Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound: Secret of Seed (Bija) Mantras

by David Frawley

Modern science and ancient wisdom traditions agree that the universe is a symphony of vibrational frequencies. In this beautiful, comprehensive, and unique work, Dr. Frawley elaborates the essential truths about cosmic sound, and how we can employ important mantras for healing, transformation and inner awakening.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Hinduism, Meditation, Religion

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2010

About the author

David Frawley (or Vāmadeva Śāstrī वामदेव शास्त्री), b. 1950, is an American Hindu teacher (acharya) and author, who has written more than thirty books on topics such as the Vedas, Hinduism, Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedic astrology, published both in India and in the United States. He is the founder and director of the American Institute of Vedic Studies in Santa Fe, New Mexico, which offers educational information on Yoga philosophy, Ayurveda, and Vedic astrology. He works closely with the magazine Hinduism Today, where he is a frequent contributor.[1] He is associated with a number of Vedic organizations in several countries. He is a Vedic teacher (Vedacharya), Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor), and a Jyotishi (Vedic astrologer).

Reviews

[Andromeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compared to so many books on "mantras", this is one of the best, or perhaps even THE best. The author has demonstrated that he has acquired immense information on Hinduism, its scriptures and philosophy; hence, he is able to write authoritatively on "mantra". What makes him an expert on the subject matter is, he is a guru in his own right, one who has engaged in spiritual practices for very many years.

Some people with no or fragmentary knowledge of Sanskrit will find chapters 7 to 9 rather heavy-going, especially when they did not pick up the book to learn about the language.

It was a huge risk that the Shastri had taken when he so freely discussed many issues and information concerning Bija, misuses of sound, and materialistic approach to mantras; but like any other good teachers, the author succeeded in warning the people who acquired the book, of the insurmountable perils that they will face in this life and the next, if they chose to put their knowledge to wrong use.

I should strongly recommend this book to anyone who is serious about Japa Yoga, Mantra Shastra and sadhana.

[Catherine Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most comprehensive book on Vedic mantras I’ve ever read.

[Gayatri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one of those spiritual gems which is full of deep knowledge, yet explained in the most simple manner and many of my doubts regarding Mantra practices are now clear after reading this. David sir has tried to keep the content to the point and made it very simple to understand. I finished reading this book in just a couple of days and enjoyed reading it.

A lot of difficult concepts like Kundalini, Chakras have been explained in the most simple manner. He has also very well explained the application of Mantra in Yoga and Ayurveda. He has also brought forward the wonderful teachings of Ramana Mahirishi,Sir John Woodroffe and many ancient seers through this book.

A must read for everyone wanting to gain simple and easy to understand knowledge on Mantra chanting

[Rodrigo d'Orey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A precious gem

[Dr.Anju · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very unique book on how to perceive, recite and view Mantras in a new light! A must read.

[Superbunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book deserves 100 stars. it's the real thing. i'm so surprised as usually mantra, chakra, kundalini books written by western authors are usually the introductory/coffee table sort. full of nice colorful pictures with the usual standard info you can easily find anywhere on the internet.
this book however, is incredibly comprehensive. it's an encyclopedia on mantras. where as most books usually just give you a chart with bullet points root = lam, etc, this book gives comprehensive explanations. root words, variations, how to add words to boost a mantra, and a kill switch.
please proceed with caution though because these mantras really work. if your chakras are activated, don't just read the mantras on chapter 12 outloud like an idiot like i did, lol. in my defense i was just trying to figure out the pronunciation. i said a booster heart mantra outloud 5x (i wasn't in a meditative state, i was just reading it off my laptop) and i felt an overwhelming energy on my heart chakra. it's not a panic attack i'm not shaking, it's not even beating fast but there's something very strong in that area. after 5min i couldn't take it anymore i had to ground for fear of a heart attack or something, lol.

this is the perfect book for those following the oral tradition and already have shaktipat and open chakras. if you're chakras all blocked, mantras probably won't do much for you. been there, done that. 5 stars!!!!!!!!

[Sabrina Barlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

David Frawley provided a journey to encounter the higher levels of truth to the self. Surely, the wisdom provided to the readers, go beyond any expectation. Highly recommended for those seeking self-realization and elevate their souls with the universal self-awareness. Thank you Dr. David Frawley for this wonderful work done.

[Niki Walters]

I found this book to be fascinating. It went more in depth on sound and mantra than I have found elsewhere. Quite serious (as in not light) reading. Recommend for yogis already passionate about philosophy and mantra.

[Hakim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theory and practice, in-depth but concisely written. Very helpful for all getting into Mantra practice or wanting to dive deeper.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has several applications for seekers: I came to it to deepen my understanding of mantra and the yoga of sound/vibration in meditation, and for a more in-depth look at the Sanskrit language. Frawley is very knowledgeable about these subjects, as well as more devotional and esoteric practices (Vedic astrology, Vashtu, and less esoteric, Ayurveda) surrounding mantra and bhakti yoga.

3.5 stars -

[Priyanka Vishwakarma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well researched book on seeds mantras. Author explains basic of consonants, vowel, literals and how to use various mantras for various gods and goddess and use of mantra purusha for all parts of body. It is a very good and informative.

[Radhakrishna Sattuluri]

explains from a westerner point of view the power and benefits of repeating certain sounds. the explanation is lucid. It is difficult to practically know the results until you spend a lot of time over months