Mantra - SOUND THE SEED OF MATTER

A MANTRA is a mystical energy encased in a sound structure. Every mantra contains within its vibration a certain power. Upon concentration and repetition of a given mantra, its energy is liberated and takes form
There are different types of mantras. Some called Bija (Seed) mantra. They have no exact meaning but act directly on the nerves of astral body. The other type of mantras, having a combination of words, and having some meaning also set up powerful vibrations in the body.
Most common, however is the deity mantras, in which a specific form with attributes is visualized along with the repetition of the sound.
Initiation - If possible, before attempting Japa one should seek out a guru and receive mantra initiation from him. Only those who are themselves pure can give initiation to others. Therefore it is important to find a qualified guru to successfully implant the mantras in the disciples body. If no guru can be found, one may select any mantra that seems appropriate to fulfil his desires, assuming Lord Shiva as his guru and start repeating it with mentally with faith and devotion everyday.
The efficiency of the japa is accentuated according to the degree of concentration. The mind should be fixed on the source or the related YANTRA (please see yantra section for details). Then only you will realize the maximum benefit of a mantra.

“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam.
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.”
Gayatri Mantra is the supreme mantra of the vedas. Gayatri is the mother of universe, the shakti itself. There is nothing she cannot do. Her mantra purifies the mind, destroys pain, sin and ignorance, brings liberation, and bestows health, beauty, strength, vitality, power intelligence and magnetic aura. Modern system of treatment is bereft of religion. Anybody who enchants the gayatri mantra everyday can never be affected by diseases. Mahatma Gandhi believed that It protects both your body as well as soul.

“Om Sri Maha Ganapataye Namah”
The mantra of elephant headed God. A remover of obstacles and bestower of success. It is the mantra adopted by famous astrologer Bejan Daruwala.

“Om Namah Sivaya”
It is the mantra of Lord Shiva. Many people have become multi-millioner from penniless by enchanting this mantra. Lord Shiva is very innocent God and bestows his blessings immediately on the devotee.

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
The mantra of Lord Vishnu. Any thing in the world is possible by worshipping lord Vishnu, who sustains the life in world. Enchanting this mantra saves you from many types of troubles. It bestows the devotee with prosperity, peace, wealth etc.

“Om Sri Ramaya Namah”
The description of word RAMA is unlimited. Lord Rama is the incarnation of Vishnu. The influence of Rama is spread all over Asia in one or the other way. One can gain a lot in all fields of his life by enchanting this mantra.

“Om Sri Durgaya Namah”
This mantra is of Goddess Durga the combined form of the powers of Lakshmi, Saraswati and kali. By enchanting this mantra all the physical, mental, economic problems are solved.

“Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah”
The mantra of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of all the wealth and prosperity in the world.

“Om Aim Saraswatyai Namah”
Godess Saraswati bestows the devotee with the memory, Knowledge and the power of speech.

“Om Kleem Krishnaya Namah”
The mantra of lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Solves all the problems of devotee and bestows him with wealth and prosperity.

“Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim
Pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat”
This Mahamritunjaya Mantra of Shiva, is to protect and cure the persons from diseases, fear of death.

Abstract Mantras
“Soham” - I am That I am
“Aham Brahma Asmi ” - I am Brahman
“OM” - It consist of three letters A, U and M. it signifies three periods of time, the three states of consciousness and all existence. A devotee can feel its effect very soon by including it in his daily routine of japa.

Bija Mantra, Mystic seed letters
Out of 11 bija mantra some are given below
“Kreeem” - This is the bija mantra of Kalika and Krishna
“Shreem” - The mantra of Maha Lakshmi, Wealth, satisfaction and dispeller of sorrows
“Aim ” - This is the mantra of Saraswati, the goddess of Knowledge.
“Kleem ” - This mantra relates to the lord of desires, also to lord Krishna.

The science of mantras is very complex. There are many mantras for specific purposes like Shabar Mantras, which give immediate result and don’t need any special techniques for their use.

Symbol of the Absolute

Om: Symbol of the Absolute

All About the Hindu Icon

"The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at, and which men desire when they lead the life of continence … is Om. This syllable Om is indeed Brahman. Whosoever knows this syllable obtains all that he desires. This is the best support; this is the highest support. Whosoever knows this support is adored in the world of Brahma."
~ Katha Upanishad I

Om or Aum is of paramount importance in Hinduism. This symbol (as seen in the image on the right) is a sacred syllable representing Brahman, the impersonal Absolute of Hinduism — omnipotent, omnipresent, and the source of all manifest existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible; so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. Om, therefore, represents both the unmanifest (nirguna) and manifest (saguna) aspects of God. That is why it is called pranava, to mean that it pervades life and runs through our prana or breath.

Om in Daily Life

Although Om symbolizes the most profound concepts of Hindu belief, it is in use daily. The Hindus begin their day or any work or a journey by uttering Om. The sacred symbol is often found at the head of letters, at the beginning of examination papers and so on. Many Hindus, as an expression of spiritual perfection, wear the sign of Om as a pendant. This symbol is enshrined in every Hindu temple premise or in some form or another on family shrines.

It is interesting to note that a newly born child is ushered into the world with this holy sign. After birth, the child is ritually cleansed and the sacred syllable Om is written on its tongue with honey. Thus right at the time of birth the syllable Om is initiated into the life of a Hindu and ever remains with him as the symbol of piety. Om is also a popular symbol used in contemporary body art and tattoos.

The Eternal Syllable

According to the Mandukya Upanishad, "Om is the one eternal syllable of which all that exists is but the development. The past, the present, and the future are all included in this one sound, and all that exists beyond the three forms of time is also implied in it".

The Music of Om

Om is not a word but rather an intonation, which, like music, transcends the barriers of age, race, culture and even species. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined together, make the sound Aum or Om. It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds. It is a mantra or prayer in itself. If repeated with the correct intonation, it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the centre of one's being, the atman or soul.

There is harmony, peace and bliss in this simple but deeply philosophical sound. By vibrating the sacred syllable Om, the supreme combination of letters, if one thinks of the Ultimate Personality of Godhead and quits his body, he will certainly reach the highest state of "stateless" eternity, states the Bhagavad Gita.

The Vision of Om

Om provides a dualistic viewpoint. On one hand, it projects the mind beyond the immediate to what is abstract and inexpressible. On the other hand, it makes the absolute more tangible and comprehensive. It encompasses all potentialities and possibilities; it is everything that was, is, or can yet be. It is omnipotent and likewise remains undefined.

The Power of Om

During meditation, when we chant Om, we create within ourselves a vibration that attunes sympathy with the cosmic vibration and we start thinking universally. The momentary silence between each chant becomes palpable. Mind moves between the opposites of sound and silence until, at last, it ceases the sound. In the silence, the single thought—Om—is quenched; there is no thought. This is the state of trance, where the mind and the intellect are transcended as the individual self merges with the Infinite Self in the pious moment of realization. It is a moment when the petty worldly affairs are lost in the desire for the universal. Such is the immeasurable power of Om.

author by http://hinduism.about.com/od/omaum/a/meaningofom.htm