Mantras for Spiritual Life: Exploring Meditation and Chanting
Mantras play a significant role in spiritual life, whether you are meditating or chanting while performing other activities. The essence of mantras lies in their specific vibrations and energy, which can help harness the mind and bring about profound spiritual experiences.
The Initiation of Meditation Mantras
The best way to receive a meditation mantra is through initiation from an awakened spiritual master or a meditation teacher who has been authorized by such a master to teach meditation. The initiation ritual confers the mantra with a subtle energy, setting it apart from mere sound. This energy is vital because it opens a door to experiences that would otherwise remain closed.
During meditation, the normally scattered energy of the mind is gathered and focused in one direction, similar to how a lens focuses the light of the sun into intense heat, creating a fire. An empowered mantra carries a similar kind of focused energy—the kind that can burn away the seeds of karma, freeing the practitioner from the bondage of past actions.
Guidance from a True Spiritual Mentor
For a living true spiritual mentor or guru, the initiation process is crucial. Not only does this mentor give the technique of meditation, but also imparts certain Holy Names that have spiritual power. These names are meant to be repeated during meditation to reduce and eventually eliminate the wayward thoughts of the pleasure-seeking mind, helping the practitioner to focus their mind at the eye center, commonly referred to as the third eye or the single eye.
According to spiritual teachings, when one succeeds in focusing their mind, one hears the words of Christ, "If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light and divine melody." This melody is the 'Word' or Logos, also known as the Shabd and Nam, which are so enchanting and fascinating that they can leave behind worldly pleasures.
The true guru, through these Holy Names, provides a path to inner peace and bliss. The practitioner feels a deep spiritual experience as a result. If one can repeat these Holy Names during activities where the mind is not too preoccupied, the path to spiritual awakening is further facilitated.
Seeking the True Guru
According to spiritual teachings, one must seek and find the true guru. The statement "Seek and you shall find the True Guru" highlights the importance of actively seeking guidance and initiation. Equally important is the willingness to follow the path and practices imparted by the guru.
Moreover, the spiritual world follows the principle of action and result. One must knock on the door of meditation to receive the opening of the single eye. This process is both personal and transformative, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the universe.
By focusing on these mantras and following the teachings of a true guru, one can embark on a journey of spiritual transformation, harnessing the power of the mind to achieve profound and lasting inner peace.