Common Mantras

For this weeks meeting we focused on Mantras, Shlokas and Bhajans.

Mantras is a sanskrit sound, syllable, word, or group of words which is itself capable of creating spiritual transformation. Shlokas are similar, the Mahabharata and Ramayana are examples of poems written exclusively in Shlokas. A bhajan is any type of devotional songs. It could even be as simple as a mantra or kirtan. It is normally lyrical, expressing love for the divine. 

During the meeting we went through some common mantras, shlokas and bhajans. Listed below are a sample of what we discussed along with the English translations. 

Mantra

अन्धं तमः प्रविशन्ति येऽविद्यामुपासते | 

ततो भूय इव ते तमो य उ विद्यायान् रताः ||

  andhaṁ tamaḥ praviśanti ye'vidyāmupāsate

tato bhūya iva te tamo ya u vidyāyān ratāḥ

                          īśopaniṣad 9

Into blind darkness they enter,

 those who worship ignorance;

 And into even blinder darkness,

 those who delight in learning.

Discussion Question 1:

Do you find peace in the sounds of a prayer or do you need find it necessary to understand the meaning?

 Saraswati - Goddess of Knowledge

  Saraswati namastubhyam, Varade kaamaroopini; 

Vidyaarambham karishyaami, Siddhir bhavatu me sadaa. 

Meaning: Oh, Goddess Sarasvati, I bow to you, who are the fulfiller of all my wishes. I start my studies with the request that you will give me your blessings.

Ganesh- God of New Beginnings

  Vakratunda Mahakaaya
   Suryakoti Samaprabha
   Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva
  Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada

Meaning:
The Lord with the curved trunk and a mighty body, who has the luster of a million suns, I pray to thee Oh Lord, to remove the obstacles from all the actions I intend to perform.

Why do think there are prayers particular to certain gods? Should people pray to them only in time of need?