SUSTAINED CHANTING DOES NOT LEAD TO BRAINWASHING BUT PURIFIES ONE UNTO EVENTUAL ILLUMINATION
Chanting the divine mantra is not an exercise in self-hypnosis of a derogatory kind that is aimed at stifling rational thinking but is intended to transcend the boundaries of the intellect and lodge oneself in the blissful consciousness of the Divine. Prolonged daily chanting, the right spiritual exercises to accompany it and the proper associated diet and habits develop overtime a finely tuned subtle system that is geared to receiving the higher impulses from within oneself which may be termed spiritual. The body changes and so does the mind as the mantra through reverent repetition gradually brings about a total transformation of the psycho-physical system. Higher perceptions of the spirit are now possible and the consciousness of man is lifted to a level that is healthy, blissful, wise and loving with all negative attributes having been replaced by affirmative traits and attitudes, a comprehension of life and the environment in a higher light and an overall exalted state which undeniably is elevating and inspirational for oneself and for others who associate with such a one. The focus from attachment to sensory material gratification has shifted to attachment for the Divine and the mind rests in peaceful reflection of the eternity of existence.
It is such an altered condition with respect to what materialists experience in their desire-driven life of physical needs, emotional attachments, cultural accomplishments and intellectual attainments that they are apt to misunderstanding it as so much derangement of the nervous system consequent on protracted brainwashing through sustained chanting of powerful sound symbols called mantras. But while charlatans may abuse the ancient spiritual practices of India to their malefic advantage, to label the practice as downright offensive brainwashing that leads to rational impairment for good and psychological debility is to be not quite discerning in objective criticism. As such greater exposure of these critics of Indian spirituality to reputed and authentic spiritual masters would do the requisite clarification of their muddled conception of the same.
It is here that the world needs to read the works of Swami Vivekananda, especially, his authoritative literary renditions of the four yogas, Jnana, Karma, Bhakti and Raja respectively. Vivekananda's presentation of Hinduism is so scientific and simple that everybody on reading will get a clear conception of the essentials of Hinduism. 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda' are, therefore, highly recommended for intellectual satisfaction of sceptics across the world and for seekers of spiritual light as well.
Written by Sugata Bose
Photo : Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with his disciples and devotees.
Chanting the divine mantra is not an exercise in self-hypnosis of a derogatory kind that is aimed at stifling rational thinking but is intended to transcend the boundaries of the intellect and lodge oneself in the blissful consciousness of the Divine. Prolonged daily chanting, the right spiritual exercises to accompany it and the proper associated diet and habits develop overtime a finely tuned subtle system that is geared to receiving the higher impulses from within oneself which may be termed spiritual. The body changes and so does the mind as the mantra through reverent repetition gradually brings about a total transformation of the psycho-physical system. Higher perceptions of the spirit are now possible and the consciousness of man is lifted to a level that is healthy, blissful, wise and loving with all negative attributes having been replaced by affirmative traits and attitudes, a comprehension of life and the environment in a higher light and an overall exalted state which undeniably is elevating and inspirational for oneself and for others who associate with such a one. The focus from attachment to sensory material gratification has shifted to attachment for the Divine and the mind rests in peaceful reflection of the eternity of existence.
It is such an altered condition with respect to what materialists experience in their desire-driven life of physical needs, emotional attachments, cultural accomplishments and intellectual attainments that they are apt to misunderstanding it as so much derangement of the nervous system consequent on protracted brainwashing through sustained chanting of powerful sound symbols called mantras. But while charlatans may abuse the ancient spiritual practices of India to their malefic advantage, to label the practice as downright offensive brainwashing that leads to rational impairment for good and psychological debility is to be not quite discerning in objective criticism. As such greater exposure of these critics of Indian spirituality to reputed and authentic spiritual masters would do the requisite clarification of their muddled conception of the same.
It is here that the world needs to read the works of Swami Vivekananda, especially, his authoritative literary renditions of the four yogas, Jnana, Karma, Bhakti and Raja respectively. Vivekananda's presentation of Hinduism is so scientific and simple that everybody on reading will get a clear conception of the essentials of Hinduism. 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda' are, therefore, highly recommended for intellectual satisfaction of sceptics across the world and for seekers of spiritual light as well.
Written by Sugata Bose
Photo : Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu with his disciples and devotees.
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