The Gayathri Mantra

Excerpts from Baba's speech
 

In our ‘Sanathana Dharma’ life has been divided into four phases, namely, ‘Brahmacharyam’, ‘Grihasthacharmam’, ‘Vaanaprasadham’, ‘Sanyasam’.  When one comes to the stage of a ‘Brahmacharya’, the father ordains the child into Gayathri Mantra (There is no command in the world higher than the words of one’s father.’ RkûR ùNôp   ªdLúRôo Uk§Wm CpûX),  chanting which they get certain spiritual powers.  How did this sacred and powerful mantra come to our possession?

Once when the King of Koushika visited the Ashram of Sage Vashista, bringing with him his entire army, the Sage provided food for all of them.  This surprised the King.  ‘I am a King.  Yet, I myself cannot provide food for so many people.  How is it that you were able to cook and provide food for so many people in such a short time?’  The Sage replied, ‘The divine cow Kaamadhenu’s calf, Nandhini is with me.  It provides whatever I ask for.’  On hearing this the King of Koushika becomes jealous.  He tells the Sage, ‘Let this calf be with me.  Am I not the king of this land?  Why do you need it?  Please give the calf to me.’  The Sage replies, ‘Son, I have obtained this through the fruit of my penance.  So it is not possible to give it to you.’  The King retorts angrily, ‘What will you do if I seize the calf now and take it away with me?’  So saying he calls for all his soldiers.  Sage Vashista destroys his army using the powers of his penance. 

‘Penance is the greatest thing in this world.  What did I accomplish by being a king?  I will renounce my kingship.  I will also become a hermit.’  With these thoughts the King of Koushika sits in deep meditation in the forest, overcoming all trials and temptations that come his way.  Finally, the king receives the Gayathri Mantra – the streaks of the Light ‘Satya’ (Truth).  He turned into the great Sage Vishwamitra, one who loves the world, (Vishwa – world, Mitra – love) after obtaining the mantra.  That is how the Gayathri Mantra came into the world.

Gayathri Mantra was given to Sage Vishwamitra.  Who was Vishwamitra originally?  The king of Koushika – a Kshatriya King!  To him this most sacred mantra was ordained.  Ponder over this…  The concept of  Brahmana is ‘one who loves every living creature impartially’ (GqÜ«ÚdÏm ùNkRiûU éiùPôÝLXôu).  One who feels love for everyone in this world becomes a Brahmin.  Many people do not understand these concepts.  The confusions in the country in the name of caste are meaningless.  The Rama for whom these people are seeking adjournment is a Kshatriya!  The Krishna for whom these people are seeking adjournment(vakkalathu) is a Yadava!  This Gayathri mantra itself was first received only by a Kshatriya.  Therefore, Brahmin is not a privilege inherited by your birth.  It is a post obtained by virtue of your Nobility. 

©\lùTôdÏm GpXô E«odÏm £\l× JqYô ùNnùRô¯p úYtßûU Vôu

You are distinguished only by the work you do but birth is the same for everyone.  If a Brahmin runs a business, he is a Vyasya.  If a Brahmin does agriculture and farming he is a Sutra.  If a Brahmin is in the Military Force, he is a Kshatriya.  This is the concept given by our forefathers.  Because we have misused and polluted it we are now seeing such enormous problems in the society in the name of caste.  Nobody seems to understand this.  Such confusions exist today because people do not have an understanding of the basic reasoning behind the concept. 

Therefore, the Gayathri Mantra given to us through Sage Vishwamitra is a mantra required for mellowing ourselves to love every living creature in this world.

Om Bhur Bhuva Suvah
Tat Savithur Varenyam
Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat