The Vedas as Mantra Yoga
The Vedas
are not just ancient texts—they are a form of Mantra Yoga, filled with mantric
teachings that transcend mere intellectual understanding. These sacred writings
consist of powerful chants and hymns, revealed to enlightened seers, or Rishis,
from the Cosmic Mind. They are not just human expressions but eternal,
impersonal manifestations of Dharma—universal natural law. As such, the
knowledge within the Vedas gives rise to various Vedic sciences like Ayurveda,
Vedic Astrology, Yoga, and Vedanta, each offering a unique perspective on this
foundational mantric wisdom.
The Vedic
language itself is rooted in a primordial system of seed (bija) mantras—single
syllable sounds like OM, rich with layered meanings depending on their
intonation and intent. This root language evolves into the structured nouns and
verbs of the Vedic texts. The deeper aspects of these bija mantras are further
explored in Tantra, a science of the Divine Word, which—despite modern
misinterpretations—remains a key to understanding this ancient wisdom.
To introduce
the mantric approach of the Vedas, we’ll explore a few essential bija mantras
and the Gayatri mantra, a 24-syllable Vedic chant. This exploration sheds light
on the vision behind the American Institute of Vedic Studies, which seeks to
integrate various Vedic disciplines into one coherent path of inner knowledge.
True understanding lies not in book learning or external authority but in
awakening the inner mantra of the heart.
Five Essential Bija Mantras OM
OM is the most fundamental of all mantras—so
much so that most other mantras begin and often end with it. OM affirms and
energizes what follows it, representing the ascent of energy toward the
infinite. It enhances the elements of fire, air, and ether, providing strength,
protection, and grace while connecting us to the inner Guru’s guiding force.
The Four Great Goddess Mantras HRIM
HRIM (pronounced
Hreem) is the mantra of the Great Goddess, encompassing her creative and
healing powers. It governs cosmic magnetic energy and the soul’s force,
awakening divine love and attraction. HRIM dispels worldly illusion (maya) and
opens the heart’s lotus to the inner sun of consciousness.
KRIM
KRIM (pronounced Kreem) is the mantra of Kali,
embodying energy and transformation. It channels prana like lightning,
awakening spiritual faculties and purifying the subtle body. KRIM is associated
with Kriya Yoga and the dynamic power of practice, carrying the force of
Indra’s thunderbolt that dispels ignorance.
HUM
HUM (pronounced Hoom) represents the inner
fire of awareness, invoking divine presence and offering our being for
transformation. Associated with both Shiva and the fierce form of Kali, it
destroys negativity and channels divine protection and grace.
SHRIM
SHRIM
(pronounced Shreem) is the mantra of Lakshmi, the Goddess of beauty, devotion,
and grace. Beyond material abundance, it nurtures emotional steadiness, faith,
and divine delight. As a lunar mantra, SHRIM fills the senses with joy and
supports health, fertility, and rejuvenation.
When combined, these mantras create a
harmonious balance of body, mind, and soul:
OM HRIM KRIM HUM SHRIM!
The Gayatri
Mantra: The Essence of the Vedas The Gayatri mantra (Rig Veda III.62.10) is one
of the most revered Vedic chants, offering a complete vision of cosmic wisdom.
First revealed to the Rishi Vishwamitra, this mantra channels the
transformative power of light and energy.
The Gayatri
mantra consists of three parts:
Invocation of the Seven Worlds:
OM Bhuh! —
Earth, the physical realm OM Bhuvah! —
Atmosphere, the vital plane OM Suvah! — Heaven, the realm of illumination OM
Mahah! — Cosmic mind and Dharma OM Janah! — Creation and bliss OM Tapah! —
Consciousness-force OM Satyam! — Absolute truth
The Body of
the Mantra: OM Tat —
That Savitur — Of Savitar, the solar Creator
Varenyam — Supreme Bhargo — Effulgence Devasya — Of the Deva Dhimahi — We
meditate Dhiyo — Intelligences, minds Yo — Who Nah — Our Prachodayat — May
direct
Translation:
“We meditate upon the supreme effulgence of the Divine Solar Creator; may He
inspire and direct our minds.”
The
Conclusion: OM Apo — Cosmic waters Jyoti — Cosmic light Rasomritam — Immortal
essence Brahma — The Absolute Bhur — Earth Bhuvas — Atmosphere Suvar — Space OM
— The higher realms
The Power of
the Inner Sun The Gayatri mantra awakens the supreme solar power of
Self-realization and cosmic creation. It serves as a pathway for those seeking
higher evolution and liberation from Samsara, granting intelligence, creative
vision, and healing powers. Recited with the seven-worlds chant, it unfolds the
universe’s inner and outer secrets.
Central to
Vedic disciplines like Yoga, Vedanta, Ayurveda, and Vedic astrology, the
Gayatri mantra sets the Divine will in motion, stimulates the Kundalini force,
and bestows knowledge, prana, and cosmic wisdom.
In embracing
these mantras, we align ourselves with the eternal Vedic vision, fostering
harmony between body, mind, and spirit and awakening the divine light within.
