What is Tratak Sadhana? Part 2: The Benefits
Tratak is an advanced technique. Seek the help of a Guru before starting its practise.
This post continues from the prior article on Tratak – click here to read.
The benefits are many
The point of tratak is to ultimately still the mind and use the resulting concentration to access soul power within.
Aside from improved focus, mental acuity and memory, other notable benefits are:
- Precognition. One may experience such heightened levels of perception that your observation skills border on precognition. IE – you can almost read someone’s thoughts or know what they are about to say before they say it. This occurs because the mind is usually attempting to process more information from your 5 senses continuously than is usually possible. Most of the time it must ‘delete’ the majority of this information flowing in and just focus on the relevant details. With the practice of tratak, one starts to delete less and absorb more.
- Influence. Your powers of influence improve as you can no only ‘read’ people better, your added awareness and mental acuity give rise to greater levels of confidence. In combination these two factors allow you to improve your oration abilities, stick to the strength of your convictions and therefore much more easily influence others.
- Siddhis. The advanced practitioner of tratak can reach the stage where their cognitive abilities can access the subtle realms of existence and channel divine power to manifest siddhis (when used in conjunction with mantras); the easiest being clairvoyance, remote vision, psychic communication, etc.
The Ultimate Invocation of Shiva – The Rudra
Worship Shiva as Rudra for unimaginable benefits
Worship Rudra, the God of the Storm
In the centre of the Krsna Yajur Veda, there is a hymn called the Rudra (also called the Rudram or Rudraprasna). It is a powerful invocation of Lord Shiva in the fierce form of Rudra. Rudra is the God of the Wind, Storm and the Hunt. He is accompanied by his fearsome entourage of the Maruts, the Gods of the Storm and Hunt and is known as the God of Thieves.
Translating from Sanskrit, Rudra means “the Howling One”, “the Terrible One”, “the Roaring One”, or “the Wild One”.
Tap into the essence of the Veda
Each verse is filled with incredible potency and extremely beneficial to the health and spiritual development of any sincere aspirant.
The Rudra is split into two parts – the Namaka and the Chamaka. The Namaka is so named because most lines end with ‘namo’ (prostrations) and similarly, the Chamaka’s verses each end in ‘chame’ (give me).
One of the reasons why the hymn is so powerful is because the Panchakshari mantra – Nama Shivaya – occurs in its very centre. The Panchakshari Mantra is the very essence of Shiva, constituting the power of the universe, the 5 elements, and directly stimulates chakras in the body of the sadhak.
Method of chanting
The Rudra can be chanted from start to finish for a one-off recitation, or can be structured in a specific way for multiple rounds.
The number eleven is auspicious to Shiva. To chant the Rudra 11x is called a Laghu Rudra, or an Ekadasa Rudra. The Namaka is chanted 11x, each time combined with a part of the Chamaka.
Taking this further, 11 Ekadasa Rudras constitute a Maharudra. 11 Maharudras constitute an Adi Rudra – the ultimate invocation of Shiva. The last time such a high profile event occured was in the presence of Sri Sathya Said Baba.
A yagnya usually accompanies the chanting, followed by abishek of panchamrita (the 5 components of the nectar of the Gods) – which is made up of five precious liquids, including water from a sacred river, milk, honey, ghee, yoghurt and the juice of a sugar-cane.
Chant the Rudra for Prosperity, Power and Peace
In general terms, aspirants pray to Shiva for the following benefits:
- Inviting auspiciousness into their lives
- Increased detachment and affinity for spirituality
- Incredible health and vitality; alleviating disease
- Greater efficiency and time management, overcoming procrastination
- Counteracting the malefic effects of the Sun, Jupiter, Saturn and Rahu
Needless to say, the worship of the Auspicious One also brings great peace to not only the aspirant and family, but extends as far as lokakshemam – ie peace for the entire plane. Click here for a prior article on peace.
His Holiness Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswathi shed further light on the Rudra, outlining the following specific (and more tangible) benefits in proportion to the number of Rudras performed:
1 Rudra – Freedom from Bala graha (diseases common to children).
3 Rudra – Freedom from imminent difficulties with which one is faced.
5 Rudra – Freedom from the evil effects of certain planets occupying unfavourable positions.
7 Rudra – Freedom from great fear.
9 Rudra – The fruit of one Vajapeya sacrifice (one of the great public yagnyas of ancient times).
11 Rudra – Getting the favour of kings and great wealth.
33 Rudra – Attainment of wishes for objects and having no enemies.
77 Rudra – Enjoyment of great happiness.
99 Rudra – Attainment of son, grandson, wealth, grain, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha and freedom from death.
1 Maharudra – Attainment of the favour of kings and becoming the Lord of great wealth.
3 Maharudra – Fulfilment of impossible tasks.
5 Maharudra – Acquirement of vast lands.
7 Maharudra – Attainment of the seven worlds.
9 Maharudra – Freedom from births and deaths.
1 Atirudra – Becoming God.
Is there any superior sacrifice in modern times?
In the modern day, the Rudra is considered one of the greatest yagnyas (fire sacrifices) possible and on par with the Aswamedha yagnyas etc of ancient times.
Chant or listen to the Rudra daily (click here for a link to the audio); Mondays in particular are auspicious to Shiva.
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How to Bend Destiny with the Navagraha Mantras – 7 – Jupiter
Let Jupiter drive your thirst for spirituality!
This post continues the ongoing series on How to Bend Destiny.
Guru – Planet of Spirituality
Jupiter is one of the most important planets in the solar system. It governs the spirituality and influence of aspirants.
Effects of Jupiter
In Eastern astrology, Jupiter is known as Guru (literally spiritual teacher) and Brihaspati. Brihaspati is the Guru of all the Devas and the son of Rishi Agirasa.
Jupiter governs personal qualities – such as optimism, gravitas, influence and scholastic aptitude, and also their material gains – such as the generation and preservation of wealth.
A person with a well placed Guru in their birth chart will be of a spiritual nature, charitable and generally benevolent with a full understanding of the concept of karma. They will endeavour to lead positive and meaningful lives.
Boost your spiritual drive!
The Vedic prayer to Jupiter is below, followed by the Brihaspati Gayatri.
Vedic prayer to Mercury
Transliteration
“Devaanaam cha Risheenaam cha Gurum kaanchana Sannibham
Buddhibhootam trilokesham tham namaami Brihaspathim“
Meaning
“I pray to the spiritual teacher of the Seers and the Gods who is of a golden colour, the intelligent one and the Lord of the Three Worlds.”
Brihaspati Gayatri
Transliteration
“Om Vrishabadhwajaaya Vidmahae
Kruni Hastaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Guru Prachodayaat“
Meaning
“We know the bull-flagged one,
We meditate on the one who achieves things,
May Jupiter inspire us”
Mantras to Shiva as Dakshinamurthy
The Ruling Deity of Jupiter is Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurthy, the Silent Guru, who appeared to the Sanat Kumaras to impart the wisdom of the universe and dispel their doubts.
Transliteration:
“Om Sri Gurubhyo namaha, Harihi Om
Gurur Brahma Gurur Vishnuhu
Guru devo Maheshwaraha
Guru saakshaat Parambrahma
Tasmai Sri Gurave namaha.Gurave sarva lokanaam
Bhishaje Bhavaroginam
Nidhaye sarva vidhyanam
Sri Dakshinamurthaye namahaSri Gurubhyo namaha, Harihi Om”
Semi-literal translation
“Prostrations to the Guru and Hari (Vishnu)
The Guru is Brahma
The Guru is Vishnu
The Guru is Mahesh (Shiva)The Guru is the witness and the Supreme Soul
My prostrations to you, the Guru.Salutations to the God of the Southern direction
The teacher of all planes of existence
Who is the doctor for all diseases
and the store of all knowledgeProstrations to the Guru and Hari (Vishnu)”
Say this sloka daily to obtain the blessings of Brihaspati (as Guru) and Dakshinamurthy.
Coming soon: Part 8 – Venus
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Prior parts of the series
Click here for part 1 – Introduction
Click here for part 2 List of Mantras to Planets
Click here for part 3 The Sun + Shiva
Click here for part 4 The Moon + Parvati
Click here for part 5 Mars + Skanda/Hanuman
Click here for part 6 Mercury + Vishnu
How to Bend Destiny with the Navagraha Mantras – 6 – Mercury
Mercury symbolises the power of a sharp intellect, communication and language
This post continues the ongoing series on How to Bend Destiny.
Click here for part 1 – Introduction
Click here for part 2 List of Mantras to Planets
Click here for part 3 The Sun + Shiva
Click here for part 4 The Moon + Parvati
Click here for part 5 Mars + Skanda/Hanuman
Budha- Planet of Mind and Intelligence
Mercury is known as the planet overseeing the intelligence of humans.
Effects of the Moon
In Eastern astrology, Mercury is known as Budha (literally intellect).
Mercury is in charge of a person’s mental reflexes, cunning and communication skills.
In broader terms, Mercury influences your independence or extremism toward a given cause. It also influences enthusiasm and speech.
Boost your energy and power!
The Vedic prayer to Mercury is below, followed by the Budha Gayatri.
Vedic prayer to Mercury
Transliteration
“Priyam Gukaalikashyamam Rupenaam prathimam Budham |
Saumyam Saumya gunor petham tham Budham pranamamyaham ||“
Meaning
“I pray to auspicious Mercury, who’s form is like a dark, black tulip, the son of the Moon who has gentle qualities.”
Budha Gayatri
Transliteration
“Om Gajadhwajaaya vidmahe
Sukha Hastaaya Dheemahi
Tanno Budha Prachodayaat“
Meaning
“We know the warrior-flagged one,
We meditate on the bestower of happiness,
May Mercury inspire us”
Mantras to Vishnu
The Ruling Deity of Mercury is Vishnu, the God of Preservation and one of the hindu trinity.
A simple and powerful mantra to Vishnu is: Om Namo Narayanaya. This is known as the Ashtakshari mantra (8-syllable mantra). Alternatively, one can chant the Narayana Gayatri Mantra (click here to see).
Coming soon: Part 7 – Jupiter
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Kandha Sashti 2011: Put theory into practice
Energise yourself by praying to Skanda on the final day of Kandha Sashti 2011!
Day 6 of Kandha Sashti
Today is the final day of Kandha Sashti, when Skanda succeeded in finally defeating Padmasura, allowing the return of peace across the universe.
Hopefully, you have used the time productively and pro-actively to kick start any new ventures or as a period of intense introspection and meditation to neutralise your own inner ‘demons’.
The Subramanya/Shanmugha Gayatri Mantra
You can continue to worship Skanda even after Kandha Sashti using the following Gayatri Mantra.
Transliteration:
“Om Tat Purushaya vidmahe,
Mahasenaya dhimahi,
Tanno Shanmugha prachodayat”
Semi-literal translation:
“We know that being (man)
We meditate on the Supreme Commander
May the Six-faced one inspire us.”
Benefits:
- Powerful leadership qualities
- Relief from a malefic Mars in horoscope (Mangal dosha)
- Enthusiasm, energy, drive and ambition
- Devotion to Skanda
- Hastens marriage
- Hastens conception of a baby
Thoughts on Mantra: How to Know You’re Making Progress
How do you know…?
Aspirants who have spent a long time practising mantras often ask how one knows that they are making progress.
This is an incredibly difficult question to answer and almost entirely subjective. However, there are some basic common traits for those moving from beginner to intermediate:
- When praying, a flower falls from a picture of a guru or deity. This can happen during a puja or yagnya, at home or in a temple. Your prayers or at least your basic wishes will generally be fulfilled.
- Dawn dreams. I have written a prior post on interpreting such dreams – see my blog for details.
- Siddhis begin to appear. This is particularly true of Ganesha bhaktas (devotees) and mantra sadhaks. Memory improves, one is so in-synch with someone during conversations that you read their mind to complete conversations. Your power of influence over others improves.
Planetary transitions have similar effects
Others feel more confident, empowered, as if everything in life is going their way. Whilst certainly a clear sign of blessings taking effect, such feelings are difficult to distinguish from favourable planetary movements.
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Thoughts on Mantra: The Use of Different Malas (Rosaries)
A mala is powerful store of spiritual energy!
A mala is a powerful tool for accessing the Divine.
Hands off!
It is a storage unit for spiritual power and must be treated with an appropriate degree of reverence. It is a deeply personal artifact which must be kept away from others’ touch and investigation.
It much more than a decorative piece of jewellery! If you are wearing it, ensure that it is in direct contact with the skin and not worn over clothing.
Whilst I make no judgement on anyone’s lifestyle choices, it must not be worn to unspiritual places (clubs, bars, etc), lest the power within it dissipate. In fact, I would personally not even wear it into a restroom.
Different malas
Those who worship certain ishta devatas may have certain preferences but in reality, a mala is a mala is a mala! There are actually no real restrictions on who uses which type.
- Tulsi mala. The Tulsi is the favoured plant of Vishnu and worshipped in its own right. Vaishnavites may prefer to use such a mala.
- Rudraskha mala. The Rudraksha comes in many forms with a different number of ‘faces’ (natural divisions). It is the favoured mala of Shaivites.
- Spatika mala. Spatika is crystal. Crystal has long been known to store subtle vibrations produced when mantras are chanted. It is this type of mala that should be worn to the temple, at yagnyas and during japa to build and preserve spiritual power. It can also be placed directly on to a deity’s idol or picture to build such power. One can do japa for another on such a mala then gift it as an extra karmic booster!
How to Bend Destiny with the Navagraha Mantras – 5 – Mars
Pray to Mars for energy, power and a swift marriage!
This post continues the ongoing series on How to Bend Destiny.
Click here for part 1 Introduction
Click here for part 2 List of Mantras to Planets
Click here for part 3 The Sun + Shiva
Click here for part 4 The Moon + Parvati
Mars – Planet of War and Activity
Mars is the Red Planet. It has been associated with War, Aggression and Activity since ancient times. Its reputation within the Eastern astrological system is similar.
Mars is the closest planet to the Earth and has significant influence over human activities.
Effects of the Moon
In Eastern astrology, Mars is represented by Angarakan. Mars is also known as Mangal (auspicious), Bauma (the son of the Earth) and Kuja (the burning one).
Mars is closely tied to marriage and relationships. A malefic positioning within the horoscope may significant delay or disrupt marriages. On a personal level, Mars is a factor in the guiding passive/aggressive qualities in a person, their energy levels and offspring.
In broader terms, Mars influences your forcefulness, self-confidence, courage and strength.
Boost your energy and power!
The Vedic prayer to Mars is below, followed by the Mangal Gayatri.
Vedic prayer to Mars
Transliteration
“Dharani garbha Sambootham Vidhyadh Kaanthi Samaprabham
Kumaaram Shakthihastham Cha Mangalam Pranamaamyaham“
Meaning
“I pray to Mangal, born of Dharani, the young man who carries a spear, who shines with the brilliance of lightning.”
Mangal Gayatri
Transliteration
“Om veeradhwajaaya vidmahae
Vighna hastaaya dhimahi
Tanno Bauma prachodayaat”
Meaning
“We know the warrior-flagged one,
We meditate on the obstacle remover,
May the Son of the Earth inspire us”
Mantras to Skanda/Hanuman
The Ruling Deity of Mars is Skanda (Muruga, Karthik etc), the God of War and son of Shiva and Parvati.
Click here to see the Saravanabhava mantra.
Another important deity to suppress the malefic effects of Mars is Hanuman. Why? There is Puranic lore surrounding Hanuman’s defeat of Mangal in battle, but the essence is that Hanuman is such a powerful entity that he is beyond the influence of the planets; such is the greatness of Hanuman!
Click here to see the Hanuman Gayatri and here to see the Bhudir Balam mantra. Alternatively, the Hanuman Chalisa is also a powerful stotra. Click here to read my ongoing series on the Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa.
Coming soon: Part 6 – Mercury
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Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa (Part 4)
Learn the final set of benefits from the Hanuman Chalisa verses!
This post continues the series on the Benefits of the Hanuman Chalisa.
The final set of seven benefits
Here are the benefits from the final set of verses:
- Ability to bear physical pain: Verse 25 (Naasai roga harai…)
- Victory over enemies: Verse 30 (Saadhu Santa ke…)
- Siddhis (occult powers) and Wealth: Verse 31 (
- Ethical judgement: Verse 32-35 (Raama rasaayana… to Aura Devataa Chitta…)
- Mental peace: Verse 36 (Sankata katai mitai…)
- The Grace of Hanuman: Verse 37 (Jai Jai Jai Hanumaana…)
The method of sadhana for the Hanuman Chalisa
Aspirants often ask how many times to chant the Chalisa.
It is noted that 1, 3, 9, 11 and 108 times are the most auspicious numbers, although there is no real limitation or wrong way of chanting it! More importantly, dedication, regularity and devotion are key. The most auspicious times and days are during the twilight hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays, although again, this is a stotra one can learn and recite daily.
For those who want to attempt the higher number of repetitions but feel they are unable to get the pronunciation correct, I have updated the Listen to Mantras page on the blog (click here to access it) with a fast version (recited within 3mins). It is therefore possible to finish a full 108 within a few hours.
Sri Rama Jaya Rama Jaya Jaya Rama!
Check my blog frequently to keep up to date with new articles on Hanuman!
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Secrets of the Hanuman Chalisa (Part 3)
Chant the Hanuman Chalisa's special verses as mantras!
This post continues the series on the benefits of the Hanuman Chalisa. We have so far learned that the hymn helps the sadhak with everything from dissolving bad karma to attaining the heights of fame!
The second set of severn verses
Here are the benefits from the next seven verses:
- Restores and improves career/social status: Verses 16-17 (Tuma upakaara Sugreevahin… and Tumharo mantra Vibheeshana…)
- Accomplish difficult tasks, break obstacles: Verse 20 (Durgama kaaja…)
- Protection from malefic effect of planets: Verse 22 (Saba sukha lahai…)
- Protection from Black Magic and spirits: Verse 24 (Bhoota pishaacha…)
- Health: Verse 25 (Naasai roga…)
- Rescue from crisis: Verse 26 (Sankata ten Hanumaana…)
- Fulfilment of desires: Verses 27-28 (Saba para Raama… and (Aura manoratha jo…)
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The Original Mantra: the Pranava - OM
Swami Mantra Yogi 