Yoga Sutras 1.27-1.29:

How to use OM Mantra

http://www.swamij.com/yoga-sutras-12329.htm#1.27

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YOGA SUTRA 1.27-1.29: The sacred word designating this creative

source is the sound OM, called pranava. This sound is remembered with

deep feeling for the meaning of what it represents. From that

remembering comes the realization of the individual Self and the

removal of obstacles.



SEE ALSO the articles:

OM and the 7 Levels of Consciousness

http://www.swamij.com/om.htm

OM and 7 Methods of Practice

http://www.swamij.com/om-mantra.htm





YOGA SUTRA 1.27: The sacred word designating this creative source is

the sound OM, called pranava.

(tasya vachakah pranavah)



TASYA = of that

VACHAKAH = designator, signifier, indicator, term

PRANAVAH = the mantra AUM or OM



AUM has a vibrational quality along with other meanings, one of which

is as a designator or term to denote the pure consciousness referred

to in the sutras above.



LOWER CURVE: The lower curve [of the OM symbol] represents the Gross,

Conscious, and Waking state level, called Vaishvanara.



CENTER CURVE: The center curve represents the Subtle, Unconscious,

and Dreaming level, called Taijasa.



UPPER CURVE: The upper curve represents the Causal, Subconscious, and

Deep Sleep level, called Prajna.



BINDU: The dot, point, or bindu represents the fourth state, the

absolute consciousness, which encompasses, permeates, and is the

other three, and is called Turiya.



ARC: The arc below the dot symbolizes the separateness of this fourth

state, standing above, though ever remaining part of the other three.





YOGA SUTRA 1.28: This sound is remembered with deep feeling for the

meaning of what it represents.

(tat japah tat artha bhavanam)



TAT = its

JAPAH = repeated remembrance

TAT = its

ARTHA = meaning

BHAVANAM = understanding with feeling, absorbing, dwelling upon



REMEMBER THE MEANING: It is important to remember not only the

vibration (japa), but also the deep meaning of the mantra, rather

than merely parrot-like repetition.





YOGA SUTRA 1.29: From that remembering comes the realization of the

individual Self and the removal of obstacles.

(tatah pratyak chetana adhigamah api antaraya abhavash cha)



TATAH = thence

PRATYAK = individual

CHETANA = consciousness

ADHIGAMAH = understanding, realization, attainment

API = also

ANTARAYA = of obstacles or impediments

ABHAVASH = absence, disappearance, removal

CHA = and, also



TWO BENEFITS: Two direct benefits come from the proper practice of

the OM mantra:



1) Obstacles will be removed (1.30-1.32).

2) It is a direct route to Self-realization.



If one is able to sincerely, devotedly, intensely practice the AUM

mantra in the depth of its meaning, it is a complete practice unto

itself.



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