Derived from the root word 'man' (मन -pronounced as in bun), that unique capability 'to think, to reason and “thraa” meaning crucible/concentration of; Mantra literally means 'instrument of thought'; that which when properly intoned, with faith, stimulates the mind to reason and inspire onward to an action plan.
The logic being that prayer, without follow up action is of no consequence and benefits no one.
Mantras are hymns, which through their intrinsic quality of stimulation of the intellect and reasoning faculties, benefit those who chant them with devotion and understanding. They form the original constituents of the Gathas.
The Gathas, composed by our Saviour Zarathushtra, are called “Sraa-vee”, just as the Vedas are called, Shru-ti, a word, meaning "divinely revealed/inspired Scripture". They have a rhythmic meter , invoking the infinite, a sacred hymn uniquely aligned with the forces of nature. Derived from the root “Sr”, meaning to hear, to be mentally stimulated, cognate terms include “Sra-osh” meaning Divine Guidance.
The ancient Kavas (Philosopher Kings) of Indo_Iranian times, developed a language of external sounds, based on rhythmic variation, perfectly harmonious in its structure and evolution. This language had a common element: its Roots, the elemental basis of word formation. It is these root words, uniquely aligned sound syllables, which form the basis of Mantras, the devotional category of which are called Stoat.
The Kavas correlated scientific knowledge with sound & composed Mantras, which were at once, masterpieces of knowledge, capable of stimulating the intellect, yet simple enough for the message to be memorized and grasped , at different levels depending on the intelligence (and devotion) of the hearer. The Mantra thus becomes the vehicle to experience inner light (Aathraa-आथ्र ).
By entomology, Ava-sthaa = os-tha = lip; clearly indicating the mantras were meant to be exclusively recited. Just as the term Osta is used even today to refer to a priest, so too in the Vedas the word “Ava-yuj” is a priest
According to NASA researcher, Rick Briggs [AI Magazine (Artificial Intelligence) of spring 1985].
“Among the accomplishments of the grammarians can be reckoned a method for paraphrasing (Vedic) Sanskrit in a manner that is identical not only in essence but in form with current work in Artificial Intelligence.”
The word (Mantra ) so heard radiated powerful intellect and intuitive stimulation when properly recited by the devotee, through knowledge, understanding and faith. Little wonder therefore that our creator Ahura Mazda is addressed as Khwatr (later Khurshid), the stimulator of intellect.
Khwatr is none other than the Vedic Savitr, the intellect stimulator, to whom the Gayatri Mantra is dedicated. Vedic “Saa” = Avestic “Kh” or “Khw”.
While outwardly based on the language of the masses (Avesta/Vedic Sanskrit), these “Manthric” compositions used single sound syllables based on root words placed in specific meter (sequence) . Thus we have the Ahuna-vaiti Gatha composed on the basis of 7 + 9 sound syllables (notes).
Modern Science validates that the human mind is capable of memorizing and being influenced if sounds are in a 7 +/- 2 sequences.
Mantras have a rhythmical meter, invoking the infinite, a sacred hymn, radiating an aura of light (color) and sound, uniquely aligned with the forces of nature, inducing and stimulating the mind to positive actions.
Owing to their specific sound syllable and resulting vibration , these incantations could not be conveyed by the printed texts lest the message got corrupted. They could be transmitted only between the two minds - of the Guru (Teacher) and the Sishya (Student) in a way similar to the way Mobeds of today are taught the scriptures.
Little wonder then that our Gathas & Vedic hymns, composed in a very specific meter, were passed on by teachers to pupils through an oral transmutation only, for thousands of years. They were not written down; in fact this was prohibited .
As per Dr A A Macdonell : “The hymns were composed almost exclusively by a hereditary priesthood”, later addressed as Ud-gaate or chanting priest & Hotr (our Zotr/Zoata) or reciting (preacher) priest.
It is this oral transmutation of our Gathas & Yasnas that have not only preserved their concepts, undiluted, over thousands of years, changes of languages and geography but also, saved it from destruction at the hands of Islamic zealots.
The logic being that prayer, without follow up action is of no consequence and benefits no one.
Mantras are hymns, which through their intrinsic quality of stimulation of the intellect and reasoning faculties, benefit those who chant them with devotion and understanding. They form the original constituents of the Gathas.
The Gathas, composed by our Saviour Zarathushtra, are called “Sraa-vee”, just as the Vedas are called, Shru-ti, a word, meaning "divinely revealed/inspired Scripture". They have a rhythmic meter , invoking the infinite, a sacred hymn uniquely aligned with the forces of nature. Derived from the root “Sr”, meaning to hear, to be mentally stimulated, cognate terms include “Sra-osh” meaning Divine Guidance.
The ancient Kavas (Philosopher Kings) of Indo_Iranian times, developed a language of external sounds, based on rhythmic variation, perfectly harmonious in its structure and evolution. This language had a common element: its Roots, the elemental basis of word formation. It is these root words, uniquely aligned sound syllables, which form the basis of Mantras, the devotional category of which are called Stoat.
The Kavas correlated scientific knowledge with sound & composed Mantras, which were at once, masterpieces of knowledge, capable of stimulating the intellect, yet simple enough for the message to be memorized and grasped , at different levels depending on the intelligence (and devotion) of the hearer. The Mantra thus becomes the vehicle to experience inner light (Aathraa-आथ्र ).
By entomology, Ava-sthaa = os-tha = lip; clearly indicating the mantras were meant to be exclusively recited. Just as the term Osta is used even today to refer to a priest, so too in the Vedas the word “Ava-yuj” is a priest
According to NASA researcher, Rick Briggs [AI Magazine (Artificial Intelligence) of spring 1985].
“Among the accomplishments of the grammarians can be reckoned a method for paraphrasing (Vedic) Sanskrit in a manner that is identical not only in essence but in form with current work in Artificial Intelligence.”
The word (Mantra ) so heard radiated powerful intellect and intuitive stimulation when properly recited by the devotee, through knowledge, understanding and faith. Little wonder therefore that our creator Ahura Mazda is addressed as Khwatr (later Khurshid), the stimulator of intellect.
Khwatr is none other than the Vedic Savitr, the intellect stimulator, to whom the Gayatri Mantra is dedicated. Vedic “Saa” = Avestic “Kh” or “Khw”.
According to James Newton Powell[1] (University of California, Santa Barbara, USA)
“Modern metaphysicians are rediscovering the fantastic powers released through spoken words. By certain arrangements of words, such as in Mantras, a tremendous vibratory force could be set upon in the invisible mode, which profoundly affects physical and metaphysical substance in the body of man.”
While outwardly based on the language of the masses (Avesta/Vedic Sanskrit), these “Manthric” compositions used single sound syllables based on root words placed in specific meter (sequence) . Thus we have the Ahuna-vaiti Gatha composed on the basis of 7 + 9 sound syllables (notes).
Modern Science validates that the human mind is capable of memorizing and being influenced if sounds are in a 7 +/- 2 sequences.
Mantras have a rhythmical meter, invoking the infinite, a sacred hymn, radiating an aura of light (color) and sound, uniquely aligned with the forces of nature, inducing and stimulating the mind to positive actions.
Owing to their specific sound syllable and resulting vibration , these incantations could not be conveyed by the printed texts lest the message got corrupted. They could be transmitted only between the two minds - of the Guru (Teacher) and the Sishya (Student) in a way similar to the way Mobeds of today are taught the scriptures.
Little wonder then that our Gathas & Vedic hymns, composed in a very specific meter, were passed on by teachers to pupils through an oral transmutation only, for thousands of years. They were not written down; in fact this was prohibited .
As per Dr A A Macdonell : “The hymns were composed almost exclusively by a hereditary priesthood”, later addressed as Ud-gaate or chanting priest & Hotr (our Zotr/Zoata) or reciting (preacher) priest.
It is this oral transmutation of our Gathas & Yasnas that have not only preserved their concepts, undiluted, over thousands of years, changes of languages and geography but also, saved it from destruction at the hands of Islamic zealots.
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