So we are going to do a meditation now. So far we’ve been listening, which is also purifying. But, number one, we are not always in an environment where we can listen to the mantras. So, number one, we can produce the mantras ourselves. We have been given vocal cords and a mind, very advanced technology! We can hear the mantras, place them in our minds and bring them back – chant the mantras. And then listen to the mantras as we chant. Perfect arrangement. So we’re going to do that now.
Let’s start with the mantra GAURANGA. This is a one word mantra. But, nonetheless, it’s filled with transcendental potency. Mantras are very easy, not complicated. GAURANGA, how complicated is it? Very easy. We’re going to chant it tonight, using it as 4 syllables: GAU-RA-ANG-GA. To make sure we have our pronunciation correct, we’re going to practice saying that now. First I will say the mantra and then everyone can respond. OK? Everybody ready?
GAU–RA–ANG–GA. GAU–RA–ANG–GA.
Very good. So, it’s very easy. Our technique is also very easy. It’s a breathing technique. In the yoga teachings you may have heard of pranayam. “Prana” is the breath, and it is a technique of breathing, “yam” means regulation, “pranayam” – regulated breathing, yogic breathing. This meditation that we’re going to do now is the highest form of pranayam. Because not only it’s the breathing regulated, but it is also incorporating the transcendental sound, so now it has absolute potency. It’s the highest level of pranayam.
We will begin by breathing in through our nose, slowly and gently, but very deeply. Breathe into the abdomen, but in a gentle way. As we inhale in this low and gentle way, silently in the mind we will chant our mantra GAU-RA-ANG-GA. So now the mind is involved, we’re purifying the mind. And when we fill our body with air, then we begin to exhale and on the outgoing breath out loud we chant GAU-RA-ANG-GA. So inhale – meditate in the mind: GAU-RA-ANG-GA. Exhale – out loud: GAU-RA-ANG-GA. And then listen to the sound. Oral reception. In the process of bhakti yoga the first activity is hearing. We’re going to do that, we’re going to hear the mantra GAURANGA.
We’re also going to put the mind on the sound, focus on the sound. So now we’ve got the mind in the hearing, focusing on the sound, meditating on the transcendental sound GAURANGA. Then when the breath is expired, we do the same thing again.
All the while, we are relaxed, remaining very gentle in the process, not tense, not forceful, not anxious, not trying to rush it, but like a very smooth rhythm, harmonizing very nicely with the rhythm of the sound. We’ll do this several times. And when we’ve finished, I want everyone to sit quietly for a couple of moments and just feel the effect. See? Awareness, sensitivity, feeling the effect.
We need to increase our sensitivity to these things. We’ve become so hard, so conditioned, so insensitive. But it’s the nature of the soul to be very sensitive. So here is an opportunity to practice that.
OK, I’ll give you a demonstration so you can see exactly how it will be. Then we’ll all do it together. Meditation is not a spectator sport where we sit as an audience and watch somebody meditates, “Let’s watch him meditate.” No, it’s an activity we do together.
So this is a demonstration so we will all know how to do the activity correctly. First I’m going to begin by taking a big breath and letting it out; this will help us to relax. So this will be the first thing we’re going to do – the big breath and the exhalation to facilitate relaxation. Now very slowly, gently and deeply I inhale and chant GAURANGA in the mind:
GAU–RA–ANG–GA. GAU–RA–ANG–GA.
OK, it’s just that easy. So now it’s your turn. We can all do it together. It’s good to sit erect in your seat; this helps us to breathe. When we slouch down, everything is cramped, the breathing passage way is restricted. So you move forward, move the chest, let everything open, head erect, but still relaxed. All you have to do is follow my instruction. Remember: meditate on the sound and sit quietly in the end.
Everybody take a big breath, let it out and relax. And now very slowly, gently and deeply inhale and chant GAURANGA in the mind:
GAU-RA-ANG-GA. GAU-RA-ANG-GA. GAU-RA-ANG-GA…
HARIBOL! So you can see this is very easy meditation to do. And perhaps you’ve found it’s very relaxing. This is an excellent way to begin your day. When you wake up in the morning, the first 5, 10, 15 minutes or more you can do the meditation. It’s also an excellent way to end the day. We’re busy all day, we come home: we’re tired, frustrated, maybe a little angry. Just forget all that. Sit down, relax, do your GAURANGA meditation and go to sleep. But, of course, you can do it any time.
And when you do this meditation, you’re actually surrounding yourself with a little bubble of transcendental sound. And, technically speaking, at that time you’re really not in the material world. You’re in the spiritual atmosphere. And you can create that whenever you like.
Also, if there’s some disturbance: traffic noise, kids playing, dogs barking, people talking, it’s a common thing, If you are trying to silently meditate, this becomes a big problem. But with this meditation, as soon as you start chanting the mantras, that disturbance disappears. So it’s perfectly suited for this chaotic age, which we live in now. Add these mantras to your life.