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The Types of Japa
The Matrikäs: Vowels and Consonants
The Chakras: Meditation on the Chakras
The Yantras
Mandalas and Yantras
Simple Yantras, Mathematical Tables
How to Create and Worship the Yantra
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The Science of Mantras and Yantras (The Tantric system)
The science of mantras and yantras fall under the wider sphere of the Indian Tantric system, and therefore to know the mantras and yantras we will briefly explore the system of Tantra.
The origin of tantra can be traced to the Hindu scripture, the Atharvaveda'. This text deals with the practical side of life, with man, his protection and security, destruction of his enemies, the use of magic charms, removing evil omens, welfare of the common man, marriage, funerals and so on.
Tantric teachings are an integral part of the religious traditions of India. The word 'tantra' could mean rule, regulation, system or administration. Tantra can be regarded as a branch of knowledge, which offers a systematic, and scientific method by which higher spiritual powers can be achieved in life for the realisation of the self that leads one to the path of salvation. Tantra on the other hand has also earned a bad reputation due to some tantrika's desire to pursue 'black magic and indulge in sinful activities, i.e., using the five 'm's. (Madya, matsya, maithun, mänsa, mudrä, i.e, wine, fish, sexual activities, meat, money)
The word tantra has been derived from the Sanskrit root 'tan' meaning to expand . In a basic sense, tantra is a 'mechanism': it could be a book or a method to achieve an end. Tantra is a compendium of spiritual knowledge
Tantra affirms the importance of the body as a temple for the divine and grants it a sacred reality. Our body is the vehicle for experiencing feelings related to happiness or misery. It is the body through which one can gain enlightenment. In the words of Dr David Frawley- 'the intelligence, which is part of the cosmic mind, reveals itself when we no longer use the body to pursue personal desires but as an instrument of developing higher awareness'
Atharvveda published by Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd; 2715 Darya Gunj, New Delhi 110002 2 Tanoti vipulanarthan tattvamantra smanvitan, Tranam cha kurute yasmat Tantram iti abhidhyate. (= It is called Tantra because it promulgates great knowledge concerning Tattva and Mantra and because it saves Page 49 Mantrashshtra by Mohanlal Jhavery. Published by Sarabhai Manilal Nawab, Ahmedabad 1944.
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