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Derived from the Sanskrit ‘man’, meaning ‘to think’. Mantra literally means ‘instrument of thought’. It can be defined as a hymn, chant or verse which possesses magical or divine power. Vedic mantras are said to have been divinely ‘heard’ (shruti) by ancient sages. Mantras are hymns, which are believed to benefit that chants them. They are the original constituents of the Vedas. These hymns are mostly invocations to the gods for protection against evil, or for assistance in performing one’s duties or specific functions. They also eulogise certain sages. Mantras are supposed to be recited during all sacrificial rites, sanskaras, and the five daily sacrifices For example, the Gayatri Mantra is supposed to be chanted everyday by “twice-born” Hindus (see Upanayanam). These mantras are compiled in books, called Sanhitas, which are the main portion of each Veda. The Sanhitas form the basis of all other Vedic literature, like the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, and the Upanishads. These works explain the mantras. Most mantras are believed to have been composed around 1500 - 1000 BC, and some as far back as 5,000 years ago. This might well mean that the oldest mantras pre-date the Aryan invasion of India. Numbering more than 70 million, the Vedic mantras address subjects as varied as the mystery of creation, divinity, aspects of nature, everyday life and behavior. There is even a hymn against the evils of gambling with dice. The mantras of the Rig Veda (see Veda), which are also found in the Yajur Veda and Sama Veda, are supposed to invoke the gods to ensure success in battle, grant long life, avert droughts, secure good pastures and keep all evil at bay. Or they are simply thanksgiving. Those of the Atharva Veda are believed to expel demons, which cause diseases, to bewitch and destroy enemies, and to stimulate love in unresponsive lovers. The mantras of the separate Vedas were recited by different groups of Brahmins, who traditionally performed different functions: those of the Rig-Veda were recited by the Hotri Brahmins (from ‘hota’ or fire, therefore tenders of the sacrificial fire. The last name ‘Agnihotri’ still survives.) The mantras of the Yajur Veda were the intellectual property of the Adhvaryu Brahmins (the chanting priests), and those of the Sama Veda, of the Udgatris (the singing priests). However, this classification is no longer strictly maintained, though many Vedic mantras are still recited during the different ceremonies. The effectiveness of the mantras is said to depend on the mental discipline involved in its correct recitation, and the accompanying mode of breathing. According to the Agni Purana, if a mantra is recited quietly or in the mind, it is very effective. Mantras are sometimes classified according to gender. Charms or spells to confuse enemies are considered masculine, while all other mantras are considered Recitation of mantras feminine. Besides the Gayatri mantra, which is called Vedamatri (mother of the Vedas), the Mrityunjaya japa, is frequenty chanted by the depressed and the ailing. Translated as ‘the chant of victory over death’, this mantra is believed to be powerful, though it is not a Vedic mantra and draws its strength from the Trimurti. A mantra from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (see Upanishad) usually appendiced to it. How Mantras Affect Your Health Mantras work directly upon our karma: the accumulated latencies and tendencies with which we are born. The vibrations of these ancient formulas work through the chakras to increase the flow of beneficial energy throughout the subtle body where these latencies and tendencies are stored. Mantra therapy starts by increasing the total amount of energy available for all of our activities. Certain mantras used singly or in combination can greatly accelerate the quality and quantity of energy used in the healing process. However, if the karmic propensity for a given condition is overwhelming, mantra therapy will not remove the difficulty any more than conventional therapy will. In this case, mantra therapy work will still lessen the karmic baggage you take into future lives.The energy created through mantra practice may lead one to forms of therapy quite different from the ones used initially. Thus, some unexpected new form of treatment may appear as fruit of mantra practice. Investigate it. Ultimately, we do not know through which door the route to recovery might manifest, and it may be in some form of conventional or traditional care of which we had been previously unaware. Two Different Mantra Therapy Intensives Two separate Mantra Therapy Intensives are included here for practice. The first is for “Systemic Disorders.” These include such things as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), diabetes, lupus, AIDs, cancer and other forms of illness that may be system-wide problems. The second is for “Emotional or Mental Distress,” including items such as depression, general melancholy, or simple negativity. People with bulimia or anorexia might try this program of mantras. As a bonus, Hanuman mantras for a variety of conditions are also included. Hanuman, a major figure in the Hindu classic The Ramayana, is an allegorical representation for our prana – a form of life energy that powers our subtle body. How To Conduct Your Mantra Intensive Though you may desire immediate results to become visible from your dedicated mantra practice, most results take time to manifest. Minor difficulties might be affected in as little as two weeks, but more deeply rooted problems can take longer to begin to achieve noticeable results. Practice all mantras in the therapy session for 108 times each in one sitting. For each of the two intensive therapies included it will take one hour to complete. Do the practice every day for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of 40 days. The full forty-day program will produce the best results. For deep-seated problems, a 120 day program is recommended. At the end of your program, stop daily chanting and take a break for at least one week. Precaution: Mantra therapies are no substitute for conventional, traditional or ancient forms of medical care. If you have a problem, be sure to consult the health care practitioner of your choice. These mantra prescriptions are intended to supplement the course of care you choose to follow. Mantra for Success Krishna Krishna Mahaayogin Bhaktaanaam Bhayankara Govinda Parmaananda Sarvey Mey Vash Maanay O Krishan, O Krishna! Thou art the Yogi of Yogis. Thou bestoweth fearlessness on Thy devotees. O Govinda! Thou art the giver of Supreme Bliss. Bring everything to my favour.

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