8- Mantra

Jan 07, 2010 by lakshmi

8. Gakāraḥ pūrvarūpam| Akaro madhyamarūpam| Anusvāraścāntyarūpam|     Binduruttararūpam| Nādassandhānam| Saṁhitā sandhiḥ ||

• Word meanings:
  
  • Gakāraḥ: the letter g;
  • Pūrvarūpam: first syllable;
  • Akaro: The letter a;
  • Madhyamarūpam: middle syllable;
  • Anusvāra: the letter m;
  • Ścāntyarūpam: end syllable;
  • Bindu: nasal sound called bindu;
  • Uttararūpaṁ: end syllable;
  • Nāda: a length sound;
  • Sandhānaṁ: unites;
  • Saṁhitā: unison;
  • Sandhiḥ: joins.
• Translation:

The first syllable g, middle syllable a, and end syllable is m, which progresses into a nasal sound called bindu further prolonged to form nāda that unites all the parts of the mantra. All the sounds when pronounced in unison, the mantra is complete.

• Symbolism: The mantra is divided into various parts which give support to vacillating mind; as it needs something hold on to. The sounds have profound influence on the mind during meditation rather concentrating on the form which can put an end to thoughts and become aware of the nada, with practice makes attentive to absolute silence in the end.
• Pronunciation:

•  
  
  • Pronounce ā like in car
  • Pronounce ṁ like in Rome
  • Pronounce ś like in shove
  • Visarga      ḥ Nasalization of preceding vowel
  • Pronounce ū like in pool

Permalink:8- Mantra | Posted under:Uncategorized