Benefits of Mantra: Introduction

The subject of Mantra is one that, I am sure you can tell, is very close to my heart. Last week’s blog was about my own personal experience of mantra and its benefits.. In this coming week, I wish to add some additional information I obtained while researching this Divine sadhana (practice).

The following are extracts from the Srimad Bhagavatam (one of the most important classics of India describing the life and times of Lord Krishna)

Reviving our original brilliance
Sparks are beautiful as long as they are in the fire. Similarly, we have to remain in the association of the Supreme personality of Godhead and always engage in devotional service, for then we shall always be brilliant and illuminating. When we living entities, who are like sparks of the original fire, the Supreme Lord, fall into a material condition, we may use mantra to be delivered from all the difficulties of this material world.
- Srimad – Bhagavatam (8.16.15)

Chanting: the universal religion
In this present age, quarrels take place even over trifles, and therefore the scriptures have recommended for this age a common platform for realization: namely chanting the holy names of the Lord. People can hold meetings to glorify the Lord, in their respective languages and with melodious songs, and if such performances are executed in an offenseless manner, it is certain that the participants will gradually attain spiritual perfection without having to undergo more rigorous methods… all people of the world will accept the holy name of the Lord as the common platform for the universal religion of mankind.
- Srimad – Bhagavatam (1.1.intro)

The Holy Name acts like fire
Fire will act, regardless of whether handled by an innocent child or by someone well aware of its power. For example, if a field of straw or dry grass is set on fire, either by an elderly man who knows the power of fire, or by a child who does not, the grass will be burned to ashes. Similarly, one may or may not know the power of chanting the mantra, but if one chants the holy names, he will become free from all sinful reactions
- Srimad – Bhagavatam (6.2.18)

Liberation from ego
The effect of chanting the holy name of the Lord is perceived by the chanter as liberation from the conception of false egoism. False egoism is exhibited by thinking oneself to be the enjoyer of the world and thinking everything in the world to be meant for the enjoyment if one’s self only. The whole materialistic world is moving under such false egoism of “I” and “mine” but the factual effect of chanting the Holy names, is to become free from such misconceptions
- Srimad – Bhagavatam (2.1.11)