Pranoga

At the beginning of any class, lecture, or even personal Sadhana (spiritual practice), we chant the Dhyana Slokas. This helps to tune the mind to the divine in its different aspects. It makes us feel like instruments, and helps to remove the tamasic-rajasic ego. Divine guidance is necessary for any Sadhana to be successful.

The Dhyana Slokas follow nearly the same sequence as the Daily Chants (Jaya Ganesha, etc.). First we invoke Ganesha to remove all obstacles. We then ask Subhramanya to give us strength and destroy all negative forces, internal and external. Next is Saraswati. We pray to Her to give us Divine Knowledge. We then ask the teacher (Guru) to guide us always. Finally, we invoke the Divine Mother Durga, Narayani to bring auspiciousness for all our undertakings.

The Gayatri Mantra is revered by Hindus and Buddhists around the world. It is considered to be a supreme vehicle to achieve enlightenment.

The Trayambakam Mantra is a life-giving Mantra. In these days, when life is very complex, accidents are an everyday affair; this Mantra wards off deaths by snakebite, lightening, motor accidents, fire, cycle, water, air accidents and accidents of all kinds. Besides, it has a great curative effect for diseases. It should be repeated before any travel.

It is also a Moksha-Mantra and bestows liberation. It is a Siva-Mantra. The Mantra (first verse) should be repeated 3, 9, 27 or 108 times, especially on your birthday. This will bestow upon you health, long life, liberation and prosperity.