Sage of Kanchi, Mahaperiyava, explains the significance of chanting mantras daily in Hindu religion.
Sound does not bring any benefits, any fruits, by itself. Isvara alone is the bestower of benefits. However, instead of making the fruits available to us directly, he appoints deities to distribute them in the same manner as the king or president of a country appoints officials to carry out his dictates. The mantras represent various deities in the form of sound.
If we attain perfection (siddhi) by constant chanting and meditation of a mantra, it should be possible for us to see the deity invoked in his physical form. The deities also arise if we make offerings into the sacrificial fire reciting specific mantras. If a sacrifice is conducted in this manner, the deities give us their special blessings. We do not pay taxes directly to the king or president. In the same way, we pay taxes in the form of sacrifices and Vedic chanting to the aides of the Paramatman for the sake of the welfare of the world. The sounds of the mantras constitute their form.
The mantras of the Vedas are remarkable in that they bring blessings to the world in the form of sound - even if their meaning is not understood. Of course, they are pregnant with meaning and represent the lofty principle that it is the One Truth that is manifested as all that we perceive. They also confer blessing on us by taking the form of deities appropriate to the different sounds (of the mantras).
Additional Teachings And Explanation:
The above quotes of Sage of Kanchi, Mahaperiyava, provides a deep spiritual insight into the concept of sound, mantras, deities, and the role of Isvara (God) in Hindu philosophy. Let’s break it down and expand on the ideas with additional information, symbolism, relevance in modern life, and comparisons to other cultures and traditions.
1. Sound as a Vessel, Not the Source of Power
Mahaperiyava highlights that sound in itself does not have inherent power or benefits. It is Isvara, the Supreme Being, who bestows benefits, but does so through various intermediaries, such as deities. These deities are connected to the sound in the form of mantras, which are sacred syllables, words, or phrases chanted in religious or spiritual practices. The idea here is that sound is not the source of power, but a channel through which divine energy flows.
2. Mantras and Deities as Instruments of the Divine
In Hinduism, mantras are often seen as the embodiment of divine forces in sound form. They represent deities, each associated with different aspects of life and the universe. The mantra, through its vibration and frequency, acts as a medium to invoke the divine presence, directing the practitioner's consciousness toward the higher plane.
For instance:
- Gayatri mantra invokes the goddess Gayatri, associated with the Sun, wisdom, and enlightenment.
- Om Namah Shivaya is dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing destruction, regeneration, and transcendence.
However, it is Isvara, or the supreme reality, that ultimately bestows the fruits of the mantra practice. The deity associated with the mantra serves as the divine functionary or intermediary, much like government officials execute the orders of a higher authority.
3. Symbolism in the Context of Hindu Cosmology
The analogy of a king or president appointing officials to distribute benefits is powerful. It reflects the cosmic order (Rta), a central concept in Hindu cosmology. In this worldview, the universe is governed by divine law and structure. The deities represent various cosmic functions—creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), destruction (Shiva)—and many other aspects of existence like wealth (Lakshmi), knowledge (Saraswati), and power (Durga).
Just as a government is structured with roles and responsibilities, the divine operates through these cosmic agents, each handling specific aspects of the world.
4. Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, the symbolism and ideas in Mahaperiyava’s teachings still hold relevance. In fact, they offer a spiritual counterbalance to the materialism and stress that modern life often brings. Mantra meditation, for example, has become more popular in recent years as people seek mindfulness and mental clarity. The understanding that sound (through mantras) is not merely a psychological tool but a spiritual one deepens the experience for practitioners.
Practicality in Today’s Life:
- Mindfulness and Focus: Repeating a mantra can help center the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote mental clarity. Chanting mantras like "Om" aligns one's vibration with the primordial sound of the universe, fostering inner peace.
- Spiritual Connection: For those on a spiritual path, chanting mantras reminds them of their connection to the divine and helps to focus on the higher reality (Isvara) behind the material world.
- Holistic Benefits: Beyond spiritual benefits, chanting mantras has been shown to positively affect physical health by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing overall well-being.
5. The Role of Faith and Devotion
The passage emphasizes that the fruit of mantra practice is ultimately determined by the will of Isvara, and the deity invoked by the mantra is only a mediator. This highlights the importance of faith (Shraddha) and devotion (Bhakti) in spiritual practice. Without genuine faith, the mechanical chanting of mantras becomes ineffective. It’s not merely the sound that matters but the intention, faith, and surrender to the divine.
6. Parallels in Other Cultures
The concept that sound or words act as channels to invoke divine power is not unique to Hinduism. Several other cultures and religions also recognize the importance of sacred sound:
- Christianity: The Bible begins with the idea that "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." This indicates the divine nature of sound (or word) in creation.
- Islam: In Islam, the recitation of the Qur’an (which means "the recitation") is a holy act. The sound of the Arabic words is considered a direct connection to God, and the act of reciting them is a form of worship.
- Buddhism: Chanting mantras like "Om Mani Padme Hum" in Tibetan Buddhism invokes compassion and the presence of Avalokiteshvara (the Bodhisattva of Compassion).
- Indigenous Cultures: Many indigenous traditions across the globe use chanting, drumming, and song as a way to connect with the spiritual world, invoking spirits or deities for guidance and protection.
7. The Benefits of Sacred Sound and Mantra Practice
Even though the quote emphasizes that sound alone does not bring benefits, there are many potential advantages to using sound (in the form of mantras) as part of spiritual practice:
- Mental Clarity: Repetitive chanting helps silence the mind's constant chatter, leading to greater mental clarity and focus.
- Emotional Healing: Mantras can help clear emotional blockages and provide a sense of calm, which is especially important in today's stressful environments.
- Energy Balancing: In yogic traditions, mantras are believed to help balance the energy centers (chakras) in the body, leading to physical and spiritual well-being.
8. Similar Thoughts in Hinduism
Mahaperiyava’s view aligns with other key teachings in Hinduism:
- Karma Yoga: Actions (or sounds, in this case) are not fruitful by themselves; the outcome depends on divine will, and true practitioners should act without attachment to results (as mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita).
- Bhakti Yoga: The ultimate fruit of spiritual practice comes from divine grace, not from one’s own effort alone. The role of deities as intermediaries is central to devotional practice, where surrender to the divine is seen as the path to liberation.
9. Conclusion: Practicality and Depth
In today's world, Mahaperiyava’s teaching reminds us that while sound, words, and actions have their value, they are only effective when rooted in divine purpose. In practice, this means that mantras, rituals, and spiritual practices should be accompanied by devotion, faith, and a recognition of the higher power. The deities represent the ordered functioning of the universe, but Isvara (the Supreme) remains the source of all blessings. Understanding this brings depth and meaning to our spiritual practice and offers a way to harmonize with the divine, even in a complex, modern world.