Mantras :Words of Power - Swami Niranjananda Saraswati

Extract Page 138

"Mantras are words of power, words of vibration. Vibration has a deep and subtle influence on the human psyche and we feel vibrations for many things. Even when we interact with each other, we pick up vibrations from each other. When you are passing somebody on the road and they have high and strong energy, you can feel that energyas you pass a stranger.

The human mind is like the antenna of a radio. There are radio waves in the air yet we cannot see them. With a radio we can pick up a channel, a frequency, a station, and listen to the radio which actualizes the invisible radio waves into sound. In the same manner, the mind is like a radio. Mantras act like a tuning fork for the mind. When the right mantra is chanted, the right vibration, frequency and pitch are created. That right vibration then harmonizes itself with the cosmic frequency. Mantra becomes the link between the vibrations that exist in the mindand those that exist in the cosmos. Mnatras are like a bridge. When we chant the mantra, we are actually coming out of the shell of the mind and trying to access the cosmic energy, shakti (...). "

Sankalpa: The Art of Crafting Intentions

Sankalpa, a transformative experience

Sankalpa is a Sanskrit word meaning a deep, heartfelt intention, a solemn vow or resolve.

In yogic tradition, a Sankalpa is a commitment made at a soul level, aligning mind, body, and spirit toward a specific goal. Unlike a typical goal or resolution, a Sankalpa is rooted in one's core values and spiritual path, often expressed in the present tense to invoke the power of affirmation and manifestation.

Allow yourself to take time for finding the correct wording to set up a Sankalpa that is positive and meaningful. The Sankalpa should be chosen carefully, linked to what one truly wants to see becoming a reality in life. This mindfulness in wording helps the Sankalpa to serve as a powerful guiding force for personal transformation.

A Sankalpa should also be looked at on the physical, mental, & spiritual levels. On the physical level, the Sankalpa can influence actions and habits; on the mental level, it shapes our thoughts, focus, & intentions; and on the spiritual level, the Sankalpa connects us with our higher self and deeper purpose. By aligning these three aspects, a Sankalpa becomes a holistic tool for bringing about positive change in all areas of life, promoting harmony and balance.

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to set up a Sankalpa, what is yours ?