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There are five sources of energy or elements that creation is made up of. These elements correspond to our five senses, as below:
| Elements | Senses |
|---|---|
| Earth (prithvi) | smell |
| Water (jal) | taste |
| Fire (tej) | form |
| Air (vayu) | touch |
| Space (akash) | sound |
The highest and subtlest of the sources of energy in the above list is the element akash, linked to sound or ‘shabda’. ‘Mantra’ embodies this sound energy and hence, is extremely powerful, being responsible for entire creation itself.
Mantra is the causal body of deities (devi-devata). The devi-devatas are bound by the mantra. Their subtle body is called ‘tantra’ and gross body is ‘yantra’. Mantras are based on the principles of the elements as explained above. The process of taking these elements to the form of yantra (gross body of deities) is called tantra (implying method).
Taking the support of mantra, tantra and yantra, a persons mind can attain the devi-devata. This is an eternal principle.
Yantra is that which is expressed as the aspect of creation, sustenance, destruction, control and blessing (taking the form of five main deities).
| Name of deity | Activity | Followers of deity |
|---|---|---|
| Sūrya or Brahmā | creation | Saura |
| Viṣṇu | sustenance | Vaiṣṇava |
| Śiva | destruction | Śaiva |
| Bhagavatī or Sakti | control or restraint | Śakta |
| Gaṇapati | to bestow blessings | Gāṇapatya |
Like a single palm with five fingers, when Bhagavan manifests creation after dissolution (pralaya), he has to engage in five activities or tasks. For this, He manifests in five forms, with the root form being the same unchanging Supreme Truth – Sachchidananda.
The word ‘mantrana’ is used for advice. A persons life is impacted as per the advice he follows (good or bad). In the same way, the way, mantras influence our lives.