.
Mothers having sick, lazy, mischievous or irritable babies should take such babies in their lap and meditate upon Gayatri siting on a swan decorated with pink lotus flowers carrying a conch and a disc in her hands and perform mental Jap. This Jap has life-transforming effects on the mind and body of the child. If the baby is still suckling, the mother may feed him at the time of this Sadhana. Otherwise, she may touch the head and other parts of the body of the child. Keeping fast on Thursday is useful for the welfare of such children. After finishing Sadhana water should be offered in libation to the Sun and remaining water should be sprinkled on the child.
Sadhana for a specific purpose
For avoidance of any calamity befalling any member of the family or for removing any obstacle or difficulty coming in the way of some urgent work, nothing is so effective as divine help through the medium of Gayatri Sadhana. When fulfillment of any wish is hindered, Vedmata Gayatri should be remembered and invoked. Just as a mother rushes to help her child on hearing his cries, the worshipper of Gayatri actually experiences boundless compassion and love of the Divine Mother.
Small Anusthan of nine days and full Anusthan of forty days duration’s should be performed to fulfil immediate needs. If a woman cannot perform it herself it should be got done by someone well-versed in Gayatri Sadhana. Observance of devout austerity and penance, as already described, helps in pleasing Bhagwati. Gayatri Upasana of one year’s duration fulfils all righteous desires. Gayatri Anusthans are as important for women as for men.
In daily Sadhana, recital of Gayatri Chalisa is most useful for women. Women who put on Kanthi around their necks instead of Yagyopaveet, attain dwijatva and become entitled to worship Gayatri.
The masters of Mantra-Vidya know that words are uttered by different parts of the mouth such as, throat (larynx), tongue, teeth, lips and the root of the tongue. During speech, the nerve-fibres of the particular parts of the mouth from which sound emits stretch upto different parts of the body and put pressure on the corresponding glands. If particular glands of the person concerned are diseased or dysfunctional he starts stammering while uttering the specific words. There are many large and small, visible and invisible glands in the body. Yogis know that some specific energies lie hidden in these glands, Shat-Chakras (six energy centre) related to the Sushumana are quite well-known but there are several other such glands in the body. The utterance of different words has its impact on different glands and by such impact the energy of these glands gets stimulated. Mantras have been composed on this basis. There are twenty-four letters in Gayatri-Mantra which are related to twenty-four such glands located in the body which, on getting stimulated, activate and awaken the powers of righteous wisdom. By uttering Gayatri Mantra the sitar of the subtle (Sookshma) body of the Sadhak starts playing, tinkling at twenty-four points, creating sound waves which impact important elements of the invisible world. It is this impact which becomes more and more pronounced and tangible through Gayatri Sadhana.
The flow of sound of these twenty-four letters of the Maha Mantra is of deep significance. The experts of the science of sound know the powers hidden in sound and the results which can be achieved by its subtle vibrations. Sound is synonymous with Brahma. It is Brahma from whom the original first creative vibration issues forth resulting in seven-time chanting of OM. Just as the pendulum of a clock keeps on moving by swinging to and fro, in the same way the sound waves of Om create vibrations which regulate this creation. Later, three main waves of Sat, Raj and Tam relating to Hreem, Shreem and Kleem elements respectively flow in this current. It is further divided into branches and sub-branches which are known as Beej-Mantras. The letters, words and clauses of Gayatri Mantra have been seen by a seer vision and emanate from the unified field of creative energy, arranged in a specific and special sequence and inter-relationship. Chanted with sincere devotion, they plug the sadhak’s soul into the supreme and inexhaustible fount of spiritual energy.
Singing of Deepak-rag lights up extinguished lamps. It starts raining when megh-malhar tune is sung. The melody created by playing flute makes the snakes wave their hoods in synchronicity, deer gets swooned and cows start yielding more milk. The warbling of cuckoo incites passion. Even strong iron bridges may collapse by the sound created by the in-step, coordinated and rhythmic marching of a troop soldiers. The army is, therefore, forbidden to march rhythmically, in-step, while crossing a bridge. Dr. Hutchinson of America has achieved success and fame in curing several patients suffering from incurable and painful diseases by different musical sounds. In India, Tantriks keep a Thali (large metallic plate) on a pot and play it in a special rhythm and are capable of curing persons bitten by poisonous snakes, scorpions etc. and those suffering from thyroid goitre, Vishvel (poisonous creeper), ghosts, mania etc. The vibrations of a specific sound spread in the ether and attract atoms of similar type and return to their origin within few moments, duly charged with appropriate energy which exercises curative impact in the appropriate area. This is how Mantras accomplish miraculous effects. The chanting of Gayatri Mantra activates the network of nerves in the mouth and stimulates specific glands. No sooner do they get stimulated, a Vedic symphony is created which spreads in the ether, takes a round of the entire universe, coming back to the source with its energy augmented manifold, capable of fulfilling the desired purpose.
Gayatri Sadhana, thus, becomes a spiritual as well as a material boon for the Sadhak.
The factor which makes Gayatri Mantra extremely potent is the sadhak’s confidence coupled with faith. Psychologists are well acquainted with the power of self confidence. Instances have been cited in several of my books and articles to prove that only on account of imaginary fear people met untimely death and persons who were almost dead got new life on account of faith and confidence. Tulsidas has in his Ramayan compared faith and confidence to Bhawani and Shankar and stated, “Bhawani Shankaro vande shraddha vishvas rupino.” It is faith which has the power to turn a bush into a ghost, a rope into a snake and an idol into God. There are people who happily sacrifice money, comfort and even life for defending one’s faith and conviction. Eklavya, Kabeer etc. are examples of persons who acquired Knowledge not directly from their masters, Gurus, but by dint of their unflinching faith in them. The basis of hypnotism is to get the desired work done by the subject just by infusing faith in him in the words of the physician. The Mantra of the Tantrik works miraculously on the patient only if he has deep faith in it. A Sadhak devoid of faith may utter that Tantrik Mantra hundreds of times but it will not have any effect. This fact applies to Gayatri Mantra also. When the Sadhak takes up Sadhana with faith and confidence Gayatri Mantra becomes much more effective and proves to be extra-ordinarily powerful due to the combined effect of faith and the Mantra’s own instrinsic spiritual energy.
It is shown in the sketch , which particular letter of Gayatri is related to which part of the body. The details are given in the following chart :-
Letter (Gland) Granthi Involved Energy
1. tat Tapini success
2. sa Saphalta bravery (Parakram)
3. vi Vishwa maintenance (Palan)
4. tur Tushti wellbeing (Kalyan)
5. va varda Yog
6. re revati love (prem)
7. ni Sookshma money
8. yam gyana brilliance(tej)
9. bhar bharga defence (raksha)
10. go gomati intellect (buddhi)
11. de devika suppression (daman)
12. va varahi devotion (nistha)
13. sya sinhani dharna (power of retention)
14. dhee dhyan Pran (life-breath)
15. ma maryada self-restraint (sanyam)
16. hi sfuta tap
17. dhi medha far-sightedness
18. yo yogmaya jagriti (awakening)
19. yo yogini production
20. naha dharini sarasta (sweetness)
21. pra prabhava ideal
22. cho ooshma courage
23. da drashya wisdom (vivek)
24. yat niranjan sewa (service)
Gayatri activates the above-mentioned twenty-four divine qualities in the devotee. With their growth, varied accomplishments (Siddhis) and prosperity start manifesting in the life of the devotees. Most of the people think that some god or goddess is bestowing these gifts because they are unable to see and understand the working of these subtle divine energies and the transformations flowing therefrom. Once they understand that transformations are taking place as a result of their own Sadhana they would realise that it is not by way of some unexpected gift from somewhere but is the result of a well organized scientific process of spiritual growth. Gayatri Sadhana is not based on blind faith but has a solid scientific basis.
There are several organs (energy centres) in the human body. These extra-ordinary organs are vulnerable and delicate, as they are vital centres of dormant spiritual energies. If they are awakened, a person can be transformed. He can be flooded with such marvellous divine energies that people will stand amazed before his presence.
Spine is the foundation and the spinal cord encased within it is the main vital part of the body. Spine consists of thirty-three small disc-like bones known as vertebrae which contains divine energies. The spinal cord represents thirty-three deities, because the powers which are centred in them are found within these thirty-three vertebrae. The powers of eight Vasus, twelve Adityas, eleven Rudras, Indra and Prajapati are found in seed form in the spinal-cord, which is enclosed in the spine.
According to physiology, there are several channels in this hollow spinal-cord, three of which, namely, Ida, Pingla and Sushumna, are the main ones. They cannot be seen by the naked eye because they have no physical form and are related to the subtle world. In fact, this is like invisible flow of electric current. Electricity is produced when positive and negative currents meet. Ida is called negative or Chandra Nadi and Pingla is called positive or Surya Nadi. Broadly speaking, they can be called cold and hot currents. When both these currents meet, a third current, known as Sushumna is produced. Ganga and Yamuna meet in Prayag. By this conjunction a third invisible (subtle) current, which is known as Saraswati, is formed. The confluence of these three rivers is known as Triveni. In the spinal cord also, the meeting of Ida and Pingla creates the third current Sushumna and this is known as Triveni in spiritual terms. This Triveni is connected to the top centre of the brain, known as Brahmarandhra or Sahasra Kamal, at one end , and to the base of the spine in the middle of the genital area at the other end.
Three subtle currents, which are known as Vajra, Chittrani and Brahamnadi flow in Sushumna. Just as by cutting the stem of a plantain tree one finds layers of bark one after the other, so also there is Vajra inside Sushumna Chitrani inside Vajra and Brahamnadi inside Chitrani. This Brahamnadi is the vital point and centre of divine energy and there are layers, one after the other, over it meant for its protection.
When this Brahamnadi reaches the top of the head in brahmarandhra it spreads all-around in thousands of branches. This portion is known as sahasradal Kamal (Lotus flower having a thousand petals). In ornamental language it has been described as Vishnu’s bed of Sheshnag (thousand-headed cobra). In the statues and pictures of incarnations like Buddha, a special cluster of curly hair can be noticed on their head. This is nothing but an artistic picturisation of Sahasradal Kamal which is connected to subtle energies pervading the universe. Sound waves are thrown and picked up from the space by the filaments of radio transmitters. Sahasrar Kamal is just like an aerial / antennae of brain. It picks up infinite energy waves of the Omniscient God from the invisible subtle cosmos. When a hungry python awakens, it takes a deep breath and by its terrific power attracts into its grip, birds flying in the sky and swallows them. Similarly, sheshnag, with its thousands-hooded head, which is also known as Sahasrar Kamal, attracts divine powers from the infinite space. Just as hissing of an angry python makes the surrounding atmosphere poisonous to a certain extent, a person with an enlightened Sahasrar Kamal (brain) emits strong waves of emotions which can influence living beings not only in this but also in other worlds. American broadcasts relayed by a powerful transmeter can be heard in India. The flow of emotional currents from a powerful Sahasrar can move the subtle layers of this world as well as other realms.
Coming now to the lower end, Brahamnadi which is subtle-most in Sushumna, coils around a hexagonal blackish atom at the end of the spinal cord. To fasten a thatched roof, holes are made in the wall and the roof is tied with pegs by rope. In the same way by fastening Brahamnadi with the hexagonal blackish atom, arrangement has been made to fasten the human body with the vital energy of Pran. In ornamental language this hexagonal atom has been described as koorma because it resembles a tortoise. According to koorma-puran, this earth rests on God in the form of Koorma. According to another story, the earth rests on the hood of Sheshnag. The basis of this story is that shape of Brahamnadi coiled around the koorma, sustaining life. If Brahamnadi abandons its base, human life will come to an end, instantly.
The location of interlocking of Brahamnadi with koorma is known, in spiritual language as Kundalini. It coils three and half times around the koorma with its mouth downwards. It is for this reason that in marriage ceremony the couple takes three and half or four rounds, with their head bowed down, because the sound foundation of building future life of the couple is as important as the meeting of Brahamnadi with koorma of Kundalini is essential in uniting the body with the Pran.
It almost amounts to groping in darkness to understand perfectly the importance, power and utility of Kundalini. Atom has become a great puzzle these days for the research scholars of physics. The world has seen the miracle of the process of breaking it in the form of devastating atom bomb. Several of its other catastrophic and constructive aspects are yet to be discovered. According to sir Arthur, “nothing will remain impossible for man if he happens to have full knowledge about the atomic power and its use. He will be able to turn the Sun into pieces and transform it into dust particles and will be able to create objects or living beings in an arbitrary manner. He will have such mechanical devices with him, with the help of which this earth will become a global village. Any person will be able to go anywhere within a moment and will take from or give anything to anybody. He will be able to talk with persons living in distant countries as if two friends are sitting and gossiping together.” When the power of an atom of inert matter is so great and so amazing it is difficult to imagine how far more powerful a spark of Pran (vital energy)is?
There are descriptions and evidence about Yogis possessing amazing powers. Several tales are told about almost unbelievable divine powers (Siddhis) of Yogis. But there is no question of any disbelief and astonishment for persons who are familiar with the power of an inert atom as well of sparks of Pran (vital energy). Just as scientists of every country today are busy in doing research on physical atom, the spiritual scientists, rishis who had realized the truth, had conducted deep research in ancient times on living atoms in human body in seed form. Kundalini centre is the most suitable location for breaking and uniting two living atoms and for transforming them, because living (Chaitanya) atoms at all other places in the body are round and smooth, whereas in Kundalini this pair clings together. In uranium and plutonium the interlocking of atoms is in an oblique, irregular manner so that their breaking-up is easy as compared to the atoms of other metals. In the same manner it is easier to regulate the movement of living atoms located in Kundalini, according to one’s desire. Research about Kundalini was, done with the same precision in ancient times as scientists are doing these days in respect of material atoms. As a result of these researches Rishis had discovered several secret laws of super-nature which are known today as miracles of Yoga.
Madame Blavatsky had undertaken considerable research in respect of the power of Kundalini. According to her, “Kundalini is an all-pervading subtle electric power, more powerful than physical electricity. Its movement is oblique like that of a serpent and so its shape is said to be like a serpent. The speed of light is one Lac eighty-five thousand miles per second but that of Kundalini is three Lac forty-five miles per second.” Western scientists call it as “spirit-fire” or “serpental-power”. Sir John Woodroff has done a detailed analysis in this respect.
Kundalini can be called a deeply buried trove of secret energies. For keeping valuable jewellery a safe is kept hidden in an unknown place and it is locked by several locks so that the wealth kept in it may not be touched by any unauthorized persons. The keys of these locks are entrusted to competent persons who alone can, in case of necessity open them and have access to its contents.
The locks which are put on Kundalini are known as six Chakras. Human soul reaches the Kundalini after penetrating through these Chakras. Then alone can it master the hidden energy and derive benefit from it. Ordinarily, Kundalini of all the people remains dormant in a helter-skelter manner. But when it is awakened it leaves its place and seeks an entry into that lok (realm) which is the store house of spiritual powers. There are several huge treasures hidden under the ground since times immemorial. A serpent sits in a serpentine pose on the mouth of these treasures and guards them. Dev-lok also is a similar treasure on the mouth of which there is a hexagonal stone (Koorma-shila) around which this dreadly serpent, Kundalini is coiling. This Sarpini sits waiting for a deserving person to uncoil it. As soon as such a person reaches close to it, instead of harming or obstructing him, it gives way to him and its function ends here.
While throwing light on the advantages of awakening Kundalini an experienced Sadhak has written that, “by the grace of Bhagwati Kundalini the Sadhak becomes endowed with all the virtues. He attains all the skills and divine powers (Siddhis) without making any effort. Such a person remains perfectly healthy and strong even when he is one hundred years old. He devotes his life in the service of the Almighty God and ultimately leaves his body voluntarily according to the will of God, while doing service to humanity. A person possessing the power of Kundalini is completely fearless and lives happily. Bhagwati showers full grace on him and he always feels Her patronage and protection. Mother’s voice, “don’t be afraid, I am standing behind you”, always echoes in his ears. There is no doubt that by the influence of Kundalini, a person’s vision becomes divine and he becomes all-powerful and happy.
Sahastradal lying scattered in the brain (brahmarandhra), also normally remains dormant like Kundalini. Despite having such priceless equipments and treasures, man ordinarily remains poor, weak, mean and insignificant and leads a life like an insect by becoming slave of sensuousness and lustfulness. But when he gets acquainted with these equipment and treasures, knows how to use them wisely and exercises control over them, he inherits all the competence and powers of Almighty God. Yoga-Shastras are full of interesting and detailed discussions about the advantages of awakening Kundalini. Everything in the world can be attained by awakening the power of Kundalini. Nothing remains unattainable for a person so awakened.
Gayatri Sadhana As Eulogised In The Ancient Scriptures
God does not discriminate between a son and a daughter. Only persons of crude mentality do so. Women should refuse to listen to the biased views of any person who says that women have no right to do Gayatri Sadhana. They can worship it and also perform Yagya. Keeping in view the fact that they remain busy throughout the day, a brief routine of Gayatri Sadhana, including Yagya, convenient to all women is being presented here.
Most of the housewives are extremely busy in the morning in cleaning work, preparing breakfast and doing other daily household chores. In the morning the children go to school and male members have to go out for work and everybody is in a hurry. Most of the household work in the morning has to be done by the house-wife in the morning, although daughters, elderly ladies also give a helping hand. Morning time, therefore, does not suit most of the women-folk for Sadhana. In the evening also there is a similar pressure of work on them.Keeping all these factors in view, the time between 12 noon to 3 pm. appears to be most convenient to them for performing Anusthan-Sadhana etc. Of course, they can perform Jap of one mala in the morning after taking bath.
If they happen to do mental Jap while cooking meals there will be good effect on all the persons who will take that food. Regular Jap should be suspended during the period of menses. Mental Jap can, however, be performed in all circumstances. Women who put on Yagyopaveet should replace it by a new one after the period of menstruation.
If women are enthusiastic about maintaining holy atmosphere in the house, it will have salutary impact on other members of the family, who will feel automatically inclined to lead virtuous lives. For this, by way of daily routine, members of the family should not only greet and salute the elders daily in the morning but they should also bow in front of the picture of Gayatri Mata placed in the family worship place and chant Gayatri Mantra five times.
In the evening, after the members of the family are free from their meals etc., the children should be entertained by reading over to them inspiring stories published by the Gayatri Mission, folders etc., which they can easily understand, so that mind and emotions are oriented towards virtuous life. To inspire the elderly members, Pragya puran, published in four volumes, should be read over to the whole family daily like Geeta and Ramayan. This programme can be continued for months. After finishing one reading the process can be repeated again and again.
Keeping in view the fact that people are extremely busy these days and there is general lack of faith and devotion, religious routines which are interesting to all can be adopted. Being masters of the kitchen, women can easily accomplish this sacred task. At the time of preparation of food, the first chapati should be divided into five morsels and chanting Gayatri Mantra each morsel should be offered in the fire along with some ghee and sugar. The tradition of Yagya is an integral part of Indian culture. This process of offering bread-pieces in the fire is symbolic worship and keeps the sentiments of sacrifice, (Yagya) alive in us.
While feeding a suckling child, mothers should do mental Jap of Gayatri Mantra. It will be good if they meditate upon the luminous God, Savita.
Observance of Panch-sheel in Daily Life. Several kinds of Panchsheel are incorporated within the five offerings of Bali-veshya. Members of the family should be explained their significance so that they may have knowledge about the five sacred duties linked with various aspects of human life, which itself is a lifelong Yagya.
Panchsheel for physical well-being are:
(1) Satvik and limited food.
(2) adequate use of pure water.
(3) deep breathing in open air.
(4) honest labour. and
(5) care-free rest at night.
Panchsheel for wellbeing of mental health are:
(1) sportsman - like spirit,
(2) sense of humour,
(3) self-control,
(4) sanctity of work and
(5) self-contentment and enthusiasm.
Social Panchsheel are:
(1) Honesty;
(2) honest and sincere discharge of responsibilities as a citizen;
(3) gentle polite and sweet behaviour,
(4) credibility and
(5) willing and glad cooperation.
Family Panchsheel are:
(1) Feelings of cooperation, gratefulness and service towards elders,
(2) affection for and cooperation with youngsters,
(3) open-hearted love between the spouses
(4) nobility of character as true prosperity;
(5) to have minimum number of children.
Religious Panchsheel are:
(1) unity
(2) equality
(3) co-existence
(4) tolerance; and
(5) deep devotion towards the Divine.
Spiritual Panchsheel are:
(1) unflinching faith in divine law of sowing and reaping;
(2) self-reliance;
(3) living simple life of an average citizen and utilizing the balance of resources for philanthropic purposes;
(4) keen aspiration for Jeewan Sadhana; and
(5) loving kindness towards all creation.
All these Panchsheels and duties should be duly discussed and evaluated so that members of the family could understand the significance of Baliveshya towards achieving inner refinement while functioning in the work in a-day life.
Vedhan (Piercing) of Shat Chakras
There are six gates on the way leading to the origin of Kundalini power. Or, it may be said that this path is locked by six locks. Human soul can reach the inner energy centres by opening these gates or locks. These six obstructions are called Shat-Chakras in spiritual language.
These six Chakras are related to Brahamnadi which is one of the three nadis situated in the inner-most part of the Sushumna. They can also be compared to lotus flowers strung into the thread of a garland. Readers will be able to see in the picture on the next page where a particular chakra is located in the body. Mooladhar chakra lies in the genital region; Swadhisthan chakra in the portion between the navel and the pubic region; Manipur chakra in the umbilicus region; Anahat chakra near the heart; Vishudakhya chakra near the neck; Agyachakra in the middle of both the eye-brows; and above all lies Sahasrar.
Sushumna and three nadis encased within it namely; Vajra, chitrani and brahmnadi are so subtle that they can not be seen by naked eye. The corresponding Chakras are still more subtle. Any attempt to operate upon the body to locate shat chakras will be ridiculous and futile because the power of vision of human eye is very much limited. Sound waves, atoms of air, germs of diseases cannot be seen by the naked eye, still their existence cannot be denied. Yogis have seen these Chakras by their yogic vision and have gained miraculous knowledge, insights and powers through investigations of the inner being of man. They have given a well-organized scientific description of such investigations and presented it before those who are interested in the subject.
Shat Chakras are like subtle knots (granthis) formed in the passage of Brahamnadi . When a Sadhak concentrates his mind on these Chakras he has unusual experiences of subtle conditions prevailing there. These knots (granthis) are not circular but angular like petals of a flower. These petals are called padma-dal. They are like a bunch of fibres.
These Chakras are of different hues because of energies of varying potencies of elements dominant in different granthis. This also affects the quantity and colour of the blood of that region. The colour changes to pink, blue, red and smoky according to the prominence of the elements of earth, water, fire, air and sky, respectively. The mixture of these elements changes the colour of each chakra.
When a weevil (wood-worm) cuts through wood, the cut portion assumes different shapes. When vital breath (Pran-vayu) passes through these Chakras, its passage becomes slightly zig-zaged according to the position of the Granthi. It takes different shapes similar to the shape of some letters of devnagri script and they are called letters of that particular chakra.
In a fast flowing river, whirlpools of different shapes are formed at several points. When the vital breath of Sushumna flows rapidly through these Chakras, subtle whirlpools are formed, which are quadrangular, triangular, hexagonal, circular, semi-circular and phallus-like in shape. The flame of rising fire is thick at the bottom and thin at the top. Thus an irregular triangle is formed when the Chakras are pierced. Different shapes are thus formed by the flow of vital breath, These are known as yantras of Chakras.
Human body is formed of five basic elements of earth, water, fire, air and ether. Different parts of the body are constituted and governed by mixture of these elements in varying proportions. If the proportion of a particular element increases or decreases beyond what is required, that part of the body becomes diseased. Existence of elements in requisite proportion at a relevant location is considered to be a sign of good health. There is prominence of one element in each chakra. It is known as the element of that chakra.
When vital breath passes through the hollow Brahma-nadi and it collides with the holes of the Chakras, sound similar to one produced by playing of a flute, emanates. Sounds like Sa, re, ga, ma flow through the holes of the Chakras and they are audible as Yna Øh, lna Üh, rna ÚhU, hna ãhU, Om ú etc. These are known as seeds of these Chakras.
There is difference in the speed of breath in different Chakras. The pulse of persons having the element of vat, pitta or kaf in prominence moves with the speed of pigeon, frog, serpent or cock etc., and physicians (vaidyas) diagnose and treat accordingly. Due to mixture of different elements, zigzag passage, whirlpools and coordination of seeds etc., a specific speed is noticed in every chakra on account of blood circulation and breathing. This speed is sluggish like that of an elephant or a crocodile, or fast as that of a deer or a frog in different Chakras. These speeds are named after the particular animals, which are mounts (vahans) of different Chakras.
Different divine energies lie dormant within these Chakras. Creation, maintenance, destruction, knowledge, prosperity, strength, etc. have been regarded as energies of specific deities. In every chakra there are hot masculine as well as cold feminine elements because without the unoin of these two elements there can be no movement or life. These powers are known as the god or goddess of the particular chakra.
The five elements have their own characteristics. Smell, flavour, form touch and sound are characteristics of earth, water, fire, air and ether respectively. In accordance with the prominence of the element concerned its characteristic predominates in each chakra. These are known a characteristics of Chakras.
The subtle energy of these Chakras flow in the entire body but it is mainly related to one organ of sense and one organ of action. The symptoms of awakening of these Chakras are immediately reflected in these organs. On account of such relationship that particular organ is categorized as the organ of that chakra.
Peculiar names of divine energies viz. Dakini, rakini, shakini, hakini, etc., could be misunderstood to be something like ghost, witch etc., but this is not so. Right from mouth to navel there is a circular chain of letters from aa to ha. The beads of this chain are known as matrikas. On their basis rishis have formulated letters of the alphabet. The Matrika by which the deity of a chakra is linked, is known as divine energy of that deity. Letters da, ra, la, ka, sha have been prefixed to the word ‘kini’ signifying matrikas and thus the words Dakini, rakini etc., have been formulated, which are all names of divine powers. After understanding these definitions, it will be easy for the readers to understand the following introductory information about the six Chakras.
Mooladhar chakra
Location- Near the anus; colour- red, lok-bhoolok; letters of the petals-ßh, àæh, áh, âh; element-earth, seed Üh vahan (mount)- elephant (eravat), characteristic-smell, divine power-Dakini, instrument (yantra) – quadrangular, organ of sense – nose, organ of action – anus; result of meditation- becomes an orator, best among human beings, lover of all learnings, healthy, joyous, has potentiality of becoming a poet, a writer.
Swadisthan chakra
Location- between the navel and pubic region; near penis (ling), petals- six; colour –vermilion, lok- bhuvaha; letters of petals बद्ध,भद्ध,मद्ध,यद्ध,रद्ध,लद्ध element water, seed,áh a mount crocodile, characteristic-flavour (ras),deity-Vishnu, divine energy power-Dakini, instrument (yantra)- like moon of the second day of lunar fortnight (chandrakar), organ of sense-tongue, organ of action-phallus; result of meditation-destruction of perversions like vanity, eradication of illusion and attachments, creative power.
Manipur Chakra
1 Location – Navel, petals –ten, colour- blue, lok – Swaha, letters of petals- डं, ढं, णं, तं, थं, दं, नं, पं, फं seed-रं mount – ram; characteristic- form, deity rudra, divine power- shakini, instrument – triangular, organ of sense – eyes, organ of action- feet, result of meditation- power of destruction and maintenance and materialisation of whatever is uttered from the mouth.
Anahat chakra
Location – heart; petals-twelve; colour- reddish-brown; lok –mahaha; letters of petals- twelve ·पं, खं, गं, घं, डं.,ड्डं, छं, जं, झं, ञं, टं, ठं element – air, divine power- kakini; instrument- hexagonal; organ of sense- skin, organ of action- hand, result of meditation, divine power, knowledge, awakening, control over sense organs, power to enter into the body of other person.
Vishudhakhya chakra
Location- neck, petals- sixteen; colour- smoky, lok- janaha, letters of petals- from a to aha, element – sky, seed हं mount elephant, characteristic- sound, deity – Sadashiv with five faces; divine power-shakini, instrument circular in the form of zero, organ of sense- ear, organ of action- leg; result of meditation- peace of mind, vision to see through the past, present and future; long life; brilliance, benevolence.
Agya Chakra
Location- between the eye-brows, petals- two, colour- white; letters of petals- हं, क्षं, seed Om, element –maha, mount- sound, deity- Jyotirlinga, divine power- hakini, instrument- phallus- like, Lok- tapaha, result of meditation- fulfillment of all aspirations.
Shat Chakras consist of the afore-said six Chakras but some people regard Sahasrar or sahasra dal Kamal as the seventh chakra and call it shoonya chakra. Its location is top of brain; petals- one thousand, letters of petals range from अं ह्लश क्षं Its lok is satya and it is beyond the five elements. Its seed is visarga (colon-like sign: used in devnagri script) and mount is zero. Its deity and divine energy are parabrahma and maha-Shakti respectively. Its instrument is like full moon. Its light is formless. The result of its meditation is devotion, immorality, Samadhi and acquisition of all Riddhis-Siddhis (divine powers).
Kundalini is the source of power. It is the divine spiritual spark closest to man’s physical body. It contains unimaginable mysterious powers in seed form. Its light is reflected in these six Chakras. Nine planets of the solar system revolve round the Sun, which is their centre. All the planets are influenced by and permeated with the heat, light, gravitation and other powers of the Sun. All the Chakras, in the same manner, are suffused with the powers of Kundalini. A safe contains several small components. The bee-hive contains several small sacks some of which remain full of honey. In the same manner the light of Kundalini is encased in the Chakras. With the awakening of Chakras, the mysterious energies underlying them also get awakened, a brief indication of which has been given in the foregoing discussion.
Vedhan (piercing) of Chakras
It is a great science to pierce through the Chakras, reach up to the Kundalini at its base, awaken it and utilize its energies for spiritual development. Kundalini yoga is far more hazardous than nuclear science. One must undertake it only under the guidance of an adept and not by reading texts on the subject.
Piercing of Chakras is done through meditation. Everybody knows that human brain is like an energy-house and the mind is its main power current. Ordinarily movements of the mind are flickering and unsteady. On account of this turmoil, there cannot be concentration of energy on one point, so nothing worthwhile can be accomplished so long as the mind remains disturbed. In the absence of such concentration, precious moments of life are wasted. When the rays of the Sun are concentrated through a magnifying glass, fire is produced. In the same way, with the help of accumulated energy of concentration, a Sadhak can pierce through the six Chakras. Meditation is the super-science of the mind by which energy scattered in multifarious channels can be collected and conserved, thus producing an exceedingly powerful beam of light.
Different texts have prescribed different ways of piercing of Shat-Chakras. There are some systems, which are traditionally in vogue, in which the spiritual master (Guru) imparts specialised training to his disciple. Success can be achieved by all these methods provided this Sadhana is performed with utmost faith, devotion and confidence under the guidance of a competent guide. The easiest Sadhana by which these Chakras can be pierced through and awakened without any hazards is described below.
A Sadhak should sit in padmasan posture in the morning with purified body and quiet mind. After doing Brahma-sandhya (achman, shikha-bandhan, pranayam, aghmarshan and nyas), Jap of Gayatri Mantra should be performed hundred and eight times. Thereafter, Vedmata Gayatri should be meditated upon in the form of light in trikuti. (If a straight line is drawn from one ear to another and another line is drawn from the middle of eye-brows to the middle of brain the meeting point is known as trikuti). Mind should be settled in the light of trikuti in a way just as a blacksmith puts a piece of iron in the furnace, takes it out when it becomes red hot, hammers it and prepares the desired object. On being settled for some-time in the light of Gayatri in trikuti, the mind becomes illuminated. Then it should be brought in agya-chakra. Emanating from the spinal cord, Brahamnadi goes through trikuti to Sahasrar. The illuminated mind is made to enter into the hollow channel of Brahamnadi and taken to agya-chakra. When the mind is settled there it experiences all the characteristics of the chakra as already described. Mind of the Sadhak experiences the petals, their letters, elements, seeds, divine power, instrument, lok, mount, characteristic and colour of that chakra. In the beginning such experiences are hazy and dim. Slowly some characteristics of the chakra are visualized clearly, some dimly and some in a deformed manner. By and by they become more and more clear. Some times there are differences in the characteristics according to the internal shape of Chakras.
By concentratedly performing Sadhana of each chakra for a month carefully, it is stimulated. In meditation its characteristics become clearer and in matrikas as well as in organs of senses and organs of action there are sudden and strange vibrations and stimulation and an itching sensation. These are symptoms of awakening of the Chakra. When the form of a chakra starts becoming clear the Sadhak should go ahead and try to penetrate another chakra below the former one according to the aforesaid procedure. It takes about a month’s time to awaken each chakra. When the Sadhana becomes ripe the gate leading from one chakra to another opens. However, the Sadhak does not find the gate and remains entangled in a labyrinth so long as there is immaturity in his Sadhana.
When the Sadhak does not find a way out and his Sadhana does not progress for a long time he should consult his experienced Guru (spiritual teacher) and proceed according to his advice. In this way gradually, after piercing through all the six Chakras, the Sadhak reaches Kundalini located at Mooladhar and gets a glimpse of that volcanic, terrifying serpentine coil of gigantic energy, Maha-sarpini. The overwhelmingly violent form of Mahakali is seen here. Several sadhaks tremble violently when they try to awaken this sleeping tigress.
The dormant Kundalini requires to be hit hard if it is sought to activate it. In spiritual language this is known as “torturing of Kundalini”. By such torture, the excited Kundalini makes a hissing sound and awakens and its first targets of attack are negative habits, tendencies and desires accumulated over the past several births. It chews-up these evil sanskars and rides upon the chest of Sadhak’s mind duly armed with all her weapons, destroys his material illusions and ignorance and transforms him into godliness.
The process of awakening Kundalini and exciting it has been described in the ancient scriptures in an extremely symbolic and captivating style. The battle between Mahisasur and Durga is symbolic of this spiritual secret. Mahisasur (human mind consisting of five elements), seeking to attain salvation and inspired by the desire to be killed at the hands of the Goddess, enters into battle with Chandi (Kundalini) who is sitting silently, and attacks. The Goddess gets infuriated and counter-attacks and chews up its mount, Mahish (he-buffalo). This Mahish is nothing else than a bundle of evil sanskars. Goddess Chandi (Kundalini) destroys the body of Mahishasur (the material trend of the mind) by her ten arms from all directions and ultimately Mahishasur merges into Chandi’s Light. It becomes a part of Maha-Shakti and attains the supreme goal of life. This furious form of devotional Sadhana is extremely fierce and hazardous. This is known as the path of battle (Sadhana Samar).
Whereas several devotees attain Divinity by love and devotion, there are others who attain it through Sadhana-Samar. Just as a true lover attains God, a true enemy can also attain Him. Hathyogis and followers of Tantrik Sadhana fall in the latter category. Awakening of Kundalini is a warrior like (Veerochit Sadhana) on the basis of which insignificant individual soul can become great, a living atom transforming itself into the all-pervading Divinity.
While performing Sadhana of Shat-chakra, the Sadhak should enter into Brahamnadi and meditate on the Chakras daily. Starting from five minutes the daily practice can be extended up to thirty minutes. But extending the duration beyond thirty minutes is harmful, as intense heat is produced by such meditation, which cannot be tolerated after a certain limit. The mind should be brought back to the trikuti and meditation should be brought to an end.
Needless to say, while doing this Sadhana, a Sadhak should observe Brahmacharya, take only Satvik food once a day, remain in solitude in a healthy atmosphere and maintain regularity in his daily routine.By piercing of Shat-Chakras and awakening of Kundalini, a Sadhak can have a glimpse of the Supreme Divine Energy in brahmarandhra and thus attain several great Siddhis ( occult divine powers).