9/26 ways to contribute to Bharat
- Posted by discoveratma.in
- Date 9 January 2022
- Comments 0 comment
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Learn and teach Sanskrit shloka chanting and arrange physical/virtual group chanting sessions and regularly pray collectively.
Hold Shankara bhashya, Upanishad and Gita parayanams (chanting-recitation)
Learning the Shastra has primarily been an oral tradition.
Through the unbroken lineage of guru-shisya Parampara, mantras were revealed, repeated and learnt. A hallmark of the oral tradition is ‘parayanam’ a recitation or chant of some verses, sections or chapters of our Sastra. In earlier times, the meaning of the Gita or the Upanishad was taught only to those who had memorised it. This led to familiarity and a grasp of the words by which one could delve into and dwell on its meaning.
As we repeat the words we seek to tune our minds to the Rishis minds by chanting the very words that were revealed to them by Bhagavan.
The culture of parayanam is alive even today and it is a part of our sacred duty to preserve it. There is much power in the collective – an upsurge of energy, a feeling of togetherness, warmth towards all beings whether you are watching a great performance in an auditorium, cheering people during a marathon or chanting together.
On Ekadashi days or other days of festivals or even once a month, it is so easy to host a parayanam, a collective prayer session of Vishnu Sahasranama or some chapters of the Gita at your home and invite others to participate. The next month it can shift to another home and so on.
How does parayanam (chanting-recitation) help?
Chanting has a direct impact on the functioning of the brain. Dr James Hartzell coined the term, ‘The Sanskrit effect’ and established that memorising Vedic mantras increased the size of brain regions associated with cognitive function such as long term and short term memory.
Chanting-recitation is a karma and hence produces punya, which is transformed into sukha – favourable situations in life.
Chanting over a period of time leads to effortless memorisation which allows one to peg our understanding on the verses.
Chanting increases your connection to Bhagavan who is a source of infinite strength and support.
Chanting gives you peace of mind and clarity of thought. As a result your kaushalam, your competence in life situations and your acceptance of people also increases.
Artha sphuranam, flashes of insight and meaning are known to take place during chanting
Chanting contributes to citta-naischalyam – steadiness of mind and focus given the debilitating nature of digital distraction.
Chanting and the vibrational quality of Sanskrit improves speech.
Chanting improves the lung capacity and the functioning of the respiratory system.
Chanting keeps the culture alive.
Chants for different devatas – connects us to the culture and opens up the rich treasures of our ancient scriptures Bhagavad Gita, Itihasa, Purana, Vedas.
Learn from #chordsofoneness
#sanatanadharma #bharat #chanting