Mantras--Japa or chanting of the mantras is only a means for creating specific vibrations of the omnipresent subtle power of shabda. When we awaken somebody by pushing him by our hand, the hand simply plays the role of a tool; it is not a part of the process of awakening. Similarly, the specific configuration of syllables and the sound (including the sublime sound) produced by the japa of a mantra is only a means for activating specific field of the cosmic energy of shabda. Which mantra is suitable for awakening what kind of subliminal energy center – is described in the viniyoga (structural classification) of that mantra. All of the Vaidika and the Tantrika Mantras have distinct viniyogas.
As the practice of the mantra involves devoted meditation upon the devata along with the specified (according to the chhanda) rhythmic enunciation or chanting, the rishis had assigned visible forms to different devatas – representing different manifestations and subliminal expressions of the One, Eternal, Consciousness…. Some of the rishis also recommended worshipping the idols – of these forms of the devata – in sacred environment before commencing the japa of the mantras.
The effects of mantra are based on subtler (in terms of the ‘audio’ perceptions) levels of sound than the ultrasound. The body components like the tongue and the palate are supporting tools for augmenting the frequency of the sound of the syllables of a mantra. The inner extrasensory energy-centers of the body (including those in the brain) exponentially amplify – with the help of the vital power of the bioelectricity and the strength of consciousness (of the sadhaka), the frequency of the sound waves of the mantra far beyond the limits of ultrasonic and supersonic vibrations.
Scientific investigations on mantras are important, considering the fact that only a handful of genuine ‘experts’ of this occult field of knowledge are available today. The creative and enchanting impacts of particular forms of sound – Indian musical ragas, in particular – on human-psychology are well accepted today. Interdisciplinary scientific research is emerging to make use of the same against psychological disorders and as a ‘tonic’ for mental health and enthusiasm for those engaged in monotonous and tiring tasks. In addition, research should also begin for understanding the patterns, meanings and complexities of the phonetic symbols used in the vaidika mantras, deciphering the spectrum of accents and rhythmic chanting patterns for these mantras and devising scientific methods to experimentally establish their veracity..........
