Search:
Bhakti List Archives

RE: REF : Dhyana and Gayathri Japam

From the Bhakti List Archives

Rama Srinivasan • August 27, 1998 


	Srimathe Ramanujaya namaha.


I would like to add one small point about holding the mala. I was told that
one should not use the 
"pointing finger" to move the beads. Two reasons, pointing finger represents
ego. You don't want that.
Second, using the pointing finger, moving the beads becomes second nature.
You don't want to be "automatic", 
it should be deliberate action which increases the concentration.

I don't do dhyana with the mala (I haven't started dhyana at all), but I
heard this explanation in connection with Japam.

Srinivasan

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Valathur Muralidharan [SMTP:vmuralidharan@delphi-tech.com]
> Sent:	Thursday, August 27, 1998 3:06 PM
> To:	bhakti@lists.best.com
> Subject:	REF : Dhyana and Gayathri Japam
> 
> Srimathe Ramanujaya namaha.
> 
> Namaskars to all Bhagavathas.
> 
> The postings on dhyana and control of mind have been truly informative.
> I would like to bring in one point that might throw more light on these
> discussions.  When doing dhyanam with a bead (mala) for counting, I find
> I am able to concentrate more than if I do without it.  I've even
> thought this to be a phscyological effect.  But in reality , since our
> brain remains active in moving the beads on, you quickly regain yourself
> when stop moving beads due lack of concentration.  Also while holding
> the beads, keeping it off the lap and the ground , holding it at a chest
> level helps more.  Though it seems a physical strain, that helps in
> controling the mind. ( I wonder , could be that's the reason , our
> rishis were having japa malas and dhandams (a handrest made of wood ) )
> .  Does any of the bhagavathas have similar experience / opinion ?
> 
> A question on Gayathri manthra - to my very little understanding , the
> essence of Gayathri mantra is salutations to sriman narayana - the one
> dwelling with in Surya mandala which provides light and energy to the
> three world .  If so, why Gayathri is rated high / at par with
> Ashtaakshara manthra ?
> 
> I pray to the learned bhagavathaas of the list to put up postings on
> sandhyavandhanam .
> 
> Daasan
> muralidharan