HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji gave Discourse from November 19 – November 25, 2018 during His visit to KSHT, Dallas TX USA.
Sankeertana Saptaham
Omkara (AUM)
Omkāra bindu saṃyuktaṃ nityaṃ dhyāyaṃti yōginaḥ
Kāmadaṃ mōkṣadaṃ caiva ōmkārāya namō namaḥ
Sound (śabda), touch, form, taste and smell are the five subtle sensory perceptions (tanmātras). The first among them i.e. sound was born from space. Speech is the distinct form of sound! Hence Vedas and Upanishads have emphatically declared that our speech must be melodious and loving.
Omkāra (AUM) is the root for all sound. This entire creation emerged from the sound of AUM. In the form of sound (śabda), Omkāra exists within our body. Upon chanting ‘AUM’, divine vibrations emerge within our body and very easily the person slips into a meditative state. During Omkāra chanting, try to observe the gap between two chantings. The moment meditative state is achieved, the mind fixes itself on the motionless state (nischala tattva).
The spiritual practitioner who has conquered his mind no longer reacts to praises and insults. He obtains victory on every front. He is revered everywhere. Hence, there is no need to run here and there seeking bliss and peace. Even the necessity to search for it does not exist. It is enough if this easy technique is adopted. Both tranquillity and bliss are then yours!
Entering into Lord Śrikrishna’s flute, the sound of ‘AUM’ enlivened the entire land of Gokula and Brindavana, enrapturing and uplifting all living entities there. It would be apt to state that the entire universe was enraptured by His flute rendition. At such times, filled with consciousness inert objects danced merrily while living entities remained immobile like statues! This is explicitly explained in Srimad Bhagavatam.
During these week-long sessions, Śri Swamiji is training all of you into Omkāra-meditation. Hence it is important to understand a few of the benefits obtained from it.
Upanishads (sacred texts) declare that the combination of the three alphabets ‘A’, ‘U’ and ‘M’ form the ‘Omkāra’. Many eons ago, the Supreme Lord played his drum. Sounds which emerged from the drum transformed into alphabets (akshara). Within the body, these alphabets exist in the form of fire. This fire manifests from the human being in the form of speech. Hence words have the same degree of purity and power as fire has!
AUM, the transcendental sound, thus exists subtly within everyone. It is therefore imperative to make attempts to understand this transcendental sound that exists within us.
‘OM’ is the beautiful jewel that decorates every divine name. Every mantra must necessarily be preceded by ‘Om’. Mantras that are not preceded by ‘OM’ lack vigour. While chanting of mantras, the risk of making mistakes or remaining negligent leading to negative results exists. Due to chanting of ‘OM’ divine vibrations are generated which create a protective shield around the person.
Just like the temple bell, when the sound of ‘OM’ vibrates in the body, demonic energies are driven away. Divine energies turn victorious and hence, the Devatas (deities) remain eternally by your side. In fact, the Deities begin to reside within you. You transform into a living God. Your surroundings undergo unbelievable transformation. Due to the positive energies emitted by you, wicked people undergo transformation and turn virtuous.
Maharishis and Yogis, who are well versed in this knowledge, eternally chant ‘AUM’ seeking that the world must be filled with divine energies and that the demonic vibrations must be washed away.
Henceforth all of you must chant ‘AUM’ 21 times daily. The number 21 represents the 21 principles that exist in us. What are they? Five organs of action (karmendriya), five organs of perception (sense organs), five sheaths (panca kosha), five life-forces (panca prana) and mind total 21 (5+5+5+5+1). Due to chanting of ‘AUM’ all of them are energized.
Yogashastra (the treatise on Yoga) declares that the sound of ‘AUM’ should begin at the navel, travel up to the throat, and be uttered through the lips. Long standing diseases are cured due to regular chanting of ‘AUM’. The body is rendered energetic and radiant. Traits of passion and ignorance/lethargy (rajas, tamas) are destroyed. Virtuous traits seep in. Life-force (prana) sees a surge.
The Supreme Lord Shiva is eternally immersed in ‘Omkāra’ meditation. Every word, song uttered by Him is permeated with Omkāra-essence. He loves it when the places wherein He lives resounds only with ‘AUM’ mantra.
Shiva is Hanuman. Hanuman himself is Shiva. With the intent that Lord Shiva is pleased and that He showers His blessings upon you all, Swamiji got you all to perform ‘Omkāra meditation’ this week. This was the secret behind the daily practice.
‘Every creation has its origin in ‘AUM’. Bliss exists in understanding ‘AUM’ which is the form of the Supreme. True bliss exists in understanding Him, merging into Him and obtaining Him. After thorough in-depth investigation of the Supreme Essence, this is the truth grasped by me’- said Saint Kabir.
Due to regular practice of ‘AUM’ anxieties, euphoria and anger reduce in the person. Inclination towards understanding Spiritual Essence increases. On your job/ work front too you will see success. Regular chanting of ‘AUM’ helped Hanuman, who considered serving Lord Rama as his sole duty, meet success in all His endeavours.
Standing atop Mount Mahendra He readied to take a gigantic leap across the ocean. In this incident, the result of His ‘Omkāra’ practice comes to be understood.
Bāhū saṃstaṃbhayāmāsa mahāparigha sannibhau
Sasāda ca kapiḥ kaṭyām caraṇau samcukōca ca (Sundara kanda 1-35)
This refers to the moment when Lord Hanuman, who was standing atop the mountain, enlarged His body before leaping-
Meaning: He rendered stiff His elongated sturdy arms that resembled huge iron pillars. He stopped his breath, contracted his hind part and then pressed His feet firmly down.
(Within this, entire lesson on Yoga is explained). Through regulated inhalation and exhalation, He performed pranayama. He chanted ‘AUM’. He pulled together His energy and while chanting ‘AUM’ suddenly leapt into the sky. At that time, the vast ocean appeared as tiny as a cow’s hoofprint and He effortlessly crossed it. Having thrown Ravana, the demonic ruler of Lanka, into a frenzy, He brought success to Rama’s mission.
In order to cross this ocean of worldly bondages (bhava sagara) and to achieve total success in your spiritual endeavours, regular chanting of ‘AUM’ plays a crucial role. The nāḍis (subtle astral nerves) within you vibrate positively, rendering you energetic. Your mind will eternally be inclined towards right deeds/path. Agitations and difficulties vanish while mental strength intensifies. An added bonus is that your spiritual energies see a growth. Aren’t these benefits wonderful?
This is not the end of the list. There are many more wonderful benefits which we shall discuss at a later date. But immediately you must begin with chanting ‘AUM’ 21 times daily. With this you, your children and your life will be blessed with peace. I bless you with betterment in all aspects of life.