Ancient Vedic prayer to awaken the intelligence and lead to enlightenment. (Glossary for the Vahinis)
It is essential to recite the Gayatri Mantra at least three times during morning, noon and evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day. It is like buying goods for cash, instead of getting them on credit. There is no accumulation of karmic (result of action) debt, as each day’s karma (action) is atoned for that day itself by reciting the Gayatri Mantra.
Gayatri Hymn: ‘Illumine me, prompt my intelligence, so that I may walk aright’. (SSS Vol.8, p. 130)
Viswamitra handed over Gayatri Mantra to posterity
Viswamitra was able to hand down the potent Gayatri Mantra to posterity. His name means ‘Friend for All’, ‘Well–wisher for the world. It was the Gayatri that entitled him to earn that name. Rig Veda is entirely the product of the insight of such sages. Every name you use for God, every illustration we imagine of His Glory, is in the Rig Veda. Rama, Krishna, Sai, Ishvara, are all the very essence of the glory it describes, though you may not recognise the sources. Mantra means ‘words that save those who meditate on them.’ So, whatever is uttered with such intention becomes holy, charged with love for the fellow – men, for the world, for the elements (SSS Vol. 15, p. 270)
(Baba with an idol of Gayatri Devi)
Sage Viswamitra discovered the Mantra named Gayatri, which is addressed to the energy of the Sun, Surya. This Mantra has infinite potentiality. It is a vibrant formula. It has immense powers, powers that are truly amazing. For, the Sun is its presiding deity. Students of Ramayana know that the same sage, Viswamitra initiated Rama into the mysteries of Sun-worship, through the Mantra, Aditya Hridayam. The Gayatri enabled Viswamitra to use rare weapons, which bowed to his will when the Mantra was repeated with faith. Through the powers he attained, in this way, Viswamitra was able to become a great scientist and create a counterpart of this cosmos. A person who is able to increase the capabilities of his hands and his senses ‘ is now considered a scientist but, the term (Vijnani) was correctly applied in the past only to those who developed spiritual power and discovered the formulae for delving into, the Divine within, those Imbued with faith and devotion who could spontaneously demonstrate that power in actual day to day living. On the other hand, the scientists of today know only a bit here and a bit there; they exaggerate and boast of what they have managed to learn. They are fond of pomp and proud display. They rise sky high on the fumes of praise. Such absurdities are quite contrary to the true behaviour of a scientist. For he is humble and meek. He is aware that, however much he knows, there is a vaster field which he has yet to know. He is conscious that Divine Grace is responsible for what little he knows.
Viswamitra was a scientist who had recognised truth. So, there is no scientist yet greater than he was. But, though a sage of such immense eminence and with so expansive a heart lived in India, he is not remembered by the people of this land. They honour the foreigners who have glimpsed his greatness; they have placed their faith in those researchers who have elicited valuable lessons from the Veda. The Veda is the Mother of Bharat. But the children do not revere the mother any more. They revere the stepmother and believe in her! This is the result of anglicised educational system. (SSVahini, pp. 183-185)
Rama and Lakshmana annihilated the Rakshasas with the power of mantras taught to them by Sage Viswamitra
The mantras contained in the Vedas are of immense significance. When Sage Viswamitra realised that the Rakshasas (demon) wanted to stop the chanting of Vedic Mantras and destroy righteous and truth on earth, he sought the help of Rama and Lakshmana who symbolised the divine forces that descended on earth to destroy the demonic forces and establish peace in the world. With the power of mantras taught to them by Sage Viswamitra, Rama and Lakshmana annihilated the Rakshasas. This incident signifies the fact that with the power of Vedic mantras man can destroy his demonic qualities. By engaging themselves in chanting of the mantras, the people of Treta Yuga annihilated their demonic qualities. Symbolising the divine powers of Vedas, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna destroyed demonic forces and fostered divine forces in the world. (SSS Vol.37, p. 99)
Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the energy of the Sun, the Surya.
The Gayatri Mantra has something to do with intelligence. It has nothing to do with religious activity. We say, ‘Dhiyo yonah prachodayath’, and this portion of Gayatri means, ‘Blossom my intelligence, give importance to my intelligence, remove darkness of ignorance and let the prajna in me blossom out’. It prays to the Lord who is present all time, past, present and future and who is present at every place, to come and burn away the darkness of ignorance and give brightness and knowledge. In man’s life, there is his childhood, his youth and his old age. These three stages of man are mot distinct and different, but they are simply changes of one and the basic content. In the childhood there is youth, in the youth there is old age. This aspect of unity can be referred to the aspect of Prajnana and Viswamitra was demonstrating. With the help of this Prajnana, Viswamitra could even create a new universe. That is referred to as Trisanku. Ability to create something totally new is an aspect of Prajnana.... Prajnana enables you stand out only as a witness and experience everything around you. Veda has been telling that is you, thou art that, I am Prajnana and I am Brahman, in this way it makes you stand out as a witness and not become identical with your body. (SSB 1977, p. 138)
The Gayatri Mantra is the royal road to Divinity. There is no fixed time or regulation for reciting it. Nevertheless, the young Brahmacharis (celibates) would do well to recite it during the morning Sandhya and evening Sandhya (worship during dawn and twilight hours) to derive the greatest benefit. However because the Divine is beyond time and space, any time, any place is appropriate for repeating God’s name. The Bhagavatam declares: Sarvada, sarvatra, sarva kaleshu Hari Chintanam (Contemplate on God always, at all places and at all times). You must learn to think of God in whatever you see, whatever you do and whatever you touch. You must realise that you are playing temporary roles on the cosmic stage. You must get back to your true Divine Selves when the play is over. By regularly reciting the Gayatri, you must purify your lives and be an example to the world in righteous living. This is my benediction for you. (SSS Vol.16, pp. 45-46)
Embodiments of Divine Atma, nothing is greater than love. In the Gayatri Mantra, Om Bhur Bhuvah Suvaha means unity of body, mind, and soul. Tat Savitur Varenyam means that we should worship. What happens when we worship? Bhargo means darkness of ignorance. Dhimahi means remove from my intellect. Therefore Bhargo devasya dhimahi means that my intellect is full of the darkness of ignorance; hence, make it shine with wisdom. Dhiyo yonah prachodayat means just like ten million brilliant suns shining forth dispelling the darkness of ignorance. Thus, just as the brilliance of the sun dispels darkness, so also ignorance, when illumined by the intellect, vanishes.
Discover the Unity that underlies the Diversity
On the basis of differences in behaviour, the antahkarana (inner-psyche) has been accorded four names. When it is concerned with thoughts, it is called manas (mind). When it is restless and wavering it is called citta (consciousness). When it is concerned with enquiry and understanding, it is called buddhi (intellect). When it is associated with the sense of ‘mine’ (possessiveness), it is called ahamkara (egoism). Why are four different names and attributes given to one and the same entity (the Antahkarana)? The mind is pre-occupied with distinctions and differences. The buddhi is concerned with oneness and reveals the Unity that underlies the diversity. All our efforts must be directed towards discovering the Unity that underlies the diversity rather than seeking to divide the One into the many.
The Gayatri Mantra (Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence) is a sacred Mantra which demonstrates the unity that underlies manifoldness in creation. It is through the recognition of this unity that we can understand the multiplicity. Clay is one and the same thing, though pots of different shapes and sizes can be made from it. Gold is one, though gold ornaments can be multifarious. The Atma (Divine Self) is one, though the embodied forms in which it resides may be many. Whatever the colour of the cow, the milk is white always.
There is no object in the world which does not have a form and a name. The Cosmos is made up of things with forms and names. While the forms are subject to constant change, the names remain unchanged. The form may change and even completely disappear but the name remains.
Once we know the name, we can recognise what or whom it represents. In a large gathering, it will not be easy to trace a person merely from the description of his features. But when his name is called, he immediately responds and can be identified. Likewise, through the name of the Lord; the form of the Lord can be visualised. (SSS Vol.16), 17-3-1983
Leadbeater has declared that the correct recital of the Gayatri Mantra with the orthodox Udatta, Anudatta and Svarita , (modulation of the voice and the higher, lower and even accents) can produce experienceable and authentic illumination, whereas incorrect pronunciation and wrong accent result in thickening the darkness! Therefore, instead of scoffing at the disciplines of recitals, meditations, prayers, formulary worship and Mantra-utterances, their values have to be accepted and their results tested and confirmed by practice and exercise. (SSS Vol.6)
Gayatri initiation gives one the Second Birth
From the moment of issuing from the mother s womb, one is involved in action. This natural state is common to all and may be described as Shudratvam (the state of the Shudra, that is, one who is not subject to any regimen). After one receives the Gayatri initiation, he is born again and becomes a Dvija (the twice-born). Gayatrim Chandasam mata - Gayatri is described as Chandasam mata---the mother of all the Vedas (ancient sacred scriptures). One meaning of Gayatri is that it is a Mantra (sacred formula) which protects or fosters the Gayas or jivas (individual beings).
The prayer is: ‘Oh, God, bestow upon me the right boon.’ This form of supplication is the path of Bhakti. When do we reach this stage of prayer? It is only when we quiet our mind in total meditation that we attain the right to ask for God’s boon. How do we become able to quiet our mind in meditation? By describing God and reciting His glories in our prayers, we stabilize the mind. Therefore, it is through prayer, meditation, and experiencing that we reach God. That is why the Mahatma is described as one who has unity of thought, word, and deed.
Today, however, man may think one thing in his mind, say something else, and yet do another thing. That is why there is disunity of mind, action, and speech. Gayatri teaches the noble truth of unity of the world. Today many consider Gayatri worship and the sacred thread ceremony (Upanayana) to be only meaningless, superstitious beliefs, started by some Brahmins. However, the ancient sages and Pundits did not advocate meaningless rituals. Even their slightest action had deep inner significance behind it. But today education has changed all this. Directed toward worldly pursuits, it totally misleads mankind and does not inculcate human values. We must revive and experience the ancient culture, understand it, and practise it. Youth today should make a sacred resolution to adhere to truth, develop love, cultivate faith, and promote peace in the world. These are your main duties. Just by wearing the sacred thread, do not think you have done your duty or that samskara (refinement) is attained.
There are four stages of refinement. One is that which is accrued with birth. Pauper and prince both emerge from the mother’s womb. The emperor does not fall from the sky, nor the pauper come out of the earth. Both the nobleman and the commoner have to come from the mother’s womb. That is the way birth naturally takes place. The second birth occurs when one is initiated into the Gayatri Mantra. Today you have taken second birth. You must take a third birth also. What is this third birth? This is when you master the Vedas. But even the ability to expound the Vedas is not enough. God is not impressed by knowledge of the Vedas or Shastras. This mastery only gives you mental satisfaction. After learning the Vedas, one should take the fourth birth, Brahmin-hood. That is, to realize Brahma. Only then does second birth, dvija; third birth, vipra; and fourth birth, Brahmin occur. Who is a Brahmin? Not one born into the Brahmin caste, but the one who conducts himself as a Brahmin. You are not a Brahmin the moment you are born. Later after understanding the principle of Brahman, you become a Brahmin. (LA, p. 59/64) Once the Brahman principle is understood, one merges in Brahman. It is only when there is awareness of Brahman can one claim to be a real Brahman. It is not birth alone, but the realisation of Brahman which confers real Brahmanatva (Brahmana-hood) on a person. (SSS Vol.16), 17-3-1983
The Gayatri Mantras has to be recited three times a day – in the morning at sunrise, at noon, and at sunset. These are called ‘Sandhya Kaalam’ – the time of coming together of night and day, of morning and evening, and of day and night. Time, like man, has three qualities: Sattva, Rajas and Tamas (poised passion and inertia). The day is divided into three parts. The four hours between 4 and 8 a.m. in the morning and between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in the evening have the Sattva (Equanimeous) quality. The eight hours between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. are Rajasika (Passionate). The eight hours between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. which are mainly used for sleep, are Tamasika (inaction). The eight hours of the day (from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are employed by all beings, including animals and birds, in the discharge of their day-to-day duties and are regarded as Rajasika (active pursuit).
When the four Sattvika hours of the morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) are used for engaging oneself in good actions like worship, virtuous deeds, keeping good company, one is sure to raise, himself from the human to the Divine level. It is during the Sattvika period (from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) the Gayatri Mantra should be recited. (SSS Vol.16), 17-3-1983
But God being beyond time, it is a result of our limitations that we talk of dawn and dusk. When we move away from the Sun it is dusk; when we move into the light of the Sun it is dawn. So you need not be bound by the three points of time to recite the prayer. It can be repeated always and everywhere, only one has to ensure that the mind is pure. I would advise you young people to recite it when you take your bath. Do not sing cheap and defiling film songs. Recite the Gayatri. When you bathe, the body is being cleansed; let your mind and intellect also be cleansed. Make it a point to repeat it when you bathe as well as before every meal, when you wake from sleep and when you go to bed. And also repeat Shanti thrice at the end, for that repetition will give Shanti or peace to three entities in you---body, mind and soul. (SSS Vol.13)
This Mantra is the embodiment of all deities. It is not related to any particular sect, caste or idol or institution. It is said to embody nine ‘colours’: (1) Om (2) Bhuh (3) Bhuvah (4) Suvaha (5) Tat (6) Savitur or powers (7) Varenyam (8) Bhargah (9) Devasya. ‘Dhimahi’ is related to the meditative aspect. ‘Dhiyo-yo-nah prachodayat’ relates to the aspect of prayer. The Mantra, as a whole thus, contains three aspects-descriptive, meditational and prayer. (SSS Vol.16)
The Gayatri Hymn of the Vedas, recited thrice a day by millions, asks for the awakening of the intelligence so that when it brightens like the Sun at its zenith, the smog of delusion is destroyed. Then the waves of indecision and decision that confound, contradict and confuse are stilled. This is the process of yoga or the arrest of the wandering mind, as Patanjali defined it centuries ago. (SSS Vol.6)
Redemptive Power of the Gayatri Mantra
The plea that one cannot find time for reciting the Gayatri thrice a day is specious and untenable. People waste so much of their time in worthless activities that they can easily find a few moments for reciting the Gayatri when they wake up from bed and before they go to sleep, if only they have the will. The Gayatri can be recited even when one is taking his bath. It will mean also offering ablutions to the goddess. At noon, if the Gayatri is recited before taking one s meal, the food will get sanctified and become an offering to the deity.
The Brahmacharis (celebates/religious students) should realise the redemptive power of the Gayatri Mantra. Through the Brahmopadesam (initiation into sacred knowledge), the young boys have had a second birth. It is only when they have achieved the purposes of this second birth will they be qualified to enter on the sacred third stage of ‘vipratvam’ (Brahmana-hood), which leads to the realisation of Brahman.
‘One who is aware of Brahman, becomes one with Brahman’ is the Vedic saying. To recognise the Brahman principle, one has to understand one s own true nature. There is a story to illustrate how one can see whether he is qualified to realise Brahman. An unmarried girl acquires the fight to a haft-share in a man s property after she is married to him and he ties the mangalasutra (the auspicious marriage thread) round her neck. It is this sacred thread that confers the right on her. Likewise, one remains remote from God as long as one has not acquired the thread of ‘surrender to the Divine ‘ (Sharanagati- tattva). The moment one wears the sutra (thread) of Sharanagati (total surrender), one acquires the right to a half share in the energy and authority of the Divine. We must strive earnestly to pursue the path of submission to the Divine Will and offering everything to the Divine.
The attitude of surrender will grow in us as we recite regularly the Gayatri Mantra. This is the reason why boys are initiated into the Mantra at an early age. There is also another reason for this early initiation. Boys, who have been indolent or dull before getting the Brahmopadesam have been able to develop their intelligence and be more diligent in their studies after they have received the Gayatri Mantra. This is a matter of proven experience. Like sunrise after the night, the Gayatri Mantra dispels the darkness of ignorance: ‘Dhiyoyo-nah prachodayat.’ The rays of the Gayatri Mantra illumine the mind and intelligence and promote knowledge, wisdom and discrimination. (SSS Vol.16), 17-3-1983
(See – Attachment, Company, Brahmopadesam, Equip, Grace, Hamsavahini, Pari-prashna, Prayer, Sanathana Dharma, Sva, Universe, Upanayana, Vedas, Yes)