The Gayatri Mantra

Surya Namaskar

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

Also By Mohan K. Sood

Values, Aspirations, and Fulfillment: Lessons from Grandma Daadi, 2010 (Available at amazon.com)

Spiritual Living: Eastern Wisdom for Today, 2010 (Available at amazon.com) Five Points of Value for a Fulfilling Life

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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Copyright by Mohan K. Sood

PPrepared for: spiritualwisdomfortoday.com

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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CONTENTS PREFACE

SECTION ONE
INTRODUCTION
UNIVERSALITY OF THE GAYATRI MANTRA

10-13 10 14-33

SECTION TWO
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION
PEARLS OF THE GAYATRI MANTRA STEPS TO MEDITATION ATTAINING YOUR CHERISHED ASPIRATIONS

14 28 32 34-35

SECTION THREE
REALIZE YOUR SPIRITUAL BRILLIACNE
MIND IS YOUR LIGHT

34 36

About the Author

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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Dedicated with immense humility to the Rishis of India for their gift of Universal Spiritual Wisdom to humanity

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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May Peace be in my body! May Peace be in my mind! May Peace be in my spirit! May Peace be in my life! May Peace be on Earth! May Peace be with everybody! May all existence sing in Divine Joy! _______________________________

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Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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Think of life, Think of having spent it in sensual enjoyments, And think of karma you have done. (Yajur Veda XL. 15)

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PREFACE

The Gayatri Mantra is the oldest and a continuous part of practically all Hindu religious rituals and ceremonies. It is perhaps the most chanted mantra by the Hindus. The essence of the mantra has been mystified in mythology, deity worship, religious focus, and ceremonial rituals.

The Gayatri, however, is a profound blend of spirituality, meditation, and prayer to guide the life of work and of spirit. The mantra is a very meaningful prayer for inspiration and for selftransformation. It is prayer for grace and illumined intellect. It is a prayer for determination, effort, and aspiration to experience inner brilliance and to cultivate the attitude of the 3Cs -Control, Charity, and Compassion. The chant/meditation on the Gayatri Mantra with absorption in its spiritual essence is the recipe for success without stress. It is practical spirituality.

The mantra has been my guide and inspiration to build harmony in life -- body and mind, work and devotion, health and happiness, duty and responsibility, and success and satisfaction. It continues to be an essential part of all the phases/undertakings in my life the joys and celebrations and the challenges and opportunities and the ups and downs. My each day starts with the mantra. It intuitively stays with me till the end of the day. The Gayatri has spirited me with a very simple rule that the life of a disciplined today is an excellent preparation for attainment and fulfillment for the life of tomorrow thus reinforcing inner strength for a purposeful journey of life.

I have spoken about the importance of the meaning of the Gayatri at various forums. The audience response for a short book in English for easy understanding of the mantra so central to the Hindu tradition provided the impetus to excerpt and expand the mantra section in my book Spiritual Living: Eastern Wisdom for Today (2010) and give it the form of the present book . The focus is on its relevance for the rushed life of today. We all deserve a respite. The three sections of the book are presented as a practical framework for experiencing the fullness of life. Section One introduces the Universality of the Gayatri. It is the only mantra that is present in the Vedas, the Upanishads, and receives a special affirmation in the Bhagavad Gita. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 8

Section Two Prayer for Spiritual Inspiration presents the essence of the fourteen pearls of the Gayatri -- a unique combination of words and syllables woven in resonance and harmony. The Sages, in their deep meditation, captured the experience of the universal spiritual energy in two metaphors central to the Mantra: Om, the sound symbol of the formless Divine, and the Sun, the light of spiritual consciousness. The mantra is a prayer for spiritual grace for self-awakening to experience the universal spiritual energy that permeates life and existence.

Patient chant of the mantra, with understanding of its meaning, infuses self-awareness, courage, integrity, optimism, and universality the very qualities that forge personal security and self-confidence as well as genuine intent and determination for goodwill towards everyone. You chart the life of tomorrow by channeling your intellectual inspiration for a truthful life in the world today. Positivity instills qualities that help attain your cherished aspirations. That is the wisdom for a healthy, happy, ethical, and meaningful life, everyday. The concluding Section Three Realize your Brilliance is a reminder that your mind is your Light -- the Savitur when it is endowed with virtues, knowledge, and divine remembrance as its radiant assets for purposeful self-discovery.

The readers would benefit from rational adaptation of the underlying spirit of the mantra for attaining meaningfulness in the rushed life of today.

My family deserves my appreciation for their perseverance. I thank Dr. S.P. Jain and Ms. Seema Sood for their helpful suggestions in improving the manuscript. I also extend my deepest gratitude to all the people who enriched my spiritual life. My father and Anand Swami Saraswati deserve a special mention for exploration of my own spirituality. San Marcos San Diego California, USA 2011

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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SECTION ONE
INTRODUCTION

UNIVERSALITY OF THE GAYATRI MANTRA

Advances in science and technology in the twentieth century have impacted life for the better for everyone. In general, living conditions have improved, food supplies have increased, health delivery systems are better, diseases are under greater check, life expectancies have shown continuous gains, and education has become more accessible for the masses. These are historic achievements indeed. It is not a perfect picture but progress is continuously being made on all fronts to make life better for global citizens and bridge disparities on an ongoing basis. We are in a marvelous new world with the promise of peace and prosperity, increased understanding and acceptance of the diversity of humanity, and global opportunities for strengthening efforts for universal good. Material needs complemented with spiritual values would make life even richer.

In our moments of reflection -- they are becoming rarer with the demands of modern-day living -- the questions regarding the meaning in life, the meaning of being human, and the meaning of this whole existence certainly present themselves. We wonder about the ultimate force or principle that impeccably maintains efficacy of natural law and order and holds the universe together.

When we observe nature up close, the whole of existence seems alive in gratitude. Each morning dawns in divine remembrance -- the first rays of the sun awaken nature from nights slumber, the flow of energy stimulates various processes as if they were waiting for this very The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 10

moment: Flower buds begin to open in welcome gesture, birds elatedly sing in celebratory gratitude, bees hum around the flowers in rhythmic joy, songbirds extend their melodious greetings, peacocks dance, swans frolic, and dewdrops liberate the hidden sweet essence in groves of trees to fill the air with freshness. A joyful expression is alive in all directions as far as the eyes can see! It is spontaneous, it is there, it is pure, and it is without expectations. It is simply divine. It is the serene spiritual state we wish we were in each day.

The human mind has attempted to capture the experience of the sacred spirit in sounds and words, names and forms, symbols and metaphors, songs and music, fables and myths, faith and reverence, dance and devotion, reflective silence and prayer, religion and philosophy, and also through the rationality of science. We pray, sing, study, chant, and meditate for direct experience the darshana -- of the Divine.

Mantras are combinations of sounds and words that the ancient sages discovered in their deep meditation. They are our means for connection with our spiritual centers. Proper or guided chants of a mantra with understanding of its meaning and experienced conviction penetrates our deeper consciousness. Like a dynamo, the chant creates its own energy field and initiates selftransformation. Next, the chant merges in silence, and spiritual experience fills our beings.

One mantra that occupies a very special place in Hindu life is called the Gayatri. It is central to the religious ceremonies, celebrations, and spiritual attainment. It is part of the Vedas and described for meditation in the Upanishads (Brihadaraynkya Upanishad V. 14. 1-8 and Chhandogya
Upanishad III. 12. 1-9).

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says: Among the mantras, know me in the

Gayatri (Bhagavad Gita X. 35). Also, it has been often said that the spiritual identity of India is enshrined in the Five Gs -- the Gita, Gobinda, Ganga, Guru, and Gayatri. The Bhagavad Gita is the essence of practical spirituality captured in its karma philosophy; Gobinda is Krishna the symbol of perfection, the divine in man, and glory to the fullest; Ganga is the sacred river Ganges, whose water, it is believed, arrived from the heavens to carve and nurture its fertile valley for plentiful food, progressive civilization, yoga (meditation), devotional worship, and spiritual discourses at The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 11

the holy city of Varanasi on its banks and to shelter millions in its bosom for fulfillment in life and in death; Guru is the self-realized person who is the source of spiritual illumination to dispel ignorance; Gayatri is a very meaningful prayer for inspiration, self-transformation, and spiritual living. Therefore, to know spiritual India is to understand the significance of the Five Gs as living presence in the daily lives of her people.

The Gayatri Mantra is essentially a prayer for self-transformation and the inspiration to inculcate higher personal attributes. It is a prayer for grace of illumined intellect, creative knowledge, higher ideals, universal virtues, balanced mind, truthful living, awakened consciousness, and discerning wisdom for a meaningful journey of life. It is a prayer for the infusion of determination, effort, and aspiration to experience inner brilliance and cultivate the attitude of giving, like the sun, for the good of others. It is a prayer to stimulate understanding of unity of existence -- connected world, connected humanity, and one truth. It is a prayer for motivation of an honest and compassionate life of freedom forged with universal values to be remembered, prized, and practiced in daily life. The Gayatri, in spirit, is a recipe for success to reach your material, moral, and spiritual wholeness without stress.

Meditation on the mantra with full understanding of its essence is a highly transformative personal experience for beneficial changes in life. Energy is not dissipated in mundane affairs but channeled for innovative solutions, an honest work ethic, humility, intelligence, and a reasoned commitment to live a life of contentment. It is the yoga for personal peace. Life is free of prejudices, anger, dismay and differences.

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Facing page to Section Two The Gayatri in Sanskrit with its transliteration and essence

Om Bhr Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhmahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

The Gayatri Mantra

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SECTION TWO
PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION

PEARLS OF THE GAYATRI MANTRA

The Gayatri Mantra is a necklace of fourteen pearls a combination of words and syllables held together by the thread of spiritual sounds for inspiration and self-transformation. The meaning of the mantra is now presented in five parts for enhanced appreciation. Think of them as the geometry of nested dolls, each doll exposing the inherent mystery. It is not the intent here to be academic or exhaustive but to simply share easy understanding of the essence of the mantra. Om.| Bhur Bhuva Svah| Tat Savitur Varenyam| Bhargo Devasaya Dhimahi| Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.

1. Om (Aum) the Sound Symbol of Divine -- The Source

Om is a mantra in itself. It is the one mantra, perhaps the only, that is readily recognized all over the world due to the enormous popularity of yoga. It would not be a surprise if it is the most chanted sound in the world.

The divine presence was spiritually experienced by the Rishis in their deep meditation as the sound Om -- the source of universal spiritual energy. Everything that exists is manifestation through the universal energy in Om. The Rishis (the Sages) called it the sound of existence (Udgith). Thus, Om contains the space and time (past, present, and future) yet transcends it. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 14

The Aum Mantra The Symbol of Ultimate Reality

Sound

States
The Waking Consciousness

Experiences
Experiences the objective world.

Life
The Beginning, The Birth Beginning, The Birth The Middle, The Life

Gods
Brahma

Process
Formation, Manifestation

The beginning sound form of aa is present in all sounds. It opens in throat. The middle sound form oo follows the aa and rolls the sound forward. The ending sound form mm marks the closing of the lips. Silence is the full merger, All becomes One. The sound of AUM resonates within.

The Dream Consciousness

The Deep Sleep Consciousness

Extends objective experience. Creates Virtual reality in dreams. Absorption of the above two into a state of rest. In elevated state, it is union with Universal Pure Consciousness

Vishnu

Sustenance, Maintenance

The End, The Death

Shiva

Dissolution, Withdrawal

A U M

The Divine Consciousness The Fourth (Turiya)

Transcendenc Brahman Absorbed for e Regeneration

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Om

Om should not be considered a word. Words have limited meanings. Om is an indivisible sound. It is a sound symbol of the formless Divine, Brahman -- the God beyond gods, the Ultimate Reality.

What is God? What is its form? Where is it? How can I relate to it? These are examples of universal questions. The simple answer may lie to experience the Divine in the universal sound -- the Om.

The divine energy, as the sound of Om, coalesced and evolved into the visible reality infused with intelligence and spiritual consciousness to protect, to support and to inspire the physical, spatial, and intuitive domains for harmonious existence. It is the primeval sound that is playing in the entire existence. It is eternal sound that would remain if all other sounds were no longer there. In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna says: Know me to be the Om of sacred sound/speech,
(Bhagavad Gita X. 25)

and Om is the word sound of worship in the Vedas, (Bhagavad Gita VII. 8) and

Repeat Om -- the sound symbol of Brahman (Bhagavad Gita VIII. 13) in life and for eventual liberation from birth and death. The absolute reality is contained in Om (Yajur Veda XL. 17), and that sound vibration may always be with us (Yajur Veda II. 13; also see Chhandogya Upanishad I). The sound energy of Om expands consciousness for experiencing the Divine Spirit within.

Let us briefly look at the matrix of the sound of OM also written as AUM. All coherent speech sounds are produced in the mouth -- from the root of the tongue to the closing of the lips. A (aa) is the root sound that originates at the throat with no touching of the tongue/palate. It is the universal part of all sounds. U (oo) is the rolling forward of the sound. And, M (mm) is the ending of the sound with the closing of the lips.

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Finally, the sound merges into silence. The individual self merges into the universal Self. Consciously, feel the sound of Om and then let it just be.

Om is, therefore, the beginning, the middle and the end. It is the projection of Brahman as the three faces of the Hindu trinity -- Brahma (the divine energy of manifestation), Vishnu (the divine energy of preservation), and Shiva (the divine energy of dissolution). It is the flow of divine energy in unfolding the universe, sustaining it, and finally absorbing it for regeneration. Therefore, the material universe appears in cycles, each cycle followed by quietude similar to the ending silence in the chant of Om.

The Om: It is the eternal sound. Om is the whole universe. The past, present, and future are contained in the Om. And so also is what transcends time.
(Mandukya Upanishad 1)

It is the sound of pure consciousness. The sound of a corresponds to the waking consciousness, the sound of u is the dreaming state, and the sound of m is the deep sleep state of mental union. Together, the sound of Om (Aum) facilitates union with your pure consciousness the Atman itself.
(Mandukya Upanishad 8-12)

It is the sound of religious initiations and practices. The sound of which all the Vedas speak, which all the religious practices (tapas) proclaim, for which the practitioners observe abstinence, this sound is The Om.
(Katha Upanishad I. ii, 15)

It is the sacred sound for spiritual union. The sacred sound Om is the bow, the arrow is the soul, and Brahman (God) is the aim. He will be reached by him whose attention does not swerve. Then he will become one with Him as the arrow becomes one upon penetrating the target. (Mundaka Upanishad II. ii, 4,
6).

To experience the sound of Om, sit comfortably, gently close your eyes, breathe deeply in and out to harmonize your breath. Repeat the chant of Om slowly and pleasantly, feel its vibrations rise from the navel upward, and experience the state of inner awareness. As the lips The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 17

close, the silence submerges you in serenity. It is one sound whose resonance fills your entire being. Repeat. The practice progressively focuses the wandering mind to actualize and experience the tranquility of blissful absorption. Gradually, chanting will transition to mental recitation. No effort, it just happens. No speech, no sound, just feel it and let it fill your being. That is just divine.

Let the Om sound of serenity continuously play in you. Begin each day and each act silently with Om and let each day and each act end silently with Om. It would become the spiritual remembrance to last lifetime. The Om sound is the bridge to the other shore -- the Divine. The noise of desires, greed, anger, lust, and emotional bondage dampens the sound and may distance you from the experience of your being, just as the mid-day noise and the chaos of the evening distance you from the serenity of the dawn.

Om (or Omkaar and Onkaar) is common to the Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions. Perhaps its equivalent sound (as amen, Amin) is also present in other traditions. To me it appears that universal spiritual sound was experienced differently by various spiritual masters. Thus, the sound of Om binds or unites us all spiritually.

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2.

Bhur, Bhuvah, Svah -- Special Expressions of the Divine Form

The cosmic energy intrinsic in the sound of Om continues to permeate the universe with intelligence, diversity, beauty, and continuity. The built-in intelligence organizes the elements into various objects and life forms, supports their growth and sustains their existence. Om energy is, therefore, the seed that sprouts its hidden potentiality. There is no place in the universe without ordered projection of matter and energy. The entire existence is one visible and spiritual unity. We are part of that unity. Humans have the gift of mind and heart to integrate thoughts and feelings to experience divinity, which is not accessible by any material means or intellectual analysis or reasoned discourses.

This part of the prayer is recognition of the force that manifests, protects, and supports the ordered state of the universe. The three words Bhur, Bhuvah, and Svah at the personal level are the seeds of human potentiality for material attainment, good health, and intellectual creativity. Understand their meaning for self-transformation.

Accordingly, your words, thoughts, and actions should reinforce discipline, inner strength, and courage to meet the challenges in life and for doing well. Bhur the Energy

The presence of pure consciousness everywhere and in everything is conveyed in the Bhur. It is a representation of that energy flow from which life emerges and finally merges back into at the end of a cycle. The vibrations of Bhur energize the mind with knowledge of the Self and dispel fear and ignorance.

Bhur is also considered the prana -- the life energy. The prana is that totality which gives eyes, nose, ears, etc., their capacities to function. It vitalizes the mind to comprehend what lies beyond the sensory perception (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. IV. 4-18; Rig Veda X. 121.7 and Kena
Upanishad I. 2; Chhandogya Upanishad, I. 11. 5). Earth

is symbolic of Bhur for its firmness and for its

basic support life. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 19

Tap into your own Bhur life energy -- that is the support of your existence. You are oblivious of its presence and wandering outside to masters seeking instant spirituality. Eventually you would reach the conclusion that what you were seeking was all the time within you. Know that the entire existence wants to help you. It is your support. The earth supports you in all different ways. You are standing on its firmness. You feel secure. You are not afraid. You trust the firm support under your feet. Bhur is that faculty and life energy in you.

Bhuvah -- the Mind

Bhuvah is a metaphor for the force that dissolves miseries. It is like being in the protective custody of a person who has all the resources to provide security and freedom.

More appropriately, think of Bhuvah as the divine grace which infuses the capacity to direct all efforts to remove suffering, integrate body-mind-spirit, foster conscious detachment from objects, and steer life away from temptations. You are creating your own heaven here.

You create your world with your thoughts. Good thoughts cause happiness and evil thoughts cause misery. Love and hate both reside in the mind. Only love can conquer hate. Put your faith in it and see the results for yourself. Svah the Balance

Svah is the seeking of inspiration for peace, joy, and contentment. The Svah sound strengthens determination to overcome miseries and infuse happiness, comfort, and joy.

At the personal level, its understanding promotes the attributes for maintaining good health, sound mind, discerning intellect, and awakened consciousness for a life of lasting satisfaction. Thus, Svah is a metaphor to chart a blissful life here and now.

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3. Tat Savitur Varenyam the Prayer

This part of the mantra seeks grace of qualities that awaken your innate goodness and hidden brilliance. It is acceptance of your wholeness which transcends all limitations. The universal consciousness is expressed here as being analogous to the radiant sun the most brilliant object in our solar system. Therefore, the symbolic sun is central to the mantra. The sun gives us light, warmth, and energy, and modulates weather to facilitate, support, propagate, and sustain life. Suns light falls universally on all bodies of water (clear or filthy), all forms of life, and all types of landscapes. There is no bias. That is its inherent quality. People worship sun as a deity. Each morning they go east to the bodies of water and vow to the sunrise (suraynamaskar) and oblations. In exercise yoga, suraynamaskar asna, is a total body exercise.

Each morning the sun arouses nature from its slumber and transforms its dormant power into a vibrant living entity. So should the spiritual light be for each of us. In other words, your life should be inspired and engaged in the realization of your own potential and in the practice of the principle that all people are equal despite their apparent differences. There is universality of humanity. Just like the sun, learn to rise above separateness and strengthen the underlying unity to give your life its true meaning. It is the awakening to be giving, helping, sharing, and enriching lives without differentiations and expectations.

Look at the journey of a seed to realize its potentiality: A seed germinates and sprouts in the prepared ground. Moisture, atmosphere, and sunlight provide for the plants stable, healthy growth to reach its potential to blossom into flowers or bear fruits or become the source of food/vegetation to sustain and circulate the cycle of animal and plant life. Therefore, be ready to assist people to blossom in their own lives.

Tat -- That (the Divine) The basis of all that exists is represented in the essence of Tat. It means the Pure Consciousness, or Brahman. That only is the Real. Everything else is transient. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 21

Witness the process of change around you. Start with yourself. You are born, grow to be young, transition into mature state, and would pass on. You see that with all people around you your family, your children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. All is in the process of change, nothing that is unchangeable and you can hold on to. What does not change is the divine presence, the universal pure consciousness God. Know it and bring it in your life. A new view of life presents itself that is bright, satisfying, and promising.

We do not trust our hearts and get entangled in intellectual machinations of our minds. Watch a child. See how readily he holds parents hand. He is playful and without fear. The child places complete trust in his parents and feels assured in the security of his parents. There are no questions, no doubts, no deliberations, simply the trust. That is real. The next word of the mantra points to picture the Tat as the Brilliance. Savitur the Brilliance The sun to which we can easily relate serves as a metaphor for divine brilliance the supreme universal consciousness that underlies all existence and nourishes human consciousness. People are commonly oblivious of their inner light. It is always present.

Let us try to understand. Imagine a light bulb enclosed in a clean cover. It shines brightly. However, its brilliance is dimmed if the cover accumulates dust and is not kept clean. As soon as the cover is cleaned, the brightness returns. Such is also the case with your inner light.

Awaken a streak of spirituality in yourself and the cover of darkness (caused by anger, hate, lust, greed, and self-centeredness) disappears similar to the light from even a small candle makes the objects instantly visible in a dark room. Therefore, open your mind to make the right decisions and to channel your energy to do the right things. Wisdom shines. You achieve success, prosperity, and status and shine like the sun.

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Spiritual brightness is always there but it does not shine brightly because of the accumulated layers of dust. The dust of selfish desires, temptations, emotions, and pleasures hides spiritual purity. It may be uncovered by disciplined spiritual living. It does not mean selfmortification, austerities, and rejection of the celebration of life.

To look at it another way, imagine climbing a hill. As you make the climb, you begin to get a clearer vision of the valley below. The obstructions to your sight are diminished. When you reach the peak, you have the grand view of the total valley. So is the case with a spiritual journey. Each of your steps in that direction brings you closer to experiencing your spiritual brightness. Moral and ethical living and meditation start a person on that path. It must be fortified with restraint on material and sensual indulgence, anger, greed, attachments, and ego. Do not let them steal opportunities for self-discovery and self-realization from you. Each of us has the capacity for spiritual awakening.

Spiritual light is situated in the heart. Grab its meaning in life and excitedly engage in causes for happiness and joy. Accordingly, inspire others to wake up from their slumber of ignorance and move to devotion, service, and knowledge. Varenyam the Acceptance

It naturally follows that you should not let go of that focus. You must grab it. Make divine remembrance, meditation and spiritual devotion an essential part of your daily life in order to experience the metaphorical brilliance, represented in the Savitur, continually illuminating your spirit. Therefore, Varenyam is acceptance of divine excellence. Life lived in accordance with the cosmic order is living in the flow. It is freedom. It is peace and contentment.

Know that life is immortal and joyful in divine refuge (yasaya cchayamritm, YajurVeda
XXV. 13).

Stay engaged in positive and creative activities as your moral duty. The real worth is not

in what one owns but in the enduring inner joy one creates. Truly, nothing belongs to you except for the karma you engage in life. You carry forward only its effects, both good and bad, for the journey ahead. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 23

4.

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi -- the Devotion

This part of the Mantra is to forge your feelings in trust and earnestness. Here the heart and mind come together in devotion. You become your own neighbour and rise above separations. Equanimity fills you. Bhargo the Magnificence

The Bhargo is the invitation to experience the divine splendour according to your own spiritual preparation. Each person sees the form of God according to his/her perception. People may see the Divine form in Krishna, Shiva, Christ, Buddha and other cultural expressions. It is like the reflection of one image through the mirrors of minds.

Self-awareness, spiritual knowledge, right attitude and determination are necessary attributes for self-discovery. It is opening the door of the mind to experience the vast feelings of the heart for compassionate and enlightened living. It is to fuse rationality with sensitivity through meditation. You open your mind to sustain purity of thought, behaviour, and truthfulness.

Start with being truthful to yourself, your family, your friends, your elders, and your colleagues. It is the beginning of the self-transformative process. There are no falsifications or cover-ups. Life begins to experience its naturalness, its focus, its strength, and it is ready for the lasting joy. Devasya the Light

Spiritual illumination through inner purity is Devasya. Happiness prevails and faces are radiant with inner contentment. There is no place for negative emotions such as anger, hate, and selfishness. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 24

We are afraid of physical darkness as the nature of objects is not apparent. We are caught in illusions. A rope may be assumed to be a snake and cause fear in us. A little light discloses the reality and the fear vanishes. There is no longer the illusion of the unknown. We may also be caught in illusions of rituals as the means to liberation. Know the spiritual essence behind them and become your own light.

Dhimahi the Absorption

Dhimahi is the state when the mind is in deep prayerful expression in meditation. Dhimahi is the determination that channels intellect for spiritual attainment. It is yoga or integration of mind and spirit.

Dhimahi is moving higher to your totality. Awareness manifests. You are no longer caught in mundane pursuits or trivial matters. You prepare yourself to experience the genuine breath of your true being.

5.

Dhiyo Yo Nah Parchodyat -- the Surrender

The ending essence of the prayer is to seek refuge in universal spiritual consciousness God -to guide your way. Surrender helps to subdue ego. Divine grace flows to you. It frees inner energy for enhanced spiritual experience. Meditation lets the power and the meaning of the whole of the mantra sink into your being. That is opening the door of the mind for conscious experience of the spirit within. Dhiyo -- the Intellect

Dhiyo is the conscious awareness of the unity of existence. Therefore, Dhiyo is to motivate karma, thought, and words to shorten your distance to the intuitive experience of truth. Intellect is channeled to rise above doubts and open the door to inner fulfillment.

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Yo the Knowable

Yo is the strengthening of your trust in formless God expressed by the Savitur metaphor. Nah the Awareness

Nah is a reference to the conscious mind in us all. Therefore, learn to be conscious of what you do -- eat with awareness, wake up with awareness, speak with awareness, interact with awareness, and love with awareness. Prachodyat the Inspiration

The final word, Prachodyat, is for impetus to steer the totality of my (your) being toward goodness and for attainment of the Self. Therefore, I surrender unto you. Inspire me to be righteous, to possess ethical integrity in work and relationships, and infuse me with firm dedication for spiritual realization.

In summary, the life transforming essence of the Gayatri Mantra unfolds the ultimate unity of God and existence. Om, the sound energy of Brahman Manifested the universe infused with intelligence to protect, to sustain, and to inspire its domains for joyful existence. I meditate on the Sun of Spiritual Consciousness for inner illumination. With full awareness of the unity of existence, I present the totality of my being to Brahman [God] for inspiration and wisdom to steer my mind actively toward truthfulness, goodness and spiritual fulfillment. (Om, Bhr Bhuvah Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhmahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat)

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Let the essence of the mantra move my entirety with inspiration, motivation, sincerity, and awaken me to realize my wholeness.

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STEPS TO MEDITATION

Our daily experiences while awake are largely of our bodily needs. We are engaged in the satisfaction of our senses (eat, drink etc.). We are hardly aware that our breath propels our activities, work, and joy of living. Breath is the life force. It helps us digest food, circulate nutrients, and discharge the wastes. It modulates mental functions to process input of information by our senses. Our intellect carries out the necessary analysis to reach decisions. Each of us is wrapped in layers of body-mind-intellect. Our well integrated system that connects our objective world and our subjective self is illumined by the light of our spiritual consciousness our innermost sanctum. Its presence gives us the human consciousness. Very few venture to understand the mystery of it all. Meditation is an important means to experience your subjective being.

The preparation for meditation requires nurturing of trust and truthfulness, devotion and dedication, regularity and consistency, patience and persistence, and cooperation and commitment. It should be supplemented with attention to personal health, both physical and mental, reasoned faith, and felt conviction shraddha. It is an affirmative attitude supported by humility, earnestness, passion, and determination for self-discovery and intense aspiration to reach your personal spiritual goal. Together, they are tremendous assets for meditation and satisfaction. Your proper preparedness advances your potential for success in meditation. You must make efforts to secure a life of peace and joy.

You may choose the Gayatri to be your mantra for meditation. The blessing (or the prasad) is in material contentment (education, status, comfortable living, and achievements) and spiritual fulfillment. Let the radiance of the spiritual sun shine in you. Here are the steps that you may find beneficial for meditation:

TIME FOR MEDITATION

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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It is important to select and set aside a convenient but specific time for meditation each day. It should be free of any other demands and not be rushed. You should meditate on a regular basis each day to realize its continuing benefits. Early morning meditation is preferred and advisable as an excellent way to start the day. The body and mind are rested from the nights sleep and are fresh.

You may choose another convenient but definite time so that you are regular in your practice of meditative immersion.

LOCATION

Designate a place in your apartment or home or office or another place of choice with easy accessibility. It should have proper ambience and be relatively free of noise and clutter. Remember, it is your temple for personal inner experience. Create the proper ambience that would inspire you in this direction.

POSTURE

One should wear loose clothing to minimize any physical discomfort that tight clothes may cause during sitting for meditation. Before you start, you may freshen up. Drink water, as the system needs fluids after a nights sleep. Be at ease. A great posture for sitting in meditation is that which keeps the body still, comfortable, and erect. Any physical uneasiness should be avoided. Learn to relieve mental tension and anxiety. Take a few deep breaths to harmonize your system and the breath to flow evenly.

SITTING FOR MEDITATION The next step is to gently close your eyes, focus your mind on your center of spiritual consciousness the point between the eyebrows, and breathe normally.

Begin the mantra chant gently, melodiously, clearly, correctly, and with devotion. Hear it. Om The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 29

Bhur Bhuva Svah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasaya Dhimahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat

Each world has powerful vibrations. Connect with the essence of the mantra. Om, the sound energy of Brahman Manifested the universe infused with intelligence to protect, to sustain, and to inspire its domains for joyful existence. I meditate on the Sun of Spiritual Consciousness for inner illumination. With full awareness of the unity of existence, I present the totality of my being to Brahman [God] for inspiration and wisdom to steer my mind actively toward truthfulness, goodness and spiritual fulfillment.

Be consciously absorbed in the meaning of the Mantra. Each of the word/syllable would enable you to join with your energy centers (the Chakras).

Soon you will learn to concentrate and silently chant the mantra with full absorption in its meaning.

Meditate at a regular time for a minimum of thirty minutes daily and with full commitment and devotion. With constant practice you will progress to silent meditation absorbed in its essence. It would still your mind. The ecstasy would fill your being.

The Gayatri meditation is essentially the integration and translation of the ideal into your daily life for healthy self-transformation.

RELAX The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 30

Gently open your eyes. Become aware of your body and the surroundings. Relax for some time before you start activities of the day Let the state of calm soak in silently. If you wish, play light classical/soft music. Have some fruit juice. Read inspiring works or spiritual philosophy.

Next, it is time for morning exercise to keep your biological container fully tuned and healthy. The allotted time for exercise should be long enough as per your situation. Remember that this is your time, just for you, and make the most of it.

The body-mind-heart-spirit system is in sync and has good energy flow. You are ready to start your day -- calm, positive, joyful, and considerate. Certainly, your day would be productive. Your life would be centered in the present or the now.

Remember, when you are at peace you think better, perform better, progress better, achieve success, and life is radiant. Obviously, the joy of the material world, the fruit of knowledge, the open liberal attitude of universality, the sense of freedom and security, affable relationships with people and spiritual attainment fulfill the purpose of life. The awareness of the reality of the journey of life frees you from irrational attachments of the material world. You have attained a perfect blend of all that life offers.

Yoga meditation brings personal fulfillment, state of inner peace, healthy living, and enduring happiness. It is an essential personal gift and should become the intuitive companion of all stages of your life. Live the meaning of the Mantra to increase contentment and reduce worries, dissolve stresses, and ward off sufferings

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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ATTAINING YOUR CHERISHED ASPIRATIONS Living your dream Life is a continuous test. One must learn from each experience to move forward. It is like onthe-job training to learn from the present to plan for the future, to project from the lessons of youth for the needs of old age, to transition from the fullness of old age to the peaceful preparation for the journey ahead, from the darkness of prejudice to the light of openness, from the temptations of indulgence to the joy of simple living, from selfish desires to an attitude of generous giving, and from the life of extremes to the life of balance.

Tomorrow starts today. It is a fallacy to think that spiritual immersion should wait till the mature (old) stage of life. We all know, as we advance in years we are no longer as robust as we were. Body, senses, mind, and intellect are not as sharp as they once were. Moreover, the ingrained habits become difficult to break and to be spiritually focused. Truly, the process for self-discovery, self-awakening, and spiritual transformation must start today for lasting contentment tomorrow. The Gayatri prayer is the stimulus in that direction. . Therefore, go ahead and live your intentions, your dreams, and your cherished aspirations for a fulfilled life. It would include:

Healthy Body-Mind -- Life is grounded in inner satisfaction, an affirming attitude, and a commitment to preserving body-mind in good health and free from tension and stress. Productive Life Live a long quality life, even a hundred years, engaged, productive, compassionate, and contented to the very end. Life is regulated and active. Life of the Mind It is dedication of life to knowledge, creativity, innovation, and actions to improve life for everyone. Life is enriched with learning and doing. It should never stop. Network of Harmony Life is one of principles and values instilling love and understanding among family members, friends, relatives, colleagues and becoming a source of strength and joy for all it touches. Resource Sufficiency Life is one of adequate financial resources, material independence and respect achieved through education, skills, and an honest work ethic. Let a grateful and generous attitude be its blossom. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 32

Social Visibility Life is one of dedication, service, kindness and a helping attitude. It must continue throughout life with little consideration for prestige and recognition. Life of the Spirit Humility, gratitude, compassion and divine remembrance are essential preparations for attaining life of the spirit. Let these values flourish to achieve the real meaning of life -- spiritual fulfillment.

You achieve the future for yourself. That is living your dream of a contented life.

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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SECTION THREE
REALIZE YOUR BRILLIANCE

MIND IS YOUR LIGHT

The silent chant of the Gayatri Mantra with full absorption in its essence steadily begins to open the very core of your being. Personal transformation happens and helps to integrate mind and heart, thoughts and feelings, and words and deeds for a healthy life of peace, bliss, and harmony. Obviously, calmness of the mind and purity of the heart prevail. The natural outcome is success and happiness in both the material and spiritual spheres of life. You strengthen friendships, extend love, and encourage openness.

You begin to appreciate what you have accomplished. You are awakened to the source within. That is your inner divine consciousness (and for that matter in everything and everywhere), the most enduring presence there is, to guide your path. You are part of all the action in life yet consciously detached from it all.

Each morning dawns with its new freshness of its beauty, its joy, its promise, its music, and its goodness held together with the invisible thread of love. This is the holy temple-- the form of the Formless present all around you and in you. The entire existence is inspired in grateful prayer. Mind is your Light the Savitur -- when it is endowed with virtues, fruitful knowledge, dedication to duties, and divine remembrance. It naturally brims with honor, forgiveness, truthfulness, compassion, and love. These are the true essentials of life every day. They are also the best of intentions for a contented and a celebrated life. The Gayatri Mantra Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D. Page 34

Light your mind and heart and the world will become bright for you.

The essence of the Gayatri Mantra is to cultivate and enrich purity (sattva quality) in each of us to achieve a life of inspiration, integrity, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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About the Author

Mohan K. Sood grew up in Ropar-Chandigarh area of Punjab, India. After his graduation from Panjab University he came to Canada and earned his Ph.D. degree from the University of Western Ontario. Subsequently, he taught Earth Sciences at Northeastern Illinois University and served as Dean of Graduate College. Dr. Sood transitioned to California in 2002 to follow his personal passion for the spiritual wisdom of India.

The Gayatri Mantra

Mohan K. Sood, Ph.D.

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