"The very first step in understanding what this is all about is giving up the concept of an active, volitional 'I' as a separate entity and accepting the passive role of perceiving and functioning as a process." - Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Effect Of Japa-Mantra

Sri Ramana Maharshi

D: I appear to get the same stillness of thought by tracing the root of the mantra which I repeat, as I would, if I put the "who am I?" enquiry. Is there any harm in my continuing with the mantra in this manner or is it essential I should only use "who am I?"

B: No. You can trace the root of any thought or mantra and continue to do so till you have an answer to your query.

D: What is the effect of japas and mantras?

B: Diversion; the mind is a channel, a swift current of thoughts and a mantra is a bund or dam put up in the way of this current to divert the water to where it is needed.

D: Some time, after the stillness of thought intervened, I used to hear first some sound resembling that which one would hear if he were in the midst of or near a rolling mill, and then, a little later, a sound like that of a steam engine whistle. This was only during meditation when I was at home, but here the sound is heard at all times, irrespective of whether I am before you or am walking around the ashram.
(Note: The present experience is that the sound is like that of a humming bee).

B: Ask who hears the sound. Repeat the question now and then.
.............

From "Control of Mind", Crumbs From His Table

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सर्वभूताधिवासं यद्भूतेषु च वसत्यपि।
सर्वानुग्राहकत्वेन तद्स्म्यहं वासुदेवः॥

That in whom reside all beings and who resides in all beings,
who is the giver of grace to all, the Supreme Soul of the universe, the limitless being:
I AM THAT. -- Amritabindu Upanishad