The power of the Veda
The Veda* is not the creation of human beings. It is divine and created by the visualisation of ancient seers, being one of the most ancient documents of the planet, and at the same time eternal – its wisdom is beyond age and time, eternal, universal.
Mankind has always desired knowledge and the possibility to live a fulfilling life; that is why we are always in search of wisdom, answers, knowledge, paths and techniques that will help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives, and ultimately liberation. As we all know, in one way or another, this search continues as long as we exist, as it is inherent to human nature. In this process of seeking, many search for answers outside, through the material world, but then they discover that the happiness is not lasting as long as they would like, so then the search starts again maybe somewhere else. That is why there is a need to look beyond science and technology and instead connect to everlasting wisdom, in order to understand life in its 360 degrees and not only its tangible dimension. For this purpose, in India we have very strong roots and devices, the Vedic literature is one, which is holistic and universal, and when well understood, it has the capacity to help us go through life in its different aspects, challenges and dimensions. By embracing the wisdom in Vedic scriptures, one can allow oneself a joyful journey of discovery and that is where our spiritual adventure starts.
The word VEDA is derived from the Sanskrit root “to know.” During many centuries the knowledge of the Vedas was only made available by oral transmission, which initially was spoken only by the Rishis, or “the seers.” This is also like the very origin of Mantra, by which certain sounds were perceived only by “the seers” in their state of higher meditation – that’s why in the vast majority, there are not authors of the mantras, but certain beings were able to perceive specific sounds and identify them as mantra, so basically, this science of sound was revealed to them. That is how they started passing it to future generations by oral transmission, which has been going on for thousands of years. So, this can be traced as the origin of the Mantra science: “Mantra Brahmanyor Vedanamadheyam”: Veda is the name given to Mantras and to Brahmanas (what is not Mantra in Vedas is referred to as Brahmana.)
The Veda, which is written in Sanskrit in prose and poetry, is the earliest available literature for humanity and whatever comes from the Vedas is sacred and eternal – related to the highest spiritual knowledge or “Para Vidya,” as well as the knowledge of the world or “Apara Vidya.”
In fact, Vedas are the source of Mantras and also happen to be the first ever published form of book by humankind. So just imagine that the first ever books published by humankind were mainly mantras, that is how significant mantras are!
The whole culture from India is rooted in the Veda – sciences, medicine, yoga, astronomy, geology, agriculture, aeronautics, religion “dharma”, art, music, mantra, poetry, wisdom, mystical truths. The beauty is that these texts are preserved intact even after thousands of years. Even Friedrich Max Müller (1823 – 1900) who was a German-Bristish scholar and Oxford university professor, philologist and Orientalist, has said the Vedas have such accuracy and care that there is no uncertain aspect to be found in the whole Vedas. No more words are needed after such statement!
*Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda
Veda and Mantras
Vedic mantras are powerful tools that connect us with ancient energies and can foster transformative changes. Each mantra, whether for Ganesha or Shiva for example, offers unique benefits, from removing obstacles to protection and enhancing spiritual awareness.
It is from Vedas that most of the Mantras were derived. Mantra is a direct transmission of the wisdom of the Vedas through Sound. The core teachings of Vedanta, as we said before, are eternal and ever substantial and valid, though they were revealed several thousand years before the Christian era. The particularity is that India and its Vedic systems have always focused on the inner and not so much on the outer, have focused on raising “human wisdom,” not on raising “human-knowledge.” This is the patrimony of India. This is the legacy of Sanatan Dharma.
The Mantra tradition is one of the elements very present and fundamental in the path of Sanatan Dharma. As we said before, wise beings or Rishis had the sensitivity to recognize these particular sounds and passed the science on by oral transmission to qualified seekers, who also passed it on. The power of Mantra is that it can “create” a form, a certain sound can create a certain form, and in turns we can say that sound can “create” or can achieve a certain consequence or result. That is also related to the Sanskrit language, which is in nature sound-sensitive: sounds that can have an impact on us in different ways having an effect on the mind, on the body, on emotions. It is known that specific sound-frequencies trigger certain secretions; ultimately influencing the body and mind to stay healthy or potentially enter into a healing process. That is why in mantra-science, Sound has more importance than meaning.
If a mantra comes from this kind of source as described above, with authentic understanding and pure transmission of the science, then mantras can be said to be e a very effective force.
Considerations in mantra practice
Somehow, most of the people in the west who are familiar with Mantras, are only familiar with “Mantra singing” which is a pleasant activity, but for the effectiveness and purity of the practice, Mantra needs to be done in the way of chanting and this is how this tradition has always been. Mantras are considered sacred and should ideally be received from a qualified Guru, the one who holds the knowledge of proper pronunciation, meaning, and energetic qualities, and also can tell what mantra a practitioner should choose for better benefits. In this sense, it is important to note that incorrect pronunciation or use of certain mantras inadequately may be considered disrespectful or even harmful, simply because, as we said, sound is related with form… it materializes.
About the Album “Vedic Invocations”
VEDIC INVOCATIONS is a collection of five sacred prayers from the Vedas and Upanishads, one of the most ancient sources of wisdom available to all of us, which originated in India thousands of years ago. This collection contains various ATHARVA SHEERSHAM – chantings from “Atharva Veda,” an Upanishad coming as the conclusion of Vedas serving as the essence of a Vedic truth – for different deities, starting with “Ganesh Atharvasheersham.” The album also has a very powerful garland of 32 names of Goddess Durga, the warrior goddess who preserves the moral order and justice, and a mantra shield called AMOGH SHIVA KAVACHAM, a powerful Stotra of Shiva to provide protection and get rid of negative energies.
All these prayers are not only invocations to these powerful deities but also a tool to cleanse and purify the energy fields in and around us, as well as invoke energies to remove obstacles, hindrances of any kind, create a shield of protection and invite abundance, peace and truthfulness into our lives.
VEDIC INVOCATIONS is a project directed by Manish Vyas and it has been recorded in India by two young Brahmin priests who have studied Sanskrit and Vedic texts in the ancient system of education from India widely known as Gurukul. It is a pure treat for lovers of sacred sounds from ancient India, who will enjoy these powerful recitations to deepen their yoga and meditation practices, as the purity of these chantings create a very deep, meditative and purifying space, slowly shifting the energy towards higher chakras. “Higher chakras” means “higher consciousness,” and that is the whole purpose of Mantra, Yoga and other more-known and less-known disciplines from India. We also do mantra chanting to receive divine blessings and grace, that is why the faith in the practice is an important requirement. (more about the album: www.manishvyas.com/vedic)
The ultimate purpose
Mantras, which are in Sanskrit and have the foundation in the Veda have the potential to bring about change, because Sound can influence the physiological and psychological planes and one can make use of this for different purposes, for elevation, and all-in-all for a better life.
These sacred texts and sounds from the Vedic tradition, hold immense power. More than just words, these are vibrations that resonate with the Universe, creating an inner connection and promoting harmony and peace all around us. Regularly listening to Vedic chanting from pure sources not only deepens our spiritual roots but also promotes overall well-being. The sound also purifies the atmosphere around the listener or the one who is doing the chanting, cleansing the aura, generating positivity, a sense of spiritual upliftment and enhancing the inclination towards higher planes in life. Mantra chanting can be effective also for stress reduction, improving focus and cultivating inner peace. Studies have shown it can positively impact brain function and emotional well-being.
Ancient texts of India have again and again mentioned in their scriptures highly beneficial results of these chants and their incredible healing powers. To benefit from all these treasures, it is time the world re-connects with the timeless, eternal, ancient Sound of India.
Manish Vyas
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