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Sadhaka :
What is the significance of mantra initiation?
Swamiji : Our
forefathers have described that eternal, pure Principle as formless and
attributeless, and also as having form and attributes. The formless Principle
is unmanifest and invisible to the senses and intellect, while the one
with the form is manifest and visible. In between the manifest and unmanifest,
there appeared the Cosmic sound called 'Nada Brahman' or 'Shabda Brahman'.
It serves as the link between the two Principles - one with form and the
other without form.
Based on this 'Nada Brahman' a system of spiritual practice,
Japa Yoga, has been formulated. The chain of guru-parampara, which has
brought down this treasure of Japa Yoga sadhana to us has never suffered
a break, and is prevalent in the original form even today. The name that
is manifest in the form of Mantra was revealed by the seers in their super-conscious
state (samadhi). The knower of the Mantra is called the seer of that Mantra.
Each Mantra has got its own separate Deity, and its japa will yield a
distinct result.
Saints declared that there is actually no difference
between the Name (of the Lord) and the Lord Himself. Sages, at times,
they even said that the Name of the Lord is superior even to the Lord
Himself. Goswami Tulasidas says: "Rama's Name is verily superior
to Rama. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, you will find the statement that in
this age of Kali; one can obtain release from the bondage of birth and
death through mere chanting of Sri Hari's Name.
The latent power of the Mantra becomes manifest through its repetition.
The subconscious layers of the mind are awakened. It leads to perfection
in due course of time. For japa sadhana, no special qualification is required.
In other systems of Yoga practice, the preceptor has to distinguish between
the qualified and non-qualified before he gives initiation in those systems.
But in japa sadhana this can be obviated, for the repetition of a Mantra
itself transforms a non-qualified person into a qualified person, the
impure into the pure, and a sinner into a sage. This is the unique advantage
of Japa Yoga. If a disciple receives Mantra initiation from his guru,
he actually received his own accumulated power due to his past karmas.
The constant repetition of a Mantra transforms the very
life of the aspirant - his evil qualities disappear slowly and divine
qualities take their place. Rajas and tamas get transmuted into sattva.
A Mantra is Divinity and through its repetition the extrovert mind becomes
introvert, the tossing of the mind is removed and the mind along with
the senses is subdued, and takes the aspirant to the state of japa- sahita
dyana (meditation with japa) which subsequently takes the form of japa-rahita
dhyana (meditation without japa). The aspirant in his super conscious
state (samadhi) gets self-realisation, and attainment of bliss and final
Liberation.
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