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so that required repetitions are completed. During those periods, an ekäsana (taking one meal in 24 hours) or an ayambil (as ekäsanä, but with further limitations on grains, flavours and spices) should be observed. One should also observe celibacy and purity of thought, speech and body during the period.
Colour and Mantra:
The Namaskära Mantra represents five colours: white, red, yellow, or orange, green and blackish blue.
White is the mother or blending of all colours. It shows purity and selflessness and cosmic consciousness. White is the colour of the first line of the Namaskära Mantra (Namo Arihantänam). The visualisation of the Arihanta and the white light in the cranium will purify and protect.
Red is the great energiser. It activates energy and bestows total enlightenment. Red is the colour of the Namo Siddhänam, the second line of the Namaskära Mantra. Visualise red on the forehead.
Yellow or orange shows discipline, wisdom and the power to choose a higher goal in life. Orange is the colour of the Namo Äyariyänam, the third line of the Namaskära Mantra. Visualise orange at the right ear and on the right side of the head.
Then green which is the colour of harmony and balance. This is the colour of the Namo Uvajjayänam, the fourth line of the Namaskära Mantra.. This shows us how to awaken powers and maintain the balance of body, mind and soul. Visualise this colour on the throat.
Black is the absence of colour. It is the colour of the Namo Loe Savva Sahunäm, the fifth sentence of the Namaskara Mantra. Visualise black in the left ear and on the left side of the head. The entire colour visualisation is very powerful for protection. Use your right hand and touch your body whilst reciting the sentences of the Namaskära Mantra.
The meditation can be done with the use of visualisation of the various colours of the Chakras, which are the centres of energy.
Meditation and the Chakras:
Sit in the posture shown in the illustration, a lotus posture, observe the centres and follow the procedure as below:
Chant Namo Arihantänam whilst focusing your attention on the knowledge centre with a white background. The mind becomes active and stimulated. It helps in obtaining divine perception. Follow the procedure of meditating upon other Chakras whilst visualising different colours and chanting different lines of the Namaskära Mantra.
The Chakras are centres of whirling energy within the subtle body. They correspond with the major nerve plexuses in our body. The Chakras are directly related to the
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