Gayatri Meditation is a technique which involves focusing on the powerful Gayatri Mantra, which creates a vibration in the meditators’ mind and body, producing purity and holiness(1). 

Introduction

According to Vedanta, the Gayatri Mantra is the most sacred and potent(1). Gayatri Mantra is believed to be supreme and glorious, which makes it an effective object of meditation, suitable for everyone(2). The practitioners of Gayatri Meditation trust it to be a spiritual armor that can protect them from negativity and bless them with divine illumination(2).

The Gayatri Mantra(1):

Om. Bhur Bhuvaḥ Swaḥ

Tat Savitur-Varenyaṃ

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi

Dhiyo Yo Naḥ Prachodayat. Om.

Gayatri Meditation requires you to chant or listen to the mantra, which allows its vibrations and the meaning of its words to resonate throughout your body and consciousness(3). The Gayatri Mantra can be chanted at any time, but it is suggested that you practice the Gayatri Meditation during sunrise(3).

History/Origins

The word Gayatri is a combination of two words: ‘ga’ which means “to sing,” and ‘yatri’, which means “protection(3)”. The mantra originates from India’s oldest Vedic text, Rig Veda(3). It is written in Sanskrit, and consists of twenty four syllables(4).

The English translation of the Gayatri Mantra reads: “Om. We meditate on the radiance of that Supreme Divine Being, the creator of the world planes-earth, heaven and those spaces in between. May that Divine Being direct our intelligence. Om.” 

In the simplest terms, the meaning of Gayatri Mantra is a prayer to the Divine mother and accepting that  our hearts are filled with darkness. We pray to Her through the mantra and request Her to make the darkness distant from us and promote illumination within us.

Benefits of Gayatri Meditation

According to a research paper published in the Holistic Nursing and Health Science(6), Gayatri Meditation is an effective method for reducing anxiety and its recurrence, especially in the elderly. Another research article(7) suggests that mantra-based meditation practices have the ability to improve the overall mental health of daily meditators. However, more research is suggested to understand the complete benefits of Gayatri Meditation. 

 

References

  1. SkyLight Paths Pub | Meditation & Its Practices: A Definitive Guide to Techniques and Traditions of Meditation in Yoga and Vedanta by Swami Adiswarananda
  2. Motilal Banarsidass Publishers | Gāyatrī, the Highest Meditation by Keshavadas (Satguru Sant) | Page 1
  3. New World Library | Sacred Sound: Discovering the Myth and Meaning of Mantra and Kirtan by Alanna Kaivalya 
  4. timesofindia.indiatimes.com | Gayatri Mantra: Meaning and Significance
  5. Artof4elements | Chanting Mantras: Guide to Chanting Mantras with Best Chords by Goce Nikoloski 
  6. Holistic Nursing and Health Science | Volume 1, No. 1 | 2018 | Effects of Mindfulness with Gayatri Mantra on Decreasing Anxiety in the Elderly by Sang Ayu Ketut Candrawati, Meidiana Dwidiyanti and Rita Hadi Widyastuti
  7. European Journal of Integrative Medicine | Volume 23 | 2018 | Mantra Meditation for Mental Health in the General Population: A Systematic Review by Julie Lynch, Lucia Prihodova, Pádraic J. Dunne, Áine Carroll, Cathal Walsh, Geraldine McMahon and Barry White