The knowledge of Sabda Brahm – Nada Brahm is an important branch of the Indian school of spirituality. The science and philosophy of Sabda Brahm encompasses the methodology and effects of mantra-japa, prayers, collective chanting and sadhanas of the veda-mantras and that of the Nada Brahm deals with the genesis, expansion and influence of music. The volume 19 of the
“Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya Vangmaya” series presents truly rare and detailed information and guidance on this topic. The present book is compiled from the English translation of the first two chapters of this volume that focus on the cosmic dimensions of sound and the sceince of mantras.
Linguistically, the word mantra in Sanskrit implies a specific structure of sonic patterns – coded in syllables and vowels, that works as an spiriutal tool to liberate the mind from ignorance, illusion and evil instincts. The specific configurations of syllables and the corresponding combinations of phonemes in the mantras make the latter powerful ‘carriers’ of the cosmic energy of sound. The book presents a perspicuous introduction with analysis of multiple aspects of the physical and subliminal impact of sound and the structure of mantras. It also highlights authentic reports on scientific experiments in this direction.
Different methods of rhythmic enunciation (japa) and spiritual practices (sadhanas) of vedic
mantras are described here with adept guidance. The author, Pt. Shriram Sharma Acharya also focuses on mantra yoga as an effective endeavor to master the generation and utilization, without any external means or instruments, of the immense powers of sound for specific noble purposes. Although the vedic mantras could be well expressed vocally as prose or verse, the method of singing them in specific rythms as hymns was given principal importance by the –iÌis. Hence the
unique spectrum of vedic swaras and the gamut of chanting patterns for mantras were evolved and encoded in the Sama Veda.
The Sama Veda contains divine knowledge of the miraculous spiritual flow of music that can effectuate a vivid connection of the individual ‘self’ with thy-self. The author highlights the crucial role of this Veda and discusses the present status of the schools of sama gana in the context of the difficulties faced today in identifying the best chanting patterns for the Vedic Mantras.
The sadhanas of mantra yoga together with nada yoga are integral parts of the spiritual experiments on awakening of the KuñÃalini and realization of the Brahm through Omkar. These topics too are covered here sagaciously in scientific light. The paramount role of vak (absolutely refined voice) in mantra yoga is emphasized with necessary guidance. The author describes the four successively subtler levels of human voice (vañi) and presents the methods, for the control and refinement of the vañi and mental faculties, which can be practiced by everybody in day-to-day life. These sadhanas gradually lead to the spiritual elevation of the vañi up to the supreme level – the vak.
Shriram Sharma (also known as Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya) was an Indian seer, sage, a prominent philosopher, a visionary of the New Golden Era, and the Founder of the All World Gayatri Pariwar, which has its headquarters at Shantikunj, Haridwar.
He pioneered the revival of spirituality, creative integration of the modern and ancient sciences and religion relevant in the challenging circumstances of the present times.
Right from his childhood, Acharyaji showed the yearning and deep commitment for the welfare of common masses when he took a brave step of nursing an old “untouchable” woman suffering from leprosy against the strong disapproval and displeasure of his family. She used to work in their household and was called Chapko, Acharyaji was curious about her prolonged absence, when she did not show up for a few days. So he set out in her search towards the outskirts of the village (“untouchable” settlements were usually constructed on the outskirts of the villages). He found her in a terrible condition, screaming out in pain and agony, the screams suppressed due the lack of energy and being devoid of food, conditions worse than that of animals, stripped of all human dignity. The reason for her degradation to a creature of pity was the combined apathy of the residents of the village and her relatives, but the only one who cared was Acharyaji. He conferred with physicians and vaidyas (traditional Hindu physicians), procured the medicines, the dressings for her. Took out time daily to bathe her, to apply medicine, dress her wounds and feed her. This was particularly remarkable during the time when the "Chhut-Achhut" (untouchability) crisis was at its peak. This event in his life is particularly important as it highlights his belief in Karm (action, doing, hands-on-approach) in life.
The Great freedom fighter and founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya solemnized his sacred thread ceremony (Yagyopaveet) and initiated him in the Gayatri Mantra.
At the age of fifteen, his Spiritual Guru, a Himalayan Yogi, Sarveshwaranandji had appeared in his vision during the worship in the astral form. As per Sarveshwarandji's instruction, Gurudev performed twenty-four lakh times (2.4 million) recitation of Gayatri Mantra each for twenty-four years (24 mahapurashcarañas). He visited Himalayas four times for higher spiritual attainments and at the same time took active part in India's freedom movement. He was sent to jail thrice for his participation in freedom movement.
To help people, his aim was to diagnose the root cause of the ailing state of the world today and enable the upliftment of society. He recognized the crisis of faith, people’s ignorance of the powers of the inner self, and the lack of righteous attitude and conduct. Realizing the potential of inspirational literature and its importance in sparking an intellectual evolution, he had chosen writing as the principal mode towards uprooting the evil tendencies and blind faith from people’s minds and arousing the indwelling wisdom, strength and spiritual bliss. Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya initiated the movement of VICHAR KRANTI (Thought Revolution) with the very first issue of “Akhand Jyoti”. By 1960, he had compiled and translated the 4 Vedas, 108 Upanishads, 6 Darshanas, 18 Puranas, Yogavasishtha and various Aranyakas and Brahmanas with lucid commentaries to enable the masses to understand the knowledge contained in them. The translation was also aimed at eliminating misconceptions, superstitions and blind customs, which were propagated in the medieval era by misinterpretations of the Vedas and other scriptures. This contribution to the world of knowledge and human culture was highly acclaimed and appreciated by scholars like Dr S Radhakrishnan, Acharya Vinoba Bhave; the distinguished title of “Vedmurti” was conferred upon him in its recognition.[5] Understanding the modern day psychology of the people, and recognizing the non-rele