The word “Mantra” is as powerful as anything you visualize. However, it can also be confusing. Through a Mantra, you can achieve many things or even cause destruction. You may gain or lose various aspects of life. Therefore, a Mantra is considered a mystic word. Each person adds their personal interest and intention to the Mantra.
Recently, a popular person on social media suggested that the best Mantra to remove ignorance is “Om IGNOREr!ya namaha.” Unfortunately, this has gone viral, and some ignorant individuals might actually believe it’s a genuine mantra. In reality, this phrase translates to “I salute Ignorance.” It serves as a reminder that Mantras, being mystic words, can mislead if misunderstood. There are also individuals and organizations that exploit this mysticism.
In ancient times, there was a notorious thief who excelled at stealing. Before committing thefts at night, he would visit the targeted locations during the day to assess the situation. Remarkably, he never got caught. However, one fateful day, he was apprehended. The people debated what punishment would prevent him from stealing again. The King and ministers devised an unconventional plan: they decided to cut off the thief’s nose. Their reasoning was that if he scouted during the day, people would recognize him, and he wouldn’t be able to steal. The punishment was carried out, and the thief was banished from the kingdom.
He wandered to a neighboring kingdom, where hunger and hardship took their toll. Thin and bearded, he sought refuge under a tree. Observers mistook him for a Swami (a holy person) and offered him food. The thief seized this opportunity and pretended to be a Swami. When asked about his missing nose, he cryptically replied that it was a secret. He claimed to have traveled the world in search of Gurus and finally found one who granted him realization. The Guru did something and I got realisation.
As the news of the “enlightened” Swami spread, an intellectual person in the kingdom became curious. He wondered how realization could be connected to the thief’s missing nose. The thief, now playing the role of a spiritual teacher, engaged in an intellectual argument. He explained:
“The face is the main part of the body, and the nose holds particular significance. Symbolically, the nose represents the Ego or Ahankara. As long as you harbor Ego, true self-understanding remains elusive. Self-realization occurs only when you annihilate your Ego. Hence, I metaphorically destroyed my Ego by cutting off my nose, and now I consider myself a man of realization.”
The thief even offered the intellectual person the opportunity to become his disciple by cutting off his own nose. Over time, the thief gained many followers. However, the first disciple eventually realized that he hadn’t achieved self-realization and grew angry.
The thief responded, “You have two choices: If you reveal the truth to people, they’ll likely harm me. I’ll flee to another place and continue my charade. But what about you? People will forever label you as an intelligent person turned fool. Can you bear that? Alternatively, you can tell people that you approached various Gurus but only found realization after meeting me and cutting off your nose. Gradually, you’ll also become a Guru.”
The disciple chose the second option. The thief then imparted a Mantra: Whenever you cut someone’s nose, offer them two options as I did with you, and tell them it’s a secret. In time, many people were left without noses.
Organizations often present multiple options in the name of Mantras. Therefore, understanding the mystic word is crucial. The term “Mantra” is described as “Mananat trayate iti mantraha”—contemplating which one feels protected. Mantras hold various meanings, and by dwelling upon them, one experiences growth and connects with their true Self.
The sense of becoming does not create a problem for the person. This means that a mantra is a tool to examine your mind, succeed, and experience growth in your life. Just like any tool, how you use it matters. Even if you have the best tool, without the necessary expertise or power, you cannot fully utilize it. Choosing a mantra is crucial; seeking guidance from an expert is essential when learning to use any tool. Similarly, a mantra requires the help of a guru. You shouldn’t decide which mantra to use on your own, as doing so might lead to fluctuations based on insecurities.
The relationship between the mantra, the receiver of the mantra, and the teacher forms a triangle. In this triangle, the guru should always be at the top, representing the sattvika (pure) aspect of the mantra. The source of the mantra is more important than the mantra itself.
Many asuras (demons) used mantras. One famous example is Bhasmasura. He approached Lord Shiva and requested, ‘I want to be the most powerful person. Whomever I touch should turn to ashes (bhasma).’ Eventually, he found himself in a situation where he had to place his hand on his own head, leading to his own demise.
Astrologically, if the moon is not in the right position in your birth chart, decision-making can go away. During such times, being close to the guru can reduce the negative influence of the moon. Therefore, the teacher who imparts the mantra is more critical than the mantra itself. Learning a mantra without considering its source can lead to various problems.
Once, a great actor from the West visited Rishikesh to receive a mantra. For him, both the guru and the mantra held importance. The guru was pleased to receive him.
With special dakshina, he wanted to buy the Guru. The Guru gave him the mantra and instructed him to keep it a secret (to maintain his faith). However, the actor failed to realize the importance of secrecy. As he walked the roads of Rishikesh, he heard the same mantra he had learned. Feeling cheated, he returned to the Guru and expressed his frustration, eventually leaving the place. Instances like this occur because some individuals approach mantras to prove themselves rather than seeking inner growth.
When considering a mantra, it’s crucial to prioritize the teacher who imparts it. The teacher’s role is to assess whether the student is ready to receive the mantra. Analogously, as a child, you express interest in various tools or toys. When you ask your father for something, that moment becomes significant, and you tend to heed your parents’ advice.
Intelligent parents understand the child’s needs and provide tools accordingly—not necessarily what the child wants. Ultimately, the source of the mantra holds greater importance. In South India, a tradition persists where fathers initiate their children into the Gayatri Mantra. Indeed, the relationship between a father and son extends beyond familial ties—it also assumes the roles of teacher and disciple. When a father initiates a mantra for his child, it involves significant effort. If the father diligently chants the mantra and passes it on to the child, the child tends to maintain regular practice. However, if shortcuts are taken, the child may also adopt a similar approach. Hence the teacher of the Mantra is very important.