Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most powerful chants from the Rig Veda:
Om Bhur Bhu Rasva
Tat Savitur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi
Dheo Yonah Prachodayat
The meanings of the different words are:
TAT – Brahman, Savitur – Sun, Varenyam – Effulgence, Bhargo – Splendor, Devasya – Divine, Dhimahi – Surrender, Dheo – to seek, Yonah – specific wish, Prachodayat – given or graced with.
If the Gayatri Mantra was to be translated:
I adore the Universal Consciousness (Brahman), the source of all in the Universe. I surrender to the brilliant effulgence and divine splendor of Surya (Sun). I pray and seek the specific wish of illumination. Illumination is bestowed by Surya (the presiding deity of the Solar system).
According to the Akhand Sutra:
Brahman is made up of two parts that relate and complement each other –
a) Shakta – the male aspect with three heads called Dattatreya
b) Shakti – the female aspect with five heads and ten arms called Gayatri (Goddess).
As per this Sutra, the Universal Consciousness of Brahman (Tat) and the brilliance of Savitur (Surya/Sun) energize Bhur (earth), Bhuva (atmosphere), and heaven (Suvah). These three worlds created by Brahma [the Creator in Hinduism] (Bhur, Bhuva, Suvah) became the seed mantras to the original Gayatri mantra. It is from here that we get the creation of the syllable AUM.
If one meditates on the first syllable (A in AUM), he will become physically strong and will be reborn on this earth.
If one meditates on the first two syllables (AU in AUM), he gets the mind.
If one meditates on the entire spectrum (AUM), the person becomes one with the Light.
Continuous chanting of AUM gains connection to the immortal, infinite, and the Supreme or Higher Consciousness/I AM.
On a vibration level, the expression of A in AUM is connected to the lower abdomen, the stating of U in AUM is felt in the chest region, and M in AUM is experienced in the neck and head. However, the chanting of AUM allows one to feel the vibration in the whole body.
