Date:02/09/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/02/stories/20 04090200650900.htm Mother of all Vedas CHENNAI, SEPT 2 . It is a reflection on our self-serving nature to cavil and carp when things do not go our way in life. Instead of introspecting on the true essentials of life, some people conduct pujas and other religious exercises to attain short term goals such as money, career advancement or power. Our ancestors who adhered to a less materialistic way of life, chanted mantras and meditated as per stipulated guidelines, knowing well that personal effort alone could fetch one, potent results. The Gayatri mantra given to us by sage Viswamitra, is one such spiritual exercise whose efficacy is unparalleled. The mantra brooks no proxy chanting through pundits. The mantra is hailed as the `mother' of all Vedas. Since the mantra is taught during the `Upanayana' ceremony, adherents are reborn as it were, and among many sections of society a person's horoscope is cast taking the time of `Brahmopadesam' as the point of reckoning. The benefits of this chant are manifold. It is essential for those qualified to chant the manthra to know and appreciate the meaning of the verses, just as how only a porter could truly feel the weight of the burden on his head . There is a structured way of propitiating the correct deity, and equally important, a correct way of ending the ritual so that the deity may be sent back. In order to gain the best results, adherents are required to chant the mantra in their minds bringing to focus the deity in their hearts; it is also permissible to murmur the mantra , but chanting the same loudly is not considered desirable. Broadly speaking, the benefits of this japa are three fold-the presiding deity ensures victory in any undertaking; grants `moksha' to those who seek the same; is the light which dispels the darkness of ignorance, leading to relief from sins. The mantra can be chanted by all from the sage to the youngster at school, but it is essential to follow the stipulated norms. Gayatri, Savithri and Sarasvathi are the three goddesses representing the presiding deities of the Gayatri mantra. In his discourse on the grandeur of the Gayatri Sri Vidya Vachaspathi Theertha of Sosale Math said Gayatri Devi is none other than Lord Narayana who resides in the centre of the solar constellation. Clearly, without exception those who are eligible must chant the Gayatri mantra regularly thereby becoming eligible for God's blessings. _______________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Win 1 of 4,000 free domain names from Yahoo! Enter now. http://promotions.yahoo.com/goldrush ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> $9.95 domain names from Yahoo!. Register anything. http://us.click.yahoo.com/J8kdrA/y20IAA/yQLSAA/XUWolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Oppiliappan/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: Oppiliappan-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
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