The Glory of Gayatri - Part 1

Sai Gayatri Mata at Prasanthi Nilayam

Gayatri is ‘Sarva Devata Swarupini’ and ‘Sarva Mantra Swarupini’ (embodiment of all Gods and all Mantras). It is said, “Gayatri Chhandasaam Mata”, meaning Gayatri is the Mother of the Vedas. There is no need to chant any other Mantra if you chant the Gayatri Mantra. Gayatri has three names – Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati. ‘Gayantam Trayate Iti Gayatri’ (Gayatri protects the one who recites it). Gayatri is the Master of the senses. Savitri is the presiding deity of the life principle. When Gayatri acts as the protector of life force, she is known as Savitri. You might have heard the story of Savitri, a woman of chastity, who brought her dead husband, Satyavan, back to life with the power of her prayer. Savitri protects those who lead a life of Satya (truth). This is the inner meaning. Saraswati is the presiding deity of speech. Man has to earn the grace of Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati to sanctify his life. 

First and foremost, man has to purify his speech. Only then will his life be safe and secure. If you slip and fall, the injury can be cured. However, the injury caused by the slip of the tongue is incurable. It will make your life miserable. Therefore, you should have control over your speech. Excessive talk will lead to untruth and unpleasantness. That is why the ancient saints and seers used to observe silence. You can uphold truth and attain fame only by talking less. Limited talk will confer happiness. Excessive talk will put you to grave dangers. 

Gayatri, Savitri and Saraswati are latent in everybody. Bhur, Bhuvah and Suvah in the Gayatri Mantra refer to body (materialisation), life-force (vibration) and soul (radiation). ‘Bhur’ means ‘Bhuloka’ (the earth), which is nothing but the combination of materials. This denotes the human body, which is also a combination of materials. ‘Bhuvah’ refers to the life-force, which makes the body vibrate. ‘Suvah’ refers to Prajnana Shakti, which sustains the life-force. This Prajnana Shakti is known as Constant Integrated Awareness. This is also termed as radiation. All the three, namely, materialisation, vibration and radiation are present in man. I tell you often, you are not one, but three – the one you think you are (physical body), the one others think you are (mind), and the one you really are (Atma). 

Importance of the Human Body

Human life is the combination of body, mind and Atma. Body is the basis for attaining wisdom. Therefore, it should not be misused. One has to purify one’s body and mind by undertaking sacred actions. The principle of Atma is always pure and unsullied. Human life is highly sacred. ‘Jantunam Narajanma Durlabham’ (human birth is the rarest of all beings). ‘Shareeramadhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam’ (body is the first medium for the pursuit of Dharma). Do not underestimate the potentialities of human body. In fact, human body is the basis for attaining the goal of life. 

Work for the redemption of your life by chanting the Divine Name and undertaking sacred activities. You need not make any special effort to acquire the human values – Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa. They are with you right from your birth. But you have forgotten them, as you have not put them into practice. Instead of giving tons of speeches, it is better that you practise at least an ounce of what you have learnt. Today humanness is on the decline because man does not practise human values. Man is developing Asalu (desires), forgetting Adarsalu (ideals). His attachment to the body is becoming stronger, whereas his attachment to the spirit is on the decline. No doubt, attachment to the body is essential, but it is desirable only when it comes to performing actions.

Revere your Parents

The Vedas declare: “Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava” (revere the mother and the father as God). I keep telling the students very often that their blood, food, head and Duddu (money) are all the gifts of the parents. First and foremost, one should show gratitude to the mother. You should never forget your mother who gave you birth after carrying you in her womb for nine months and brought you up providing all care and comfort, unmindful of her own discomforts. The mother always has your well-being uppermost in her mind in whatever she says or does. You may be highly educated and your mother may be illiterate, but still you should have utmost regard for her. You should consider the teachings of your mother as the Veda itself.

Goddess Gayatri and the Mantra

Gayatri is the embodiment of the mother-principle. You should chant the Gayatri Mantra every day, in the morning, noon and evening. These are referred to as Pratah Sandhya, Madhyahna Sandhya and Sayam Sandhya. When your back is towards the sun, your shadow will be in front of you. It will fall behind you only when you stand facing the sun. Similarly, Maya (illusion), which is like your shadow, will overpower you when you turn your mind away from God. It can be overcome only when you turn your mind towards God. 

Continued in Part 2

Source: Chant the Gayatri Mantra!, Discourse 19, My Dear Students Volume 2, Divine Discourse delivered on February 10, 2000 at Prasanthi Nilayam