Lesson 1
Welcome To Mantra Medicine
How can mantra chanting connect us to the essence of prayer and our cosmic selves? Both Krishna Das and Ram Dass beautifully describe chanting mantra as "polishing the mirror" of our psyche.
In this course, "Mantra Medicine," we introduce seven potent mantras, each radiating a unique frequency of empowerment. As you delve deeper, you'll discover mantras that resonate with you, opening your heart and fostering a profound connection to your inner self.
This introductory lesson offers a glimpse of the transformative journey ahead. You'll gain insight into the origins of mantras and their role as a bridge between the tangible and the intangible. As you chant, these mantras guide you across this bridge, between the formless and the form, reaffirming our interconnectedness with the universe.
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Lesson 2
Asato Ma
The mantra "Asato Ma" holds a profound meaning: "Lead me from ignorance to truth." It serves as a plea with the universe directly, not a particular deity. The seeker asks the universe to be guided away from the impermanent, unreal aspects of life, towards eternal truths. This mantra encapsulates the longing to distinguish the genuine from the false.
"Lead me from the unreal to the real" is a prayer for clarity amidst life's illusions. "Lead me from darkness to light" symbolizes the journey from ignorance to enlightenment.
"Lead me from death to immortality." references Amrita, the nectar of everlasting life.
This chant is sometimes called the Pavamana Mantra. Pavamana historically is also the name of the plant medicine, Soma which one would consume for enlightenment. Just as one strains herbs to drink their essence and make medicine from them, the mantra itself is like an elixir or entheogen that expands one's consciousness, providing a clearer vision of reality.
This mantra comes one of the most ancient scriptures, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, which translates to Wisdom Teaching of the Great Forest.
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Lesson 3
Om Namah Shivaya Gurave
This mantra not only honors the teacher within but also pays homage to our higher self – the true Guru that resides within our soul and psyche. As we embark on this journey, we'll explore this powerful invocation of Shiva, the Divine Masculine. His essence embodies yogic stillness, devotion to spiritual practice, and the potent energies of change, transformation, and destruction.
As we unpack the layers of this mantra, we'll discover its significance in attuning our vibrations and drawing us closer to the pure consciousness and bliss that permeates every aspect of existence. Sat-chit-ananda.
Join us in understanding and experiencing the grace and transformative power this mantra offers, as it guides us towards recognizing the self-sustaining light of consciousness that illuminates the universe.
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Lesson 4
Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is not merely a set of syllables; it's a transmission of light through sound and its profound invocation is rooted in ancient wisdom. It is one of the oldest mantras ever recorded. Originating from the Vedas, this mantra has, over the millennia, stood as a beacon of spiritual light, guiding souls toward enlightenment. Its resonance is felt deeply, transcending the confines of time and culture, and it beckons us to tap into the universal energy that binds all of existence.
Ralph Blum, renowned for 'The Book of Runes', captured the essence of this chant in his translation.
"You who are the source of all light, whose rays illuminate the universe. Illuminate also my heart, so that it too, can do your work."
The Gayatri, is often depicted in a powerful feminine form with multiple arms and heads, symbolizes the boundless creative force of the cosmos. As we delve into this lesson, allow yourself to be enveloped by the rich tapestry of meaning and history woven into the Gayatri Mantra, and discover its unparalleled ability to heal and elevate the spirit.
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Lesson 5
Adi Shakti
The Adi Shakti mantra calls to the very core of the primal feminine force, the bedrock of creation. When we utter its syllables, we're not just chanting words; we're paying homage to the profound energy that birthed the cosmos.
As we repeat "namo namo", it's a gesture of deep reverence, a bowing down to the sublime and powerful essence of creation. This mantra transports us to the earliest stirrings of existence, reminding us of our eternal connection to the boundless energy of the universe. It is primal, and pure.
A wonderful and humbling reminder of the great forces of all of life.
Last week, we explored the Gayatri mantra, which offered a gentle attunement to the feminine. But with the Adi Shakti, we plunge deeper, immersing ourselves in the ancient, primal water and fire of feminine energy.
I lead a solstice ritual in Boulder, Colorado where we chanted the Adi Shakti mantra during a water blessing, and the convergence of sound and element of water created an alchemical shift for myself and the participants. We can use mantra in these ways to embody prayer.
Let this lesson take you on that same transformative journey, connecting you to the elements and the timeless vibrations of the Adi Shakti Mantra.
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Lesson 6
Guru Brahma
Immerse yourself in the profound vibrations of the mantra: "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara." This isn't just a chant but a soulful ode to the divine trinity central to Hindu cosmology. Within this trinity, Brahma signifies the force of creation, Vishnu embodies sustenance, and Maheshwara (Shiva) represents destruction, making way for rebirth.
But this mantra goes beyond venerating these deities; it's a recognition that every facet of existence, every life event, is our guru or teacher.
It teaches us to see the divine in everything and to bow to the eternal wisdom of the universe.
As we delve deeper into this lesson, you'll be enveloped by its profound meaning, understanding that every moment, every entity is here to teach us.
Let's celebrate and internalize the essence of this powerful chant.
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Lesson 7
Lokah + Hare Krishna
This week you are in for a treat, as we get to dive into two mantras! We will discuss the 'Hare Krishna' Mantra which is a maha-mantra (great mantra) signifying it's importance. Possibly the most chanted mantra in all of the world, and some of you may be familiar with my version, Krishna Mantras for Universal Love on my own Insight Timer page.
Then we are going to sing together 'Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu' a mantra which is really a prayer that radiates all the healing that we have generated and positive vibrations in our hearts, and shares it outward to relieve suffering in all of the universe.
This chant is one of my favorite ways to close a space or container.
I look forward to hearing about your insights with this course!
Thank you so much for joining me on this beautiful journey of Mantra Medicine and I look forward to crossing paths again on this beautiful journey of life!
May all beings, in all of the universes
Be happy and free of suffering
And may my actions
In some small way
Add to the cessation of suffering
For all beings.
May it be so, it must be so.
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