Sri Agasteeshwara Panchaksari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga: How it Developed

 

The Source

Vazhipaadu has been a developing story as they call it in journalistic terms. Ever since I have begun working on this, new things are being added, new revelations are coming to the fore, seemingly unconnected pieces are falling into place making a beautiful pattern.

What do I mean by this? Apart from the publishing and printing of the books, social media groups have formed. A world family has slowly sprung up. People who have never seen each other before have come together in complete trust and understanding. Devotees have travelled across the world to meet each other. All have been brought into a beautiful circle drawn by Sage Agastya.

Online sessions of reading and discussing Vazhipaadu have been going on. Many hymns from Vazhipaadu have been sung and are available on YouTube.

These are all very apparent. On a deeper level, I have personally understood many things, of this world and beyond, including the power behind the Yoga method that we will be discussing in this section of the book.

Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga, as I call this Yoga method, formed organically in the last few years. It is a coming together of a system of practice, that brings together several components. They are:

1.Power of sound from existing mantras that are considered very sacred.

2. Understanding the connection between the five primeval elements to the Chakras in our body.

3.Understanding and assimilating the idea of the body as the microcosm of the universe which is the macrocosm.

4. Finally bringing together the sound of the mantras, the power of the Chakras to ascend the levels of consciousness.

Encapsulating all this is the core practice of the method. However, this meditation method also brings into focus the ‘Why’ of meditation. Practitioners will first establish the intent. Then add practical exercise to enable the free flow of energy in the body. They will then add the important aspect of devotion to it, which acts as a powerful radio to higher frequencies. Then comes the actual practice of the method followed by giving thanks to the divine consciousness that is guiding all this. 

I have attempted to break down each of the above concepts into separate modules, to help the practitioner understand the entire concept of this method. Information is added layer by layer, so that the understanding of this method is well established before one begins the practice. Since the whole method is based on mantra as the core, let us begin by first understanding what mantra means.

A mantra as Sage Agastya says is, “A mantra is a small word that contains layers and layers of meaning, that can be uttered in one moment”

In Sanskrit, one of the oldest languages in the world, there are several root sounds or Bija[1] mantras. These Sanskrit syllables are used to chant and invoke a specific frequency of sound that channels cosmic energy to our bodies.

In this method, we begin to understand that there is a specific relationship between the frequency of sound and the cosmic energy that flows through the seven Chakras or energy centers into our body. This forms the core of the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga Sadhana.

The mantra this method is based on is given below.

SRI AGASTEESHWARA PANCHAKSHARI

MAHA MANTRA

Aum

Aa Na Aim

Ee Ma Kleem

Wu Shi Sauh

Ye Va Hreem

O Ya Shreem

Om Sri Agasteeshwara Mahamuni Prabhuve Namaha.

At the first glance this mantra may seem like any other. Yet in this great mantra is inherent in the sacred discourses of Sage Agastya. It is only as you understand the power of each of lines of this mantras and their placement in the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra, that you understand that Sage Agastya has created a vortex of power and in addition, worked the very purpose of Vazhipaadu itself into it!

So, how did this mantra originate?

The Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra was first given to Gnanananda Swamiji of Kannur, in a Nadi reading. The mantra was in turn given by Gnanananda Swamiji of Kannur to Gajaraj Swamigal, who was not well versed in mantras. This set into motion the different triggers that would bring into being the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga. Nothing in the world is by chance. Everything has a reason behind it. 

When the mantra was shared with Gajaraj Swamigal in 2002, we did not realize its significance. In fact, Gajaraj Swamigal never uttered any mantras in his lifetime. He did not know any and had no need to chant them. He had already reached a stage where he could attain liberation. He had only returned once more to receive and give the knowledge contained in Vazhipaadu from Sage Agastya. A fact that was revealed by Sage Agastya in Vazhipaadu during a discourse on November 28, 2002, “You were reborn because you had only one desire that was still attached to your soul;  a desire to help the people of the world. The time for you to become one with Parabrahman is very near. The moment you finish you work, you can detach yourself from all connections to this world at its very roots                       and flinging it aside, return to the Absolute the day you want.”

Gajaraj Swamigal would also impart this special mantra when he spoke about Vazhipaadu at events.  On January 10, 2003, after one such lecture, Sage Agastya himself referred to that mantra and said, “You gave some people the mantra that I gave you. That mantra will be known as sacred and retain the status  of being sacred permanently. Good things will happen to those that chant it correctly.”

Words of a Rishi, however simple they may seem, cannot be taken lightly. At the time of translating the discourses, when I came upon the above words by the great Sage, I took it at face value. It is only as I began writing this book that I realized the depth and layers of esoteric knowledge that is contained in this mantra. To that blessed soul, who is open to the deeper meaning of this Yogic method, is revealed the whole secret of creation.

HOW THE METHOD DEVELOPED

Not much happened connected with the mantra after that. I did not give more thought to it. My thought at that time was that one must chant this mantra with intent to invoke the power of the mantra.

When the first book published by Gajaraj Swamigal with some of the discourses from Vazhipaadu had been published by him in 2006, my thought was the work of Vazhipaadu was complete. It was only two decades later that my own purpose came to light, when I realized that 75 per cent of the discourses that had been received had not seen the light of the day.

So, I gathered and translated all the discourses and shared it with the world through books that I published. In the same way, this Yoga method too came into being.

In 2022, when we organized a world meditation session, a blessed soul[2] connected to Gajaraj Swamigal first taught the core method of the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga.

It was he who first connected the lines of the mantra to the Chakras in the body. Many who attended the online and in person meditation session that day went into deep meditation and had to be roused after the session by family members. Such was the power of this method!

Again everything went into dormancy. I was busy translating more books. The mantra and the method were far from my mind. In early 2024, it was Dr. Deepanjan from Munich who requested that he would like to do meditation practice with me. To me, that message seemed to come directly as a guidance from the great Sage himself. I have never had a thought or intention of ever doing meditation practice with anyone. Yet, here was a call.

Having been sworn to secrecy on the Kriya Yoga technique as taught by my Guru Yogananda, it occurred to me that the best way forward was to share the Yoga method that had been first brought up by the aforementioned blessed soul during the world meditation session.

As I began discussing how to go about the method, a step by step Yogic practice began taking shape organically. Placing my full faith in Sage Agastya even before the core technique was imprinted firmly in my mind, I began to develop and share several preliminary practices.

After laying the strong foundation of why meditation, basics of meditation and understanding more esoteric terms as detailed in the previous section, few simple practical exercises related to breathing were formed.

These included becoming aware of the natural process of breathing, understanding the process of inhaling, retention and exhaling of breath to counts. Then the use of fingers and the inhale-retain-exhale method to clear and balance energy flow in the body.

Two more exercises were also developed. One to practice the awareness of the location of the Chakras in the body and the other to focus on the Ajna Chakra, the portal of divine consciousness.

In the process of the preliminary steps, two powerful affirmations came into being. I have shared them later in this chapter to give them the importance they deserve. Through the affirmations, the spiritual aspirant begins his practice by verbalizing and internalizing an intent with full comprehension that serves as a solid anchor to his spiritual practice.

An invocation from Vazhipaadu that I had already identified on a previous occasion followed the affirmation. The invocation brings in the aspect of Bhakti or devotion to that intention. In addition, it uses the powerful instrument of feeling to invite a great energy like that of Sage Agastya in the spiritual journey.

After that, the component of Manasa Puja as given by Sage Agastya in Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu was introduced. This step further enhances the bhava of Bhakti which is a very great magnetic force in bringing divine power, in this case the consciousness of Sage Agastya himself closer to us.

The actual practice of chanting the powerful Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra at the Chakras followed. However, something made me hesitate to share the technique connected with the mantra and the Chakras as it was first shared in the world meditation session[3].

So, I began by explaining the meaning of the power of the mantra based on the syllables contained in it to my fellow devotees. Despite going as far as explaining the meaning of the mantra, I was still hesitant to bring the connection between the Chakras and the lines in the mantra. I felt there was something crucial I was missing. One day as I was meditating at 3 am, I was directed to check the elements connected to the Chakras and then identify the corresponding lines from the mantra. When I began doing that, layers, and layers of knowledge about the method began to make sense.

I began to write down the method to share with fellow devotees. What had begun as a small ten page document, ended up becoming this book! Inspired, I started off by writing 90 pages in one day!

As I wrote this book, even that explanation of the meaning of the Mantra seemed superficial as the full import of what was developing became apparent to me. While I have attempted to share all that I have understood, there is so much more depth that I have no doubt will be revealed as we practice this method.

As I continued writing, seemingly disconnected information came together for me to fully comprehend this powerful meditation technique.

In addition, several pieces of the puzzle fell into place in an incredible manner. In March of 2024, I was just sitting one day, when several Sanskrit words formed in my head. Even though they seemed like gibberish, I just wrote them down. That is one habit I have developed, ever since I earnestly began my spiritual practices. I always write down instances, dreams or anything that I feel is significant.

In fact, I have no knowledge of Sanskrit, and that is why even though Shivakumar Ramdas, a fellow aspirant on the path, was able to find the meaning of the words and put a translation together, I still did not understand why I was given them.

More importantly, it was not until I had deciphered and understood the meaning of the Yoga method, that I was once again drawn to the Sanskrit verses. On July 3^rd I was inspired to illustrate the entire layers of the Yogic method into a drawing. As I began drawing, I chanced upon the Sanskrit verses, I had scribbled down in the same book!

And suddenly it hit me! Every verse I had received made sense! The connection between the verses and the Sadhana became clear! It was also a confirmation that I was proceeding on the right path.

The Sanskrit verses are closely connected to the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga method. One of the first verses not only confirms the five primeval elements that form the core of the practice, but also gives the world a warning.

I have included a chapter on these Sanskrit verses I received along with an explanation towards the end of this chapter. The more I read them in conjunction with the yogic method  introduced in the book, I am beginning to see how crucial the message in this book is.

Just as Vazhipaadu was simply presented to the world as received and touched the hearts of all those who have read it, so will Agastya Yoga Siddhanta, lead them on the spiritual journey. We will simply place our trust in Sage Agastya and practice this method.

It has been just three years since the publishing of the English translations of the sacred teachings of Sage Agastya in Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu. Already this new composite of Gnana, Dharma, Bhakti and Yoga is coming together to form a beautiful, easy to follow, but powerful meditation method for the modern world.

This Yoga method is based on many components as given in the Vazhipaadu and taken to the highest level by the blessed souls that connected all the dots. This brings me to the point that I would like to reiterate, there is no Guru in this method save Sage Agastya. It is his light that is guiding all this. He guides us through each other.

At its very basic level, Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga, brings into practical application, the power of the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra[4]. At a much deeper level, it is the key to unraveling the mystery of creation within oneself! It is a much needed method that will be the ark of Noah, for a humanity that is set on facing the global deluge of destruction. It begins with the practitioner becoming aware of the more subtle body that he as a soul has donned. From the outward perception of what we experience through five senses the practitioner begins to learn to develop awareness of the astral plane and his subtle body. So without any doubts, let us proceed with the method, putting our full faith in him.

Links to other videos connected with this is given below. 

Source: The book 'Agastya Yoga Siddhanta' by Anuradha Gajaraj-Lopez

---

[1] Bija mantra is a seed mantra that is comprised of three words. It signifies the seed from which everything originates. Some of the Bija mantras are Om, kreem (power, wisdom, and strength), Shreem(wealth), hroum (peace, liberation), kleem (not chanted alone denotes happiness and love), hreem (destroys enemies and sorrow), gam (fulfills all wishes), dam (attainment of happiness), aim (principle of divine wisdom).

[2] This blessed soul in true humility has forfeited the use of his name in this method.

[3] When it was first shared online, the practitioners were asked to disregard the two lower chakras and start chanting at the Manipura Chakra. I found out this was incorrect as I began writing this book.

[4] It was originally called Agastya Mantra.

 

Powerful Mantra to Destroy Negative Forces

During the giving of the sacred Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu discourses, Sage Agastya gave this powerful mantra that destroys negative forces. In the video above Dr. S Mahesh Gurukkal, of Agasthyam, Trivandrum, Kerala has chanted the mantra in his powerful voice.

There are clear instructions on how and when to chant this mantra. Portion of the verse which contains this mantra and additional instructions is given below in English translation:

Pray to God

To remove the

The black magic performed by others

By its roots

(viii)

As the powerful spear dances the tandav

The younger brother of Vinayagan

Will come by himself!

(ix)

There is no room for worries

In this house where Gods are present

To rip the bad spirits that are coming rapidly

Along with their roots,

In the fire of the spear

To pick and crush

Chant the mantra that I give you

Daily

(x)

“Om Velaayudhane vegaamai vandhu

Ennaiyum ennai soozndhorayum kaapayaaga

Rakshamaam, rakshamaam, rakshamaam.”

(xi)

Chant this mantra, six times for six days

With one mind

Without thinking of anything else

With discipline

(xii)

On Friday, take some neem leaves

And place them at Divine mother’s feet

And close your eyes and pray for a moment

(xiii)

Taking the camphor incense

Encircling it three times,

Take the neem leaves that you have encircled

Dip it in water for thirty minutes and sprinkle it

Around the house

All the suffering will run along with the bad spirits

(xiv)

When the light that comes from the forehead of mother

stands in front of the spear

of Velayudhan

Light will illuminate all over your home

And in just nine days,

Good will increase

(xv)

When good days are very close

Why do you cry?!

The English translation of the mantra is given below. However, it is best to chant it in the original language given above:

O Holder of the Spear, Coming quickly

Protect me and those around me

Protection! Protection! Protection!

Many are confused about the method of the ritual. The important thing to remember here is that you must have full faith and devotion while performing this.

Place a kalash full of water in front of the altar. Place a lemon in front of it. Do not touch the lemon after that. Chant the mantra for six days, six times every day. Then on the sixth day, preferably a Friday, place neem leaves sprigs in the kalash water. Perform an arati with camphor three times. And then leave the neem leaves in the kalash for 30 minutes. After that, take it and sprinkle it around the house. Do not touch the lemon, pick it up with paper, and burn it in a place away from people. Usually, if the ritual has worked, the lemon will turn pitch black.

Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga: Method

 

The Sadhana

Before we embark on any Sadhana, it is imperative that we are prepared for it. Especially when it is a powerful technique like the one you will be embarking on.

After reading the Vazhipaadu, and understanding the path as shown by Sage Agastya, we have learnt what it means to go into the serious step of Sadhana. We are trying our best to walk on the path of righteousness. And we know that this is extremely important when practicing such a powerful technique.

We have learnt about location, attire, posture in preparation of meditation. Now, let us prepare for the Sadhana itself.

Set up a simple altar in a corner of where you can meditate without any disturbance. Find a time that is convenient for meditation every day and try to do it at the same time. The best time for meditation is between 3 am and 5.30 am in the morning and at dusk in the evening.

Now, let us prepare our body for this Sadhana, by practicing some preliminary exercises to help us prepare for practicing the actual technique.

The first step before we even begin the actual practice is to

1.      Learn to sit still.

2.      Learn to focus on breathing.

3.      Learn to become aware of our energy centers.

NATURAL BREATHING EXERCISE

We will begin with becoming aware of the inhalation and exhalation of breath. With your eyes focused on the Ajna Chakra, the area between the two eyebrows, watch as your body inhales and exhales. Do this for ten minutes every day. You will notice that as you do this, you begin to calm down. The world slows down for you.

NADI SHODANA PRANAYAMA

Breath is perceptible energy. It is the easiest energy in our body that we can become aware of. It is also the key to all Sadhana. Breathing can help us calm down, regulate, and balance our energy.

One very easy to follow method has been developed and used in India since the ancient times. It is called the Nadi Shodana Pranayama. It is a subtle energy clearing breathing technique. It is a well-known popular method, and you can look at some YouTube videos to learn this technique.

In this breathing technique, you are working with two main Nadis or energy conduits in the body. At this juncture let us learn a little bit about the energy flow in the body.

We have three main conduits of energy in the body. The central conduit through which the latent power of Kundalini rises to the Sahasrara is the Sushumna. On either side of this are located the Ida and Pingala Nadis. Breathing in through each nostril regulates the circulation of energy freely in the body.

Sitting in an upright position, with your spine straight, close your nostrils with thumb and ring finger. Exhale and with your right thumb close your right nostril. Inhale from left nostril, hold your breath and then close your left nostril, open right nostril, and exhale through it.

Reverse the same. Close the left nostril, inhale through right nostril, hold your breath, remove thumb from left nostril and exhale through it.

An important thing to remember is that each inhalation, retention, and exhalation of the breath should be on the same count of seven, nine, twelve etc. Find the count that works for you in terms of holding your breath use the same count for inhalation, retention, and exhalation. Do this about seven times ending this step by exhaling through the left nostril. This will help regulate and balance the flow of energy through your body. It also helps in relaxing and clearing your mind and opening up the energy channels.

PRACTICING CHAKRA AWARENESS

Once you are comfortable with doing that, let us add one more layer to our Sadhana. We will begin to learn to draw our attention to the energy centers in our body.

Place your hands palm up on your thighs. Here you are becoming aware of the physical body. Visualize all parts of the body. After 15-20 seconds, extend your awareness to the auric body. We are training our mind to become sensitive to the energy around us by moving from the grosser level to the subtle level. One to two inches away from physical body.

Then we start focusing on the Muladhara Chakra at the base of the spine. Remain there for seven seconds at each Chakra. Then we move to Svadhishthana, in the sacral region. Then move to the navel or Manipura charka. Then move to the Anahata, heart charka. Then to Vishuddha or throat Chakra. Then to Ajana Chakra in the middle of the eyebrows. Sahasrara is the final Chakra.

One easy way to remember the location of the Chakras is to associate it with the corresponding organ in the human body.

So focus your attention on each Chakra for seven seconds ascending from Muladhara to Sahasrara and back again. That completes one cycle. You can do seven such cycles. If you are able to do more, you can increase the cycles. The more we practice this, the more aware we become of the Chakras. This will take a long time but is a very important step.

Remember that this Yoga technique is based on four important factors that are listed below.

Six Step Sadhana

The actual Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga as a step-by-step method has been laid out below.

1.      Affirmation.

2.      Invocation.

3.      Manasa Pooja.

4.      Nadi Shodhana Pranayama

5.      Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga Sadhana with final stillness at the Sahasrara Chakra.

6.      Arathi or giving thanks to Sage Agastya, who is the Guru for all those who follow this yogic method.

In chanting or saying the affirmation, you are setting an intention and reiterating your goal before embarking on this path.

With invocation, you are inviting Sage Agastya’s consciousness to guide you.

When you perform the Manasa puja you are adding Bhakti or devotion. Washing the feet of this great Rishi who has consented to be your Guru and feeling blessed to be in his great presence.

It is important to once again practice Nadi Shodhana Pranayama to ensure that there is free flow of energy in the body to facilitate the next steps.

Then as you practice the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra Sat Chakra Yoga Sadhana, you are taking the steps towards connecting your body, mind, and soul to the Absolute and the Creative Principle.

In moving beyond the Ajna Chakra, you are beginning to realize what it means to go beyond creation itself. In that absolute stillness, you will one day, realize the bliss of Brahman!

The Arati[1] at the end is giving thanks with a heart full of joy, praising the great Guru who is preserver of righteousness and knowledge!

Affirmation

Before embarking on any spiritual practice, it is important to affirm why you are undertaking the practice. Here are two affirmations that I have composed. However, please feel free to use any other affirmation that has been composed by a God realized Guru that appeals to you.

“Invoking the primordial sound of AUM, I bow to the blessed feet of Sage Agastya. Chanting the primordial sound of AUM, I connect to the light within me. I connect to the Absolute, the Supreme being that sustains this creation. I connect to the Supreme energy that pervades this manifested creation. I connect to everything that is around me. Aum Tat Sat.”

In chanting this, we are affirming the power of the primordial sound. We are acknowledging Sage Agastya and his teachings. We are connecting to the source of everything that we know as the Supreme being and the supreme energy. And we understand that everything around you and in you is the Absolute. Aum Tat Sat is the epitome of everything that is in this affirmation.

“Chanting the primordial sound of AUM, I undertake this sacred journey of Gnana Yoga, as shown by Sage Agastya with the one goal of reaching self-realization. Aum.”

Once you are seated, invoke Appa Agastya with this invocation. Begin with invocation to Sage Agastya. Actual practice of meditation techniques incorporates Bhakti. We invoke the divine energy to help us progress quickly on the path.

Invocation 

This composition composed by Gajaraj Swamigal contains the very essence of Sage Agastya and his work. So, we can use this to invoke or invite Sage Agastya’s consciousness to bless us as we begin this method of Yoga.

Agasthiya Munivar

Aum

‘Agara’maai ezhuthinil aagiya mudhalvanin

‘Ugara’maai uyirgalil uyarndha munivanaai

‘Magara’maam pirappenum maayaiyai neekki

Arul pagarndha Agathiyan padham niththam pattruvom.

Sage Agastya

AUM[2]

The One who is manifest as the foremost in the letter ‘Aa’

The Sage, who is the highest among the living beings manifested in the letter ‘U’

Dispelling the illusion of life as the letter ‘Ma’

He has blessed us,

That sacred feet of Agasthiyar

Let us touch every day.

This particular hymn composed by Gajaraj Swamigal[3] is the epitome     of what Sage Agastya is and stands for. Below is the explanation of this hymn so that when you chant it, you do so with full awareness.

In Vazhipaadu Sage Agastya says, he is ‘born’ of the ‘fire’ from the third eye of Divine Mother. As we all know Divine Mother or Adhi Para Shakti is the primordial energy. The very first manifestation of creation. He (Sage Agastya) who emanates from that fire (of expression or the initial duality of creation) is the primordial soul. He is the representation of all the souls in the world.

That is the meaning behind the first line of the hymn above:

The One who is manifest as the foremost in the letter ‘Aa’

Now, what does the second line stand for?

“The Sage, who is the highest among the living beings manifested in the letter ‘U’

This line declares that Sage Agastya is the highest or the ‘foremost’ among the manifested! He precedes the trinity themselves!

The third line of the hymn reads,

“Dispelling the illusion of life as the letter ‘Ma,’

It tells us that in following the path shown by him and by surrendering to him, the ultimate truth is revealed to us, by dispelling the ‘illusion’ that is creation itself!

“He has blessed us”

Sage Agastya has blessed us by giving us the path to liberation through Gnana – Vazhipaadu.

Gajaraj Swamigal ends the hymn with,

“That sacred feet of Agasthiyar, let us touch every day.”

In doing so, he reminds us that we must hold on to the sacred feet of Appa Agastya who is the manifestation of the primordial energy in creation and who ultimately is our one refuge in dispelling the illusion of creation itself!

So with this invocation you are invoking the primordial being, the Absolute himself through Sage Agastya. You can find this powerful invocation to Sage Agastya on YouTube titled ‘Invoke Sage Agastya’s Grace through this powerful Sri Agastya Mantra’ composed by Gajaraj Swamigal. It is sung by both Chi. Rohith Rajesh and Smt. Aparna Rajesh.

Once you invoke Sage Agastya’s presence with your deep devotion, it is time to offer him internal prayers.

Manasa Puja

This method was given by Sage Agastya himself in ‘Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu.’ Addressing Gajaraj Swamigal, Sage Agastya said, “normally, there are three areas in our body where we can establish a connection with higher knowledge.

The three are:

1.      Sahasrara Chakra

2.      Ajna Chakra

3.      Anahata Chakra

These three have a relationship with three different types of life forces. We get connected with our Guru in the life center which is the heart or in the middle of our chest.

When praying to the Guru, fold both hands in the form of prayer and place them at the center of the chest near the heart and looking a little down, bow to them.

With closed eyes we must look at the Guru from top to bottom with our inner eyes. Observe the clothes he is wearing, his ornaments, and the sacred ash on his forehead and with devotion, with a full heart start your worship at his feet.

If you want the water of Ganga to worship your Guru, with your inner eyes look at Parama Shiva and pray to Ganga who is sitting in his locks for the sacred water that comes because of her benevolence. Placing both his feet on a big brass plate, taking the Ganga water that is now contained in the brass pot, and with both hands gently pour it on your Guru’s feet.

After washing his feet, take the turmeric powder in the silver container to your right and apply it on his feet three times completely. Place a dot of Kumkum on his feet. Then take the jasmine flowers kept beside you, using both hands generously scoop them up and place them on his feet, bowing your head and placing it on his feet, shedding tears of joy, touch his feet with your blessed eyes. And as you are doing it, become aware that your Guru is joyfully blessing you with both his hands.

After performing this type of internal prayer and opening a mat in your heart, and creating light in your heart, look at your Guru, pray with devotion, and address him thus: “Father, my Guru, my Parama Guru, my God, the epitome of the Supreme God, I am praying to you, please enter my heart with love and gather within my heart.”

If you do this, your Guru’s form will become small, enter your inner self, and give you untold joy. He will give you the required knowledge when necessary. If you follow his guidance as he says without failing, you too will find a state like that of your Guru. People who see you in that state will want to bow to you. The power to help people lead a righteous life and walk on the righteous path will bubble from within you like a fountain.”

Sat Chakra Sadhana

So far, we have carefully examined and understood how the mantra combines several powerful elements. Now, let us begin the Sadhana.

The idea here is to chant each line of the mantra at its corresponding Chakra. Make sure you are focusing on this Chakra with complete awareness of the meaning of the three syllables.

Begin with the chanting of the primordial sound of AUM becoming aware of your whole body as the essence of the Cosmos. Then begin to focus on the Chakras starting from the base of the spine ascending to the crown of the head.

Let us begin:

Focus on the Muladhara Chakra, chant the first line of the mantra

Aa Na Aim,

Then move to the Svadhishthana Chakra and chant

Ee Ma Kleem,

Then move your attention to the Manipura Chakra and chant

Wu Shi Sauh,

Then to Anahata Chakra and chant

Ye Va Hreem,

Then move to the Vishuddha Chakra and chant

O Ya Shreem,

Now you come to the most important part of the meditation. You are focusing on the Ajna Chakra, which is located between your eyebrows.

Ajna Chakra

 The Ajna Chakra is located in the place between the eyebrows. Chant ‘Aum Sri Agasteeshwara Maha Muni Prabhuve Namaha.’ You are connecting to the divine consciousness that is Sage Agastya! It is this great consciousness that will lead you on the spiritual path until you can arrive at the stage of finding that great light within yourself.

Ajna Chakra is the area of intuition. For this part of the Sadhana, close your eyes, and lift your internal gaze to your third eye. By this time, your breathing should be slow and relaxed. Focus on the space between your eyebrows, the Ajna Chakra. Imagine a glowing, powerful, indigo light radiating from that spot as you meditate.

After invoking Sage Agastya through the words, “Sri Agasteeshwara Maha Muni Prabhuve Namaha,” with full devotion, chant AUM. Slowly synchronize your breathing and concentrate on this point alone. As you practice, your consciousness will easily focus on the point between the eyebrows and rest there. Once you are there, remain still with your spine straight, for about five minutes.

As you practice this, you will begin to see a bright speck of light. Do not be discouraged if you do not see it right away. It takes many years of practice before one can see it. Advanced practitioners will naturally see the bright light manifesting there.

 Imagine the light expanding throughout your body and extending beyond the body. See yourself as the body of light. This is what Christ meant when he said, “if thine eyes be single, your body will be full of light.’

As you advance in your practice, you will experience your astral body of light and colors. Become aware of the astral body. As you practice, you will have many experiences. Enjoy the experiences, but do not remain there. That too will take you away from the final goal.

After spending as long as you can with deep devotion to Sage Agastya, move to the Sahasrara Chakra.

Sahasrara

Sahasrara, the highest chakra is located in the area of the crown of the head. This is the point beyond all existence once you arrive at the stage through meditation. This is the seat of divine perception.

This is the final realm. The area of divine perception. When you go to Sahasrara Chakra, become completely still. cease all activity – mental or physical. Remain in one pointed focus as long as you can. Again, when you become aware of your surroundings, chant AUM once with full concentration.

Then begin the cycle again with the Muladhara Chakra.

Unlike other practices, where devotees may reverse the process, by going back step by step down the Chakras, here, once you reach the Sahasrara Chakra, go straight to the Muladhara and begin the cycle again.

You can start doing this just one cycle at a time. Slowly increase it to 7 times and finally 14 times. Remember, that the number of times that you do chanting on the Chakras is not important. Even if you do it just once and you are able to stay at the Ajna and Sahasrara for a longer period of time, that is enough. But until you get to that point, you can practice seven or 14 times.

Now that you have completed the Sadhana, once again offer thanks to Sage Agastya who has been the guiding light within you on this great Yogic sadhana.

Sri Agastya Arathi Mantra

Sri Agastya Arathi Mantra

Aum Vedanta Purusha,

Gnana Gunashekara, Vande, Vande,

Vande, Gnana Palaka,

Aum, Dharma Palaka, Dharma Rakshaka!

Aum Sri Agastya Mahamuni Vande!

Sharanam! Sharanam! Sharanam!

In this hymn, we salute and give thanks to Sage Agastya describing him as Vedanta Purusha, the one who is the beginning and conclusion of all Vedas, as the first born of the primordial fire.

We praise him as the Dharma Palaka, the one who protects righteousness and brings balance to the world. As Sage Agastya has himself said, the puranas contain sacred truths hidden behind the seemingly entertaining stories. The story of Sage Agastya restoring balance to the world epitomizes this.

As Gnana Palaka, protector of wisdom, he is the one who has maintained his presence through the beginning of time, constantly protecting true knowledge. So much so, that he has given us verses in the Vedas, in the Upanishads, he appears in the Puranas and in the Tamil Sangam. He is also the one who has given Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu to the modern world.

As Dharma Rakshaka, he is the protector of righteousness. In the Ramayana, we find Sage Agastya helping the righteous by giving the Aditya Hrudayam mantra to Lord Rama himself! Through this we understand that he is the one who gives the necessary power to those who walk on the path                     of righteousness.

Summing up, you will notice that the practice also reflects the entire teachings of Sage Agastya as contained in Agasthiyar Vazhipaadu.

You begin with acquiring knowledge. Knowledge of creation, why creation, why were we created and what our purpose of life is. We begin to understand that our body as a microcosm of the macrocosm is divine in itself! Too often we do not understand what an important vehicle our physical body is. It is only when we reflect and become aware of the physical body do we begin to question and understand the why’s and what fore’s of life itself.

On that foundation of knowledge, or Gnana, we begin the second stage important step of becoming aware of what lies beyond our physical senses. We do this by contemplating and focusing on the Chakras and the subtle body. We begin to change our perception from the gross to the subtle level. Here, once again, as we chant the Sri Agasteeshwara Panchakshari Maha Mantra from Muladhara Chakra upwards, we reaffirm our understanding of the why’s and wherefores of creation.

Source: Extracted from the book 'Agastya Yoga Siddhanta' by Anuradha Gajaraj-Lopez

---

[1] Arati: In Indian culture, at the end of any devotional prayer or gathering, camphor light is offered to the deity by way of thanks. This involves, chanting a devotional song or mantras and moving the camphor light clockwise three times in front of the deity or altar.

[2] AUM: The cosmic word that contains the vibration of creation, preservation, and destruction. Aa in Tamil is ‘Agara’ and represents the vibration that brings about the creation of the universe; U (pronounced as ‘oo’) is ‘Ugara’ signifies the vibration that preserves creation and M is ‘Magara’ represents the destructive vibration. The word AUM is thus the beginning and the end. Through it the universe comes into manifestation and through it everything returns to the Absolute or the infinite spirit. AUM is universal to all Indian languages however, how each syllable is pronounced in its expanded form is based on that particular language. In the Hindu pantheon of Gods, these three attributes of creation, preservation and destruction are personified in the Trinity viz. Brahma, the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer.

[3] This hymn has been rendered beautifully by Rohith Rajesh and Aparna Rajesh on YouTube titled ‘Invoke Sage Agastya’s grace through this powerful; Sri Agastya Mantra’ composed by Gajaraj Swamigal.

Last Birth

 

Self-Realization & Liberation

Vijayalaxmi: Will I have another birth?

Sage Agastya: Mother, it is God’s duty that when a devotee asks for a boon, he must grant it immediately. However, sometimes if the boon that is asked gives rise to a little reluctance, then it creates a difficult situation.

We are not allowed to normally give a clear response to such questions, because it is against the wishes of fate. You have a question arising in your heart, on why I gave a clear response to your husband (Gajaraj Swamigal) regarding this, but not you. His situation is different from yours.

Yet, let me answer the question. A situation may arise when others ask your husband that same question. You did not ask this question for your own sake. I made you ask this question for the sake of the people of the world.

If anyone asks a question on whether this is their last birth, the response is the same for everyone. If a person desires that he should attain the state where this shall be his last birth, then what are the characteristics that the person needs to have?

The philosophy is this - the microcosm is a small particle that has come out of the macrocosm. The microcosm that has emerged out of the macrocosm yearns to return to the state where it can merge once again with the macrocosm.

When a man is born, his actions and thoughts are desirous of committing unrighteous acts. His soul will not be freed and attain liberation unless he completely forgets these unrighteous ways. Once he does that, his birth is complete, and he will not have rebirth.

I will now explain what a person has to do to attain liberation through his efforts, behavior, intellect, and practice of meditation.

Who am I? What is soul? Where has it come from? Where does it need to go? First, this needs to be understood. To understand this people need books and lectures. This is what is known as knowledge or higher understanding. Once that understanding comes, then such a person must pray to God, and find a Guru.

After experiencing materials, physical intimacy, and gold as allowed at the stipulated age, man must get rid of his desires for these things. He must reflect on each one of them.

It is natural that man must have a desire for each of these, based on the phase of life. However, despite having experienced them, if one wants it repeatedly, that will give rise to repeated births.

Desire multiplies in the place where there is a hankering to fulfill excessive wants. Certain people, after acquiring something, do not want to give it up. They want to hold on to it all the time and hence keep fueling their desire for it. When such people refuse to part with those things and try to hold on to those things, desire keeps building up.

Lust is that which comes from attachment, that turns to desire. Lust occurs when one has obtained something and wants to experience it excessively.

Next is greed. When one holds on to something more than the norm, then that person loses power of discernment. Which means, they will not understand the difference between right and wrong. Righteousness is lost when greed comes to the fore.

For example, seeking money is a desire. Looking at money constantly and finding joy in it is an attachment. Enjoying it without sharing it with others is lust. In such a situation, when one tries to gain money through wrong means, it becomes greed.

When one’s money increases, and the person doesn’t want to give it to another; and when that another tries to steal it from him; then getting displeased with him, when one acts out, that is called anger.

As one accumulates more and more money, and sees someone who is wealthier than him, and gets jealous of him, then that leads to the delusion of the mind.

Hence, the one who wants this to be the last birth, must not have the following: desire, lust, anger, greed, delusion, and arrogance.

The response to your answer is for you to reflect on each one of these. What is needed to end this cycle of life and death is the Vazhipaadu given to you all.

Have you followed all this? You have achieved a lot of purity. However, you still have a couple of blemishes that are present in an ordinary man.

If one has excessive and unnecessary desire or anger, then that person does not have the blessed opportunity to find liberation.

One must only think good in thought, words, and action. Reflect only on the good. Do only good. There is no good or bad in the creation of God. You yourselves have created these characters. That is why you look at another and judge them as good or bad. There is nothing bad or good for the Gnani. He does not consider anyone good or bad. He has neither affection nor hatred. Why? At the end, he even forgets the ‘I’ at the very end.

When there is no longer ‘I,’ there is no body, no mind, only soul remains. Understanding your soul this way is called ‘self-realization’ in English.

 

Secret of Life

 

Sage Agastya: Aum. There is no indication today that man has any concern whatsoever for the question of ‘What are we doing, and why’ or for morality and respect.

Many Gurus are preaching to their disciples during this period,. Even  they do not understand that the world is at the brink of destruction. They are not trying to teach these important things to their disciples.

In the olden days, Gurus gave good knowledge to their disciples. However, the Gurus of today have begun to change, as their status is changing in all aspects.

Each thinks that he is superior and only his blessings are the best. It is because of their disciples that these Gurus are changing. Gurus now desire money and materials, and want to construct ashrams, hospitals, schools, and colleges. They are more focused on how to run these institutions. They are beginning to forget the most important things - devotion and knowledge.

Secret of Life

Sage Agastya: Aum. Life is a game. We cannot see where it begins or where it ends. What one has seen is ‘life.’ What one gains from materials is seen as ‘happiness.’ What the five senses have seen and understood is perceived as ‘truth.’ This is how man thinks in the small fortress he builds for himself in earthly life. The ability for man to think about what is outside his small fortress is becoming lesser.

Very few have the opportunity to think “Where have I come from? why was I born? What path must I follow? Where should I reach at the end?”

Very few have the ability to avoid problems, to loosen themselves from the grip of life. They do not attempt to find a spiritual path or ponder on what is beyond life and desire to learn about it.

However, there are some who have done good work in their previous lives, who are finally seeing the light. They are reborn as ordinary mortals in this life but after sustaining pain and injury, and tripping in darkness, they are finally seeing a new light.

Once they see the light, then the desire to know where it comes from wells up within them. Seeing that light, such people leave the dark fortress that they were living in; momentarily find a little happiness in that light and attempt to understand where that light comes from.

This is when one sits in meditation with closed eyes to see where this joy comes from. It is then that they realize that they have not experienced this sacred joy before.

That is when they realize the difference between the pleasure they have experienced until now through their five senses and intellect; and the pure joy they experience through their soul.

He also learns another truth that these small pleasures do not last forever. In worldly pleasures, things like money, material, and intellect get used up. In a way this pleasure is like a business.

However, there is no give or take in the pure joy that wells up from within. The soul that is a small particle of the Absolute that is present within man remains immersed in joy always. It is still there.

Bliss, ecstasy, and joy are the permanent characteristics of the Absolute. To experience this one need not:

1.Spend money.

2.Acquire materials.

3.Use intellect.

However, what is required to understand this deep tunnel within us is knowledge, devotion, and the ability to surrender oneself to God.

A mother doesn’t ask the baby if it wants milk when she feeds it. She does not use her intellect for that.

In the same way, one who in complete faith expresses the desire to see the Absolute; such a man, sitting in meditation, forgetting his body, disconnecting himself from the sensations experienced through the five senses; pushing the mind that is a monkey outside; if he follows the light within him with his inner eyes, will understand where that light comes from.

That is when he realizes that he is a soul, and that the entire universe is hidden within him. With this inner material, he is able to realize wisdom and Supreme energy of the Absolute.

That is when he realizes that he is not just a body made of the five elements, it is not he, he is not the body. In addition, he realizes that he is not the tool that is called the intellect that he has been experiencing until now.

Whenever that veil or curtain is completely drawn, then the light dawns, wow! I am a soul. He gets the answer to the question where have I come from?

When he realizes that the microcosm is a part of the macrocosm, he understands the meaning of ‘Aham Brahmasmi.’ If he continues in this state, he realizes that all the living things in the outside world are a part of the macrocosm like himself.

In this state he realizes ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ which is, ‘I am that.’ This is the meaning of Supreme Knowledge.

Once he realizes that he is the aspect of the Absolute, man understands that he must return to the Absolute. He understands that achieving that is the right thing to do.

It is not wrong to experience or enjoy the materials required for the body and mind within limits, in the correct way, without violating righteousness.

If the soul must exist, it needs the covering of a body. There is a relationship between the living body and the soul. When life leaves and the soul becomes detached from the body, it gets disconnected from the clutches of karma and will reach the place it is supposed to reach. This is the secret of life.

Future of Mankind: Sage Agastya Speaks

 

Sage Agastya: Where are we headed? This is a burning question and a most practical one. Humanity is in floods; it is in turmoil. Everything seems upside down now. There is no stability, no spiritual guidance.

The flooding water flows over and under, bumps against rocks, squeezes out of holes, scratches the surface, pulls out roots, invites rubbish. It is full of force, and it stinks. This is how I visualize modern society. Devoid of direction but provided with a lot of energy, it knows not in which direction it should flow.

At this stage, it is not possible to stop the flow and create a beautiful lake out of it. It requires significant effort from various sources.

Neighboring mountains have to be blasted; and stones have to be piled one above the other to curtail its speed. Once the speed is slowed down, the banks have to be strengthened, and further inflow should be diverted. In short, this is an analogy to show what is required to change this dangerous course humanity has taken.

Man has lost all knowledge of the great scriptures. These scriptures in the form of Vedas, Shastras and Puranas have no value for him. Enormous knowledge rising out of scientific investigations and technology have created a mirage which is being perceived as the reality. People are searching for a fuller life in a mirage!

Modern man’s entire life is in this direction. He is going deeper and deeper into the process of investigation. It is literally also true that man is digging deeper into the earth, exploiting every bit of useful material available in the womb of mother earth. He has cut her stomach, is stabbing at her heart, and tearing at her lungs. What does all this indicate?

It indicates self-made destruction. We feel pained to witness all this wanton destruction and exploitation of nature and natural resources. Man is a symbol of unlimited greed.

What is the result of all this? The very natural resources that sustain life have been destroyed. That is why man is now buying clean water and clean air!

In the future, he will not be able to buy land. As things indicate, the powdered earth or soil itself will become dearer. This is the present condition of the relationship between man and his environment.

What about the relationship between man and society? Today, man is like a dust particle without stability of its own. A dust particle gets carried around by the wind, bumps against other particles, and finally settles down in a place it was not intended to settle. In the same way, man usually does not get the job he was intended to have. Instead, he settles down in other jobs by sheer force of circumstances.

There is no direction even in marriage. The proper selection process is not undertaken. Selection is based on outer appearance and material acquisition. That is why there are so many failures on the job front and marriages.

So also, his neighborhood. In big cities, people do not want to know their neighbors. This is the result of sheer indifference and lack of confidence in themselves. They do not want their neighbors to know the ills and sins committed by their families. They are afraid of losing their name, fame, and valuables.

I have touched upon three aspects of relationships, between man, his habitat, society, and his immediate neighbors.

What is the result? He has no love for others and others have none for him. In the absence of love, what is it that grows? It is hatred. Lack of love breeds hatred, jealousy, lack of confidence in himself and others. So, what does he do? He seeks all those materials, living and non-living that give him temporary relief.

What are the things that purportedly give him pleasure? In the modern world, it is going to parties, clubs, restaurants, movies, and picnics. These are all connected with the physical pleasures of eating and drinking. There is no end. There is no complete satisfaction. People get attached and addicted to these pleasures.

Addiction leads to submission. Submission leads to surrender and surrender leads to slavery. In short, the life of modern humans is slavery to time and emotions. Though he pretends and expresses that he is happy, this expression is born of his mind, not of his heart. It is superficial and empty. That is why man is neither happy nor content.

Each one of you can analyze your own friends, relatives, or acquaintances, keeping the above factors in mind. Are they happy?

How do you gauge happiness? It is seen in the health, in the glow in the eyes, purity of words, actions, and deeds. You should analyze these things to find out if a person is indeed happy.

Now the question is, how can we make a person really happy? Judge for yourself who is really happy in society? A poor man who can meet his physical needs for the day, appears to be happy. A child who does not know the full details of society is happy. A rich man who spends part of his money and wealth for those in need is happy. Then there are those who serve in old age homes, destitute homes, and so on. They are happy.

What does this show? It shows that those who lead a simple life are happy. Happy are those who share their love and profit with those who have them not. To sum up, it is in giving that you receive. It is in loving others that we get love. It is in pardoning others that we are pardoned. All this amounts to sacrificing and sharing. The moment you feel other souls as your own, you will be happy. So where does this lead us?

This leads to the ultimate point that every one of you must consider the others as your own soul. You are all part of one Absolute. Love every child as your own.

I understand that it is difficult in the modern world. You extend your hand to shake, and the other person does not react. Do not take it to heart. Just regard it as that person’s karma. He will also wake up at an appropriate time because the strength of the body and wealth and power of intelligence are never the same. They dissipate as time goes on. But remember, love multiplies as time passes.

Finally, the significance of this lecture. You[1] have a significant role in putting a dam across this mad stream. You have the ability to change humanity’s direction. One person cannot accomplish this.

So, in the beginning you will start changing the direction of individuals who come to you. When your purpose is pure and your preaching is effective, people who come in contact with you will change their direction. From them, few others will feel the change. When people who have changed their direction enjoy peace, contentment, and inner joy, they will know the purpose of their life. Small springs with pure water are then available for others who need it.

‘Vazhipaadu’ is meant to serve this purpose. It is a spring that is easily available, and easily tested. Give it to all those that need them.

Then addressing Gajaraj Swamigal, Sage Agastya said: People have already started coming to you one after another. A time will come when you address groups of them. When they change, that change will increase in geometric proportions. Once the lamp is lit, the flame can light an indefinite number of other lamps.

The initial flame belongs to the Supreme Knowledge of the Para Brahman. It flows through the Gurus, seen and unseen. You are all part of this wonderful cosmic intention!

---

[1] Even though the discourse was given to Gajaraj Swamigal, his wife Vijayalakshmi and daughter Anuradha, as in all scriptures, these words are meant for everyone who reads these sacred words.