May 27, 2025
What is a Mantra?
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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:
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).
| Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Pṛthvī (earth) | that gives birth |
| Jala (water) | which nourishes |
| Agni (fire) | which can destroy |
| Vāyu (air) | which controls |
| Ākāśa (space) | provides stability |
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.
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