As we embark on our study of mantra yoga with Mark Griffin this month, here are some key terms and concepts to keep in mind. Additionally, below you will find a recap of how to use a mala when practicing mantra repetition.
Prana – the life force — is the first agency of attention between the mind and consciousness. The three Gunas carry the dynamics of prana:
Sattva Guna – Cohesion
Rajas Guna – Cyclical Revolution
Tamas Guna – Centrifugal Dispersion
The five qualities of the Prana Vayu or the Five Vital Airs are:
Prana – Ascending
Apana – Descending
Udhana – Infusion
Samana – Prana that occupies the mind
Vayana – Infinite Expansion
Mark describes two classes of mantras. Mantras connected to Bhairava are considered Chaitanya or conscious, and mantras not connected to Bhairava are considered Jada or inert.
Mark refers to Om Namah as a Shiva class mantra. It is a perfect balance of Bhairava – projection, maintenance, and withdrawal. Additionally, it is a perfect blend of attention by which the subjective identity (infinite consciousness) and objective identity (infinite unconsciousness) are brought into relation. The Shiva principle is the point of the connection, the bridge between the two.
HOW TO USE A MALA
To help keep count during mantra repetition, hold the mala in your hand and turn each bead with your thumb and middle finger. The index finger is believed to represent “ego” and is not recommended for turning the beads.
Once you’ve gone all the way around your mala, you will eventually reach the guru bead—the bead that dangles from the mala. This signals a time for reflection, inner stillness, and integration of the energies generated during recitation of the mantra. You can reflect on your meditation practice, give thanks to your mantra, honor the Guru, raise Kundalini, or all of the above. Do not continue over the Guru bead. Instead, if you wish to recite another round of mantra, turn the mala around and continue in the opposite direction.
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