What is a mantra?
The word mantra is Sanskrit and it means: syllable(s) or sacred word(s). Mantras are vibrational formulas that are recited silently within, or spoken, or sung outwardly. There are mantras in Sanskrit as well as Japanese, Chinese and Tibetan languages. Also tribal languages are known to formulate power syllables and words. A mantra is a precise sound, a frequency that conveys a directive into consciousness. Mantras are used to deliver results and are repeated a certain number of times for healing and for producing abundance. They are used in the Tantric traditions along with yantras for the cultivation of supernatural powers called siddhis. Mantras are used to open the heart and to aid in receptivity, adapting, preparing and opening every area of the physical, mental and emotional bodies so that one may access and enter into greater awareness and deeper wisdom. Some mantras may be likened to prayer while others are powerful and direct demands. There are mantras that are recited, or silently inwardly spoken into extremely subtle recesses of consciousness, acting like homeopathy for such capabilities as healing or blessing or guidance.

Mantras or precise sound vibrations produce geometric patterns. This can be examined under the right conditions. Scientific experiments have shown that, by changing the rate of vibration by raising or by lowering a sound wave, a visual pattern of the vibration also changes along with the rate of sound. This has been demonstrated through the medium of a drop of water, which when charged with different sound waves will produce a flow of geometric patterns. Sand scattered on the surface of a metal plate, shifts from one geometry to another along with currents of higher and lower tones.

 What is a Yantra?
The geometry of a sound vibration containing a particular information code is called a yantra. A yantra is a diagram that transmits subtle information of mystical significance to the one who looks at it. Like a mantra, each yantra embodies a very particular meaning, opening inner awareness and receptivity to the information that the yantra expresses. It is said that a yantra is most potent when the bij (Sanskrit letters or syllables) are in their rightful positions and less potent when the bij are absent from the diagram. In this book you will find examples of both Gayatri Yantras.

The Gayatri Yantra is a sacred diagram that transmits a subtle language encoded in the Gayatri’s potential. Geometric yantras may be so precise that each line is drawn in a certain direction and in a certain progression. Every curve, every line and even the number of lines convey meaning. Some yantras are not as precise in structure, but are as precise in the meaning that they convey. The exact message that a yantra embodies is nearly never, if ever, explained or spoken in words.

The Gayatri Mantra and Gayatri Yantra are methods of initiation into a finer comprehension of her message. Also the Gayatri in any form is a vehicle for awakening, for grace and selflessness, as well as service to this world.

Click on the Gayatri Yantra to enlarge

The Gayatri Mantra
The word Gayatri means meter or rhythm and it also means protection. Though these meanings give some sense of the words, the true significance and full impact of the Gayatri Mantra unfolds with insight. Each progressive insight presents another one of greater awareness, and possibility unfolds again and again.

Listen to Gayatri Mantra Recitation

Listen to the Gayatri Mantra Song

To chant the Gayatri Mantra purifies
the chanter.
To listen to the Gayatri Mantra purifies
the listener.

From the book Gayatri Mantra written by ShantiMayi.

~~~~~

Book and CD/Mp3 Gayatri Mantra Sacha Sadhana

Click here for ordering the book and CD/Mp3 ‘Gayatri Mantra’.