… is the number of repetitions generally required to glean ‘basic mastery’ of a mantra.
Basic because, when practiced correctly, more will reveal itself gradually over the course of time. Just as my teachers have advised, and what I have experienced myself: crossing each ‘threshold’ of about 20 to 30 thousand repetitions unveil certain perceptual shifts, subtle physical changes, and a host of other surprises. The challenge is: are you self-aware enough, and honest enough, to pick-up on these little changes?
Then, of course, there is the purification aspect too. Each threshold draws out a deeply hidden impurity or block from within, giving us access and opportunity to heal and clear that from our subtle bodies (koshas). So this answers the age-old question of “Why can’t I just sit for a week and complete all hundred thousand?”
Answer: You may not survive that.
My Teacher uses the analogy of growing a plant and preparing the soil — too much water at once rots the roots; too much sunlight at once burns the plant.
Mantra, which means ‘that which liberates the mind when repeated’, is akin to introducing and growing a new pattern within our sub-conscious mind. At the same time, disciplined repetition of these sacred sound syllables also ‘triggers’ and illuminates certain hidden and less-wholesome patterns long embedded in our unconsciousness.
Vamadevaji constantly reminds us, “Remember, Mantra is a living fire. Be respectful and mindful of how you use it.”
Of course, there are general parameters for doing mantras. Absentmindedly repeating them while shopping for groceries do not count. A basic but proper Sadhana (spiritual practice) is always required. If you can do it daily at the same place AND at the same time, for example, then the potency of the practice deepens over time. If you can do it daily, uninterrupted for 100 days, or 200 days, then the power of the practice is greatly amplified.
A gentle reminder though. All sadhana stirs-up our samskaras (karmic/behavioral patterns) in order to flush them out from our system. Some experience this purification process as a form of physical, bodily stress; others, emotionally or mentally. Falling ill, or being challenged by the unlikeliest of external situations, are commonplace during the course of sadhana.
I’ve lost count over the number of times students have come to me bewildered or blind-sided when the outer challenges emerge (as a reflection of an ongoing INTERNAL conflict or friction being illuminated). In theory, most seekers say they understand the term “as within, so without” — until it happens to them.
Many modern folk find it difficult to sit-up straight for more than 25 minutes. One generation has weak back muscles from sitting incorrectly too long over the years. The younger ones have the power of focus equivalent to that of a cute monkey. Most new students I meet can’t breathe properly as well, partly due to lack of understanding. The obscene popularity in yoga asana and a myriad of ‘new age yoga’ have its merits, albeit swimming in a pool of misconceptions about what yoga (or tantra) really is about. It’s easy to get carried away with the notion of being ‘innovative’ or ‘creative’ especially when very little wisdom is involved.
S.
29/7/2024
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