Ramakrishna Ashrama Penang: Invoking that reality

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Invoking that reality

Appendix B on Tantra:: Mantras play a most important part in the Tantric discipline... The word mantra means, literally, "that which, when reflected upon, gives liberation." The mantra is the sound-equivalent of the diety, that is to say, Chit or Consciousness... The sound-vibration is the very first manifestation of Chit and nearest to It. It is really intermediate between Pure Consciousness and the physical object, being neither absolutely immaterial like the former nor dense like the latter... (Mantras) are revealed to the seers in the hour of their illumination. The aspirant finds that a mantra and the deity with which it is associated are identical, the deity being the illumination embodied in the mantra... Illumination is hidden in the mantra, like an oak tree in an acorn. As soon as the illumination is expressed, the mantra become endowed with a wonderful power and reveals the cosmic energy latent in it. Tantra believes that mantras have not been created by human brains, but are eternally existent, and that through their repetition the aspirant attains to perfection.
(pp. 583-584)

Devotee:: How can I develop love for God"
Ramakrishna:: Repeat His name, and sins will disappear. Thus you will destroy lust, anger, the desire for creature comforts, and so on.
Devotee:: How can I take delight in God's name?
Ramakrishna:: Pray to God with a yearning heart that you may take delight in His name. He will certainly fulfil your heart's desire.
(p. 246)

Ramakrishna:: The worldly-minded practise devotions, japa, and austerity only by fits and starts. But those who know nothing else but God repeat His name with every breath (mentally or out loud).
(p. 322)

Pundit:: The same thing is said in the Vedas: "O God, we call on Thee as the cow lows for the calf."
(p. 314)

Ramakrishna:: God is the Ocean of Mercy. Be His slave and take refuge in Him. He will show compassion.
Prasanna:: What kind of spiritual discipline should one practise?
Narendra:: Repeat His name.
(pp. 555-556)