Mysteries of Mind

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Today and Tomorrows Book Agency

Page 80

SPIRITUAL JOY
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kind of sound was capable of producing a certain kind of vibrations. In recitational exercises formulas are recited loudly in order to produce a certain kind of vibrations. Mauna japa (silent recitation), prāņa japa (contemplation on vital energy and a very subtle recitation of a formula together with it) or repetition of the rhythm of vital energy are attempts to produce vibrations, gross as well as subtle. The theory behind the recitation of magical charms is the theory of vibrations. The makers of these charms knew what kind of charm will produce what kind of vibrations. The structure of the mantra śāstra (discipline of magical charms) came to be developed on this theory. Hundreds of books came to be written on the discipline of inantra sāstru. Magical charms came to be prescribed as curatives of various physical and psychical ailments. A system of magical treatment of diseases came to be built up. Magical charms were believed to be efficacious in increasing the energy of the body. Charms, it was believed, could bring about monetary gains. There were preventive charms which could ward off future calamities, produce joy and destroy grief. Sound produced vibrations which in their turn could change the course of natural events. Different kinds of experiences also produced vibrations. Even meditation produces vibrations.
There were as many samvaras (measures to be adopted in stopping the influx of the effects of actions) as there were asraras (influxes). There were different kinds of bondage and appropriate methods of release from them. There were as many medicines as there were diseases. There were various kinds of agencies to produce various kinds of vibrations. That is why different devotional cuits, faiths and ideologies of knowledge and action came into vogue in India. Whatever path one might have adopted, his only aim was to produce vibrations capable of destroying unfavourable vibrations.
When these vibrations came to be properly investigated into, it resulted in the formulation and development of all kinds of theories. One of them was the theory of opposites. According to this theory vibrations could be stopped by producing an opposite kind of vibration. Bhāvanā is one of the means of producing vibrations and of entering into subtle experiences. Much could be achieved by producing counter