Chanting the Gayatri… January 7, 2010
Posted by tharinid in Divine Inspiration.7 comments
This is something I have taken up recently. Somehow when we chant the Gayatri at the Sai Center after bhajans, I find myself so itching and impatient to get it over and done with, and can barely wait for the 9th time of it to be over. So its a little surprising that it is this mantra that I took to for namasmarana.
I say this at times when my mind is disturbed, and influenced adversely by the words of people, or by my own wayward thoughts. And it happens often. Especially the latter. At first, I rush to it, like its my last refuge before the madness takes over. I literally plunge right into it, like a pool of ice cold water. And come up bursting for air after that initial shock of cold impact. I keep chanting it feverishly, the actions mechanical, not really concentrating on the words of the sound they make. 5-6 repetitions later, my heart is beating more normally, but the mind is still wandering. Back to the very same thoughts that prompted this self rescue mission in the first place. It is amazing how your lips can do one thing perfectly, and your mind another, both at the same time. Even with a mantra. At around the 9th repetition is when the power of the mantra steals over me and totally calms me down. The feeling is distinctly palpable, the difference in demeanour is that marked. It’s like my body temperature has adjusted to the temperature of the water, and finds itself floating, arms spread out, looking outward, but focussing inward.
By this time, my negative feelings have dissipated. The mind has found a tether, and a smile comes over my face. It’s the smile of peace. It’s enchantingly beautiful. Why would I ever want to leave this place?
I have read a lot about the power of mantra and till recently, that knowledge remained theoretical. Now, I understand how easily it can be practically applied to the challenges of daily life. Imagine having the resource within yourself, to get to a place where you find peace, emulate that peace, radiate that peace and finally become it?!
Saying a mantra isn’t a new age notion, set to modern music, nor is it just an ancient one of eternal wisdom. It is one of the simplest paths to peace, and just within reach. Try it.
