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Articles: Philosophy | GAYATRI MANTRA - BENEFIT AND SIGNIFICANCE IN HINDUISM
- Amrapaali
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The Gayathri, or Guru, Mantra possesses both the power of mantra and the power of prarthana, and thus has both an intrinsic power
(i.e. 'mantra Shakthi'), through its mere utterance alone, and also an instrumental power (ie 'prarthana Shakthi'), which is derived from the exposition and understanding of its meaning and philosophical significance. The repeated and correct chanting of the Gayathri Mantra, with proper understanding of its meaning, is believed to be of the greatest good to the individual.
The Gayathri Mantra can be broken down into six parts...
AUM: the Supreme name of God. A full explanation of this has been given in another article.
BHUR BHUVAH SWAH: These three words collectively are known as
the 'Mahavyahriti'. They express the nature of God, and demonstrate his inherent qualities.
BHUR: Firstly, the word Bhur implies existence. God is self-existent and independent of all. He is eternal and unchanging. Without beginning and without end, God exists as a continuous, permanent, constant entity. Secondly, the word Bhur can also mean the Earth, on which we are born and sustained. God is the provider of all, and it is through His divine will that we our blessed with all that we require to maintain us through our lives. Finally, Bhur signifies Prana, or life (literally, breath). God is That which gives life to all. Whilst He is independent of all, all are dependent on Him. It is God who has
given us life, God who maintains us throughout our lives, and God alone who has the ability to take away our life, when He so chooses. The only permanent entity, all others are subject to His own will.
BHUVAH: Bhuvah describes the absolute Consciousness of God. God is self- Conscious as well as being Conscious of all else, and thus is able to control and govern the Universe. Also, the word Bhuvah relates to God's relationship with the celestial world. It denotes God's greatness - greater than the sky and space, He is boundless and unlimited. Finally, Bhuvah is also indicative of God's role as the remover of all pain and sufferings (Apaana). We see pain and sorrow all around us. However, through supplication to God, we can be freed
from that pain and hardship. God Himself is devoid of any pain.
Though He is Conscious of all, and is thus aware of pain, it does not affect Him. It is our own ignorance that makes us susceptible to the effects of Maya, or illusion, which causes us to feel pain. Through true devotion to God, we can be freed from the clutches of Maya, and thus be rid of pain and sorrow.
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