In the previous article titled “Eleven-step Pranayama – Gayatri Shiras Mantra”, we discussed the ninth step i.e., attributes of Brahman. From the eighth step, the breath which is retained, is held till the mental utterance of the final Pranava (om).
In the first seven steps, seven Vyahritis were recited along with seven Pranavas. In the eighth step, Gayatri Mantra is recited along with one Pranava and in the ninth step Gayatri Shiras mantra is recited with one Pranava in the beginning and one at the end. Hence we close the entire recitation with the tenth and the closing Pranava.
In this article, we will discuss the tenth step – i.e., closing Pranava.
Pranava: The Power of closing recitation with the utterance of Om
The cosmic sound: “Om” is called Pranava because it is the sound manifestation of the primordial sound vibration, or the sound of creation. The term “Pranava” indicates praise of the eminent being – Parabrahma. The syllable “Om” is considered the most sacred and powerful sound in Vedic tradition. It also plays a significant role in Jainism and Buddhism.
Role of “Om”: It is often chanted at the beginning and end of mantras and prayers. It encapsulates the power of mantra and stimulates its energy to manifest in us. The sound of “Om” has the cleansing and purifying effect on the mind and body. It helps to dispel negative thoughts and emotions. Chanting “Om” helps to focus the mind and improve concentration.
Ten Pranava: Till this tenth step, we have covered ten pranavas in the “dheerga gayatri mantra”: (1) Om bhuh, (2) Om bhavah, (3) Om suvah, (4) Om mahah, (5) Om janah, (6) Om tapah, (7) Om satyam;
(8) Om Tatsavitur… (Gayatri Mantra) (9) Om apo … (Gayatri Shiras Mantra) (10) Om. So, the entire “dheerga Gayatri mantra” biggened with “om” and ended with “om”. In this process we have uttered a total of ten Pranavas.
The deity:
In Vedic tradition, the deity for “om” is Parabrahman.
Beeja mantra: Before creation –the supreme consciousness was in Yoga-nidra (qualified inactivity) while all other conscious beings were in sushupti (absolute inactivity). Upon the advent of creation, the first consciousness to wake was Virinchi (Chaturmukha Brahma). He heard only “om” from the supreme consciousness and upon meditation he expanded it to Vyahruti and all the knowledge of cosmos. Hence, “om” is called beeja-mantra – containing all the knowledge of cosmos – first propagated by Parabrahma itself.
Chakra: Different beeja mantras are linked to the seven chakras, the energy centres in the body. Chanting them can activate these chakras, promoting physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
For example, the beeja mantra “LAM” is associated with the Muladhara Chakra, and chanting it grounds and stabilizes our bodily energy. “Om” is considered the supreme mantra and capacity to activate all chakras of the body.
By consciously uttering Pranava, each time we invoke Parabrahman and elevate our consciousness. This transformative experience will lead to the ultimate goal of spiritual practice: the realization of one’s true nature as pure consciousness.
After this step, we biggin to exhale in absolute silence.
In the next article, the eleventh and the final step “exhale with silence” will be discussed.
Madhwesh K
Vedic Tribe
