The Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the oldest known chants in the world. Scholars trace it back to the Vedic Period of ancient India (1500 – 500 BCE). The mantra’s spiritual power is protected by the goddess, Gayatri. And the mantra is a hymn to the divine spark that is within us all and to the Divine Sun (sura) that is the embodiment of spiritual power.
Swami Vivekananda commented on the Gayatri Mantra and said, “We meditate on the glory of that Being who has produced this universe; may she enlighten our minds.”
The mantra is chanted in Sanskrit, which is a very complex multi-dimensional language that often conveys multiple meanings simultaneously. A word-for-word translation of the mantra into English is below. But when viewing the words, think of them as metaphors and let them reach deep into your psyche.
Om: The primeval sound
Bhur: The human body, earth, physical realm, existence
Bhuvah: The vital energies, heaven, consciousness
Suvah: The soul, inner space, spiritual realm, bliss
Tat: That
Savitur: The sun, solar powers
Varenyam: To choose, the best, adore
Bhargo: Effulgence, self-luminous, divine light
Devasya: The divine radiant
Dimahi, Dhiyo: the intellect
Yo: which
Nah: Our, of us
Prachodayat: Illuminate inspire
The spiritual master and guru, Master Kirpal Singh, commented on the mantra with these words: “Muttering the sacred syllable Aum, rise above the three regions (editorial note: past, present, and future). And turn thy attention to the All-absorbing Sun within. Accepting the influence be thou absorbed in the Sun, and it shall in its own likeness make thee All-Luminous.”
There are many translations of this mantra into English. And while no translation can capture the full depth and multidimensionality of Sanskrit, one of my favorite translations is…
Homage to the Atman, It is due to thee that we enjoy happiness on the physical, astral and causal realms, and it is due to thy all-pervading light that you are worthy of being worshipped and adored.”
How to work with this mantra
Traditionally, the mantra is chanted out loud or silently with the focus of attention in the Ajna chakra (Third Eye), which is located at the bridge of the nose, between the eyes and back about an inch. Some gurus say that you should repeat the mantra 108 times.
When you gently hold your focus of attention in your Ajna, you activate latent spiritual and psychic abilities, and the mantra attunes you to receive direct contact with your own Divine Nature. There may also be an increased perception of inner light.
The more often you work with the mantra, the quicker your spiritual attainments will manifest.
Click here to listen to and/or download the Gayatri Mantra.