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Mantras must be chanted or recited with unwavering
devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a
matter-of-course deprives them of power and is
practically useless from the point of view of
conscious growth, evolution and effect.
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How
to sit:
Sitting in position which maximizes the total
effect of mantras is desirable. According to the
ancient systems, the lotus posture is the best
asana for meditation and for mantras. Other asanas
(postures) which are recommended in order of
effect for meditation or the practice of mantras
are:
1. Padma Asana
2. Vaira Asana
3. Siddha Asana or Vajra Asana.
Once you have decided upon the asana for a
particular mantra, you must use the same mantra
for the duration of the chanting. You can sit on
the earth ( as distinct from floor), on a deer
skin, a tiger skin, a wooden platform, a cotton or
plant fibre mat. Synthetic materials should not be
used.
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The
power of Mantras & Shlokas has been
acknowledged since time immemorial. A Mantra can consist of a powerful word or a
combination of words and can be used for self
realization, for freedom from worries, to fulfill
one's desires, to ward off the effects of malefic
planets, to bring you success, peace and
contentment -- the range is truly vast. You can
choose for yourself. |
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Where
to chant: Mantras should be chanted in a quiet place. Once a
place has been chosen, it should become permanent
for all practical purposes.
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Best
time: The best time for chanting mantras is the
Brahmamahurta ( 4 a.m.). Other good times are the
transition periods i.e. when night is turning into
day ( dawn and sunrise), when day is turning into
night (twilight and sunset). You can also choose
the time before going to bed. Having chosen your
time, you should be regular about the hours and
duration of your chanting.
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Position:
If chanting mantras during the day time, you
should sit facing the north or the east. If
chanting mantras during the night, you should sit
facing the north.
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often: The number of times a mantra has to be chanted is
usually specified. Normally, it is considered
auspicious to chant a mantra 11 times, or 108
times or in multiples of 108. Once you have fixed
upon the number, you can increase it but cannot
decrease it.
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Rosary:
Generally, a mala or rosary of 108 Rudraksha or
tulsi (basil) or sandalwood beads is used when
chanting mantras. According to ancient texts, the
following beads can be used for chanting specific
mantras:
1. For obtaining wealth : Rosary of coral beads
2. For begetting children : Rosary of Putrajiva
beads
3. For fulfillment of desires : Rosary of crystals
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Preferably, your rosary should not be visible to
others when you are using it. Covering your hand
with a cloth or a specially made covering is a
common practice. With the rosary hanging over the
middle, ring and index finger of the right hand,
the thumb and middle finger are generally used to
roll the beads. You must not cross the ' head' of
the rosary when rolling the beads and must revert
to the head after completing a rosary.
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For getting the maximum
spiritual benefit, the mantras
should be recited at designated
timings. |
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Antarjyoti
bahirjyoti pratyagjyoti paratparah
Jyotirjyoti swayamjyoti atmajyoti shivosmyaham
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Light
is on
the inside, light is on the outside,
Light is in myself, beyond the beyond.
The Light of lights,
I myself am light,
the Self is light, I am Shiva. |
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