Ganesha: The Elephant-God

Ganesha: The Elephant-God

All About the Most Popular Zoomorphic Hindu Deity

Ganesha — the elephant-deity riding a mouse — has become one of the
commonest mnemonics for anything associated with Hinduism. This not
only suggests the importance of Ganesha, but also shows how popular
and pervasive this deity is in the minds of the masses.

The Lord of Success
The son of Shiva and Parvati, Ganesha has an elephantine countenance
with a curved trunk and big ears, and a huge pot-bellied body of a
human being. He is the Lord of success and destroyer of evils and
obstacles. He is also worshipped as the god of education, knowledge,
wisdom and wealth. In fact, Ganesha is one of the five prime Hindu
deities (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Durga being the other four) whose
idolatry is glorified as the panchayatana puja.

Ganesh Chaturthi
The devotees of Ganesha are known as 'Ganapatyas', and the festival
to celebrate and glorify him is called Ganesh Chaturthi.

Significance of the Ganesha Form
Ganesha's head symbolizes the Atman or the soul, which is the
ultimate supreme reality of human existence, and his human body
signifies Maya or the earthly existence of human beings. The elephant
head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of
cosmic reality. In his upper right hand Ganesha holds a goad, which
helps him propel mankind forward on the eternal path and remove
obstacles from the way. The noose in Ganesha's left hand is a gentle
implement to capture all difficulties.

The broken tusk that Ganesha holds like a pen in his lower right hand
is a symbol of sacrifice, which he broke for writing the Mahabharata.
The rosary in his other hand suggests that the pursuit of knowledge
should be continuous. The laddoo (sweet) he holds in his trunk
indicates that one must discover the sweetness of the Atman. His fan-
like ears convey that he is all ears to our petition. The snake that
runs round his waist represents energy in all forms. And he is humble
enough to ride the lowest of creatures, a mouse.

How Ganesha Got His Head
The story of the birth of this zoomorphic deity, as depicted in the
Shiva Purana, goes like this: Once goddess Parvati, while bathing,
created a boy out of the dirt of her body and assigned him the task
of guarding the entrance to her bathroom. When Shiva, her husband
returned, he was surprised to find a stranger denying him access, and
struck off the boy's head in rage. Parvati broke down in utter grief
and to soothe her, Shiva sent out his squad (gana) to fetch the head
of any sleeping being who was facing the north. The company found a
sleeping elephant and brought back its severed head, which was then
attached to the body of the boy. Shiva restored its life and made him
the leader (pati) of his troops. Hence his name 'Ganapati'. Shiva
also bestowed a boon that people would worship him and invoke his
name before undertaking any venture.

However, there's another less popular story of his origin, found in
the Brahma Vaivarta Purana: Shiva asked Parvati to observe the
punyaka vrata for a year to appease Vishnu in order to have a son.
When a son was born to her, all the gods and goddesses assembled to
rejoice on its birth. Lord Shani, the son of Surya (Sun-God), was
also present but he refused to look at the infant. Perturbed at this
behaviour, Parvati asked him the reason, and Shani replied that his
looking at baby would harm the newborn. However, on Parvati's
insistence when Shani eyed the baby, the child's head was severed
instantly. All the gods started to bemoan, whereupon Vishnu hurried
to the bank of river Pushpabhadra and brought back the head of a
young elephant, and joined it to the baby's body, thus reviving it.

Ganesha, the Destroyer of Pride
Ganesha is also the destroyer of vanity, selfishness and pride. He is
the personification of material universe in all its various
magnificent manifestations. "All Hindus worship Ganesha regardless of
their sectarian belief," says D N Singh in A Study of Hinduism. "He
is both the beginning of the religion and the meeting ground for all
Hindus."

http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa083000a.htm

Kesar / Saffron

Kesar / Saffron

Kesar have been derived from the Northern Indian region, Kashmir, where old
saffron was produced. Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. Saffron's aroma is unique and there is no substitute for it. It is offered to deity idols. 

Take 4-5 pieces of saffron and put a few drops of water and crush to make paste.

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/dispProduct.php?prodId=2880

www.rudraksha-ratna.com

The Feel Good Berry

The Feel Good Berry
	Mrs. Gandhi (senior) wore them; so do Yehudi Menuhin, B. K. S. Iyengar or for that matter Chandrachur Singh. Probably the best of the berries ever produced in the alternative therapies, is catching on like never before. Considered a major stress reliever, easer of circulatory problems and, of course, as the best worry beads, the berry (Elaeocarpus Ganitrus) was first spotted in Indonesia and is now grown in Nepal and Haridwar However, because it is expensive, clinical research of its medicinal properties has not been possible, often resulting in the berry being subjected to esoteric mumbo jumbo. Says a researcher in Pune, who has done some path-breaking work in the field. But refuses to be named. “I have found that Rudraksha helps relieve blood pressure and lessons stress. Soak it in a glass of water overnight and the next day to relive stomach disorders. Dip in til (sesamese) oil for 21 days, and apply it on your aching joints to get relief . Of course, most people who’ve tried this have done so along with their regular medicine .” he adds. But “one must approach the Rudraksha with a mixture of open mindedness, and dogmatism, rationalism as well as emotion, to get positive feedback, ” he says. “That’s probably why many who put it under their pillow have sworn that it cured them of their insomnia.” Ancient medical texts claim that the Rudraksha can prevent ageing and can prolong life. The beads are supposed to be anti-pyretic, antihelminthic, and antiparalysant and can help balance the vital chakras of the human body which control bile, wind and phlegm. It also said to heal those suffering from hypertension and heart ailments. Besides , as it is completely without any side effects it cannot do you any harm. That explains why the old materia medica literature allows its use for menstruating women while banning other beads and malas.

 

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/showarticles.php?artid=208

Shree Yantra Pendant

Shri Yantra Locket

Posted at Rudraksha Societies Beads Club (RSBC)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub/

Message Number 13774, 6 Jan 07

Namaste Helen, its good to hear you practiced MahaLaxmi's mantra for
2 decades. Generally if there are no big losses of monies,
businesses, properties and assets, then one is considered to have the
blessings of MahaLaxmi.

Like Lord Kuber, MahaLaxmi can be elusive and gives what She deems is
enough for any person. They may also with-hold blessings due to past
life karmas and rnanubandhana. They may also take a long, long time
to bestow blessings but when the blessings come, they come
bountifully.

Very few people are born under the same stars as the famous,
influential multi-billionaire Mr. Lakshmi Mittal who obsviously did
many good deeds in past lives to reap the fruits in this lifetime. He
would have had a "good karmic bank balance" and lack of bondages
regarding phenomenal monetary wealth, name and fame from past lives
too.

For many others, maintainging good health and abundant but ongoing
prosperity is better than hoping to to gain vast monetery wealth
instantly and regularly.

However, while you prayed to MahaLaxmi, did you also pray to Lord
Ganesh for removing obstacles? Lord Ganesh is also the Keeper of
Akashic Records.

Ommmmm

--- In rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub@yahoogroups.com, Helen Khajekian
<helenkhaj@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Mr. Narasimhaye and Mr. John
>
> Thank you for both of your email. Beside my Shree Yantra, I have
Shri Sarva Kashta Nivaran Yantra Raj - The most powerful yantra
combination which Mr. Neeta send for me. Also I have Siddhi Rudraksh
( on my alter ) + Indra Rudraksh ( I have with me).Both are complete
set. I bought all my items from Ms. Neeta. She knows me very well.
Also I forget to mention in my last email. I practice Mahalaxmi's
mantra daily for more than 20 years.
>
> Thank you
>
> Helen

=================

13751, 5 jan 07
shri yantra locket
Namaste Mr John Tan & Helen,

Thank you for your kind input John; its much appreciated. Absolutely
agree with you about Helen getting a Ganesh Yantra or Ganesh Rudraksh
for removing obstacles to receiving blessings from MahaLaxmi.

To Helen, if you would like to get Ganesh Yantra or Ganesh Rudraksh,
please write directly to Ms Neetaji at rudracentre@hotmail.com

Helen, by the way, apart from Yagya at the temple, its also important
to recite MahaLaxmi's Mantra at home at least 108 times a day for 45
days. Its ok to recite for 40 days if you wish: Om Shreem
MahaLakshmiye Namaha.

Ganesha Sharanam

--- In rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub@yahoogroups.com, John Tan
<bejohn46@...> wrote:
>
> I would like to make additional input to Narasimhaye's
contribution. Perhaps, Helen, you should get a Ganesh yantra or
Rudraksha to clear all your obstacles first before Lakshmi Devi can
do her work. Ms Neeta should be able to assist in getting the Ganesh
yantra and or Ganesh rudraksha.
>
> best wishes
> om gang ganapataye namah

=========
>
> Helen Khajekian <helenkhaj@...>
wrote:
> I have Shri Yantra almost more than three years. I do Mahalaxmi
Yagya 2-3 times ( maybe more) in temple each year. I keep Shri
Yantra in my alter close to Mahalxmi picture at home.
> But result nothing. Thanks. Helen
>
> narasimhaye <no_reply@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
> Namaste Helen, how long have you got Shree Yantra. Did you do
puja and
> recite mantra for MahaLaxmi? These are essential to perform in
order
> to get benefits. Please have faith and you will see results
eventually.
> In some cases, Yantras take a little longer time to work - it
depends
> on past life karma and rnanubhandana too. Wishing you wealth and
> success.
>
> Ommmmm
>
> --- In rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub@yahoogroups.com, Helen Khajekian
> <helenkhaj@> wrote:
> >
> > What can we do that get benefit from Shri Yantra. I have a long
> time but I did not feel and get anything from it. Can you advise.
> Helen

=========== 

Message thread 13733 dated 3 Jan 2007

Namaste Albertnettey, Shree Yantra lockets can be found at:

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/dispCategory.php?catId=11

Some Information about Shree Yantra

Shree Yantra is one of the most auspicious, important and powerful yantras worshiped for gaining the grace of MahaLaxmi, Godess of wealth.

Sri Yantra is one of the most auspicious, important and powerful Yantras, which not only gives the maximum benefit, but also proves beneficial for almost everybody. It is the source of attaining all worldly desires & fulfilling all wishes through inner cosmic power & mental strength. "Shree Yantra" - Shree meaning wealth and Yantra - Meaning "Instrument" - The Instrument for Wealth The Shree Yantra brings about material and spiritual wealth. Sri Yantra has that unexplained power to fulfill all our wishes and change our life for the better. Shree Yantra is definitely the answer to all the problems and negativity in our life. Any Person using Shree (shri) Yantra achieves much greater affluence, peace and harmony. Shree Yantra helps in breaking all the Obstacles in our life. It helps us push indefinitely and easily the limits of growth - both spiritually and materialistically. There are negative energies around us in greater or smaller magnitude. These negative energy stands in our way of achieving greater success, affluence, Harmony and Peace. 

Many times we find that life is out of our control. We find ourselves in a position of extreme stress, lack of peace and harmony, high degree of anxiety, friction in relationship with others, bad investments, faltering business, stagnation in life and profession, decreasing financial prospects, insecure feeling, repeated failures and sheer bad luck - Though we involve our best efforts, hard work, intelligence and good intentions .

Sri Yantra Sacred Geometry - help in clearing all the negative energies - the fog that surrounds our life - standing in our way of Peace, Prosperity and Harmony and make everything work for us in orderly manner. Shree Yantra the Multi Pyramid Geometric Grid is in 2 Dimension or 3 Dimension form. In 2 Dimension Form it is a Symbol of 9 Intertwined Isosceles triangles. It has been experienced World wide that Intertwined Triangles. The 6 pointed Star or Double Triangle Jewish sacred Geometry has always been proven to be Good Luck and sacred symbols. Shri Yantra is the symbolic form of all Gods and Goddesses. Shree yantra was possessed by Brahma, the creator of the Universe and praised by Vishnu the lord of the Earth. Shree yantra is connected deeply with the Ancient Art of Vaastu and has been specifically mentioned in the 'Vaastu Shastra'. All constructions based on Vaastu must essentially have Shree Yantra in it. The Vedas explain Shree Yantra as a scientific, cosmic and planetary energy zone. 

Shree Yantra is the source of supreme energy and energy is nothing but another form of element in the shape of waves and rays. Shree Yantra is highly sensitive and has magnificent magnetic powers. Shree yantra is said to be a divine store-house of energy which pick up particular cosmic ray wave emitted by the planets and other universal objects and transform them into constructive vibrations. These are then transmitted to the surroundings where the Shree Yantra is placed, thus destroying all destructive forces within the vicinity. Shree Yantra is credited with supreme hidden powers which can be noticed within a short span.

Ommmmm

--- In rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub@yahoogroups.com, "albertnettey" <albertnettey@...> wrote:
>
>
> Greetings
>
> PLEASE COULD ADVICE ME HOW TO THE SHRI YANTRA LOCKET

.............
Posted at Rudraksha Societies Beads Club on  6 Jan 07

Durga Devi Stuti

Durga Devi Stuti

English transliteration of the sloka as follows..
sarvasya buddhi-rupena janasya hrdi samsthite

svargapavargade devi naraya, ni namostute

kalakasthadirupena parinama-pradayini

visvasyoparatau saktyai narayaoi namo stute

sarva-mangala-mangalye sive sarvartha-sadhike

saranye tryambake gauri narayani namo stute

srsti-sthiti-vinasanam sakti bhute sanatani

gunasraye gunamaye narayani namo stute

saranagata-dinarta-paritrana-parayane

sarvasvarti-hare devi narayani namo stute

hamsa-yukta-vimana-sthe brahmam rupa-dharini

kausambhah ksarike devi narayani namo stute

trisula-candrahi-dhare maha-vrsabha-vahini

mahesvari-svarupena narayani namo stute

mayura-kukkuta-vrte maha-sakti-dhare naghe

kaumari rupa-samsthane narayani namo stute

sankha-cakra-gadasarnga-grhita-paramayud he

prasida vaisnavi-rupe narayani namo stute

grhitogra-mahacakre danstroddhrta-vasundhare

varaha-rupini sive narayani namo stute

nrsimha rupenogrena hantum daityan krtodyame

trailokya-trana-sahite narayani namo stute

kiritini mahavajre sahasra-nayanojjvale

vrtra-prana-hare caindri narayani namo stute

siva duti-svarupena hata-daitya-mahabale

ghora-rupe maharave narayani namo stute

damstra-karala-vadane siromala-vibhusane

camunde munda-mathane narayani namo stute

laksmi lajje mahavidye sraddhe pusti-svradhe dhruve

maharatri maha vidye narayani namo stute

medhe sarasvati vare bhuti babhravi tamasi

niyate tvam prasidese narayani namo stute 
---------------
Nice YouTube link: 

Direction of Puja Ghar / Altar

Direction of Puja Ghar / Altar 

Posted at Rudraksha Societies Beads Club on March 23, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub 

Namaste Anilji,

Its ok to ask again   Please don't mind my suggestion that a Folder
be created for storing any interesting messages from this forum so
you can always refer back to them. I do this on my computer and in
recent days have saved messages from Vrsolaji, other friends as well
as the Kundalini article (link sent by you).

According to Vaastu, the North-East corner of the house is ideal for
a puja room. It is generally believed that the deity should face
West, can face East or North but never face South.

North-East zone is considered most appropriate for worship because
the morning sun's rays fall on the North-East Side of the house which
is most auspicious and good for health too.

You are always welcome and hope this helps.

Om Namah Shivaya

--- In rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub@yahoogroups.com, Anil Kumar
<yogi75ank@...> wrote:
>
> Namaste Narasimhaye,
>
> Appologies for asking this question again. In which
> direction should a puja ghar be placed? Should it be
> facing east or should the devotee be sitting facing
> east while the puja ghar and the dieties are facing
> west.
>
> Iam just not able to trace your previous reply in this
> regard and hence would appreciate if you could clarify
> this again for me.
>
> Dhanyavaad in advance.
>
> Aum GauriShankaray Namah
Posted at Rudraksha Societies Beads Club on March 23, 2008
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rudrakshabeadsocietiesclub

SIGNIFICANCE OF AUM

SIGNIFICANCE OF AUM: 

 Of all the mantras the most powerful is the single syllabled one - pronounced 'Aum' or 'Om.'

It is the sound that has been realized by ancient Rishis in the highest states of meditation and though it is great to go through the intellectual study done below we have to remember that actually it is a sound that goes beyond the intellect and we can only begin to understand it by actually chanting it and feeling its effect in one's innermost core.

 AS NOTED BY THE SAGES:
 Aum is the primordial sound, the root mantra which empowers and gives life to all other mantras. 

All mantras start with Aum.

It is called the Pranava or that which provides prana or life force to the mantra. 

Just as a body is only living when the life-giving breath is flowing through it, similarly the mantra gets empowered only when it begins with Aum.

All mantras are hidden in Aum which is the abstract, highest mantra of the cosmos.

Aum is the manifest symbol of the Vibration named God.

It is the manifest symbol for the Unmanifest Supreme.

The universe has come from Aum, rests in Aum and dissolves in it.

Aum represents the Self which is the Supreme non-dual Reality.

 IN THE LANGUAGE OF THE 21ST CENTURY:
 Aum is the telephone no and the email address of the Supreme.

To utter any mantra or any name of God without Aum is like using a revolver without cartridges.

 THE MEANING OF AUM:
 The human being experiences the Self in four states - namely waking, dream, deep-sleep and the perfect blissful state.

'The physical or waking state is the first state known to man.

The sound 'A' is also the first letter of the alphabet in all languages. Also it is the root sound produced without touching any part of the tongue or palate. So it is compared to the waking stage.

The next stage - the in-between stage -experienced by us is the dream stage and that is implied by 'U' sound which is also the connecting sound as it rolls from the very root to the end of the sounding board of the mouth.

Deep sleep is the third stage and that is implicit in 'M' the last phonetic sound, uttered with closed lips. 

The inevitable pause of silence between two successive chants of AUM stands for the fourth state, beyond the intellect, the Turiya stage or the state of Sublime Bliss reached in the state of Samadhi or deep meditation. 

The transcedental sound of Aum is heard only by the yogis, not by the ordinary ear.

A,U,M, are the basic sounds of the Science of Phonetics and all other letters of the alphabet are their extentions and combinations.

A is the first sound that the vocal apparatus can utter and M is the last. (The alphabet of Hindi - a phonetic language begins with the sound 'A' and ends with the sound 'M')

In between is the middle range of 'U' or 'ooh'.

Correctly pronounced, the sound proceeds from the navel with a deep harmonious vibration and gradually manifests itself at the upper part of the nostrils. 

Thus the three sounds of Aum encompass all sound. 

According to Swami Vivekananda for this reason Aum is the only sound which qualifies to be called 'the Sphota'. (The Sphota is what remains when all the particularities which distinguish one word from another are removed - that is the material of all words and yet not any definite word in its fully formed state)

There is no language, music or poetry outside its range. Not only does all language arise from this word but also the energy vibrations of the universe itself arise from it.

The three letters A,U,M also refer to the three aspects of the Supreme -
namely the Creator i.e. Brahma,
the Preserver i.e. Vishnu,
and the Destroyer i.e. Mahesh or Shiva.

While chanting Aum -
We first open the mouth for the sound to start from within to chant A symbolizing the beginning of Creation. Then while chanting U, the sound emanating from within continues to prolong with the mouth open, symbolizing the continuity and
Preservation of the Creation. Finally when M is chanted the mouth shuts symbolizing the dissolution of the Creation.

Thus the sound AUM is symbolic, descriptive of all comprehensive and manifest expression of the Supreme Power.

It is also said that on the Individual level -A refers to the physical body, U refers to the individual mind and M refers to the intuitive awareness.

At the Universal level -A refers to the material universe, U refers to the cosmic mind, and M refers to the conscious substratum of the universe.

Aum represents the space where the finite world of the word - of sound - ends and the infinite world of silence begins. It forms the borderline between the word and the wordless - there is no word beyond Aum. 

 THE SYMBOL OF AUM
 In the written symbol of Aum - what looks like 3 is the 'a' sound in Sanskrit.
The tail or trunk is the 'u' sound in Sanskrit and the dot on the half moon is the nasal sound 'm'.
So together is makes the sound of Aum.

Aum is also a visual and if you care to interpret it in the following way it looks like a Ganapati. - The lower part of the 3 is the belly, the upper part is the face. The 'u' is the trunk and the cresent moon with the dot is the tika on top.

 MENTION OF AUM IN THE SCRIPTURES:
 The ancient sage, Patanjali, states that the primordial sound 'Aum ' is heard during meditation. Note the word used is 'heard' not 'chanted'. It has also been observed that by chanting 'Aum' aloud and internally one creates certain vibrations which automatically take one to the internal core of the individual, the realm of peace and deep silence which one discovers is also the core and center of the universe.
The Mandukya Upanishad is one of the prime Upanishads.
It is a short Upanishad dedicated to Aum. It begins with the words -
"Aum is this imperishable word. Aum is the universe and this is the exposition of Aum. The past, present and the future; all that was, is and will be is Aum. Likewise all else that may exist beyond the bounds of time, that too is Aum. That which is beyond all these is also Aum. ( verse 1)

The Taittiriya Upanishad says: 'Thou art the sheath of Brahma." That is Aum is the container for the Supreme and therefore invoking Aum is invoking the Supreme.

The Taittiriya Upanishad also says "With Aum, Brahma begins creation'' which means that the whole universe was projected out of the sound of Aum. 

The Dhyanabindu Upanishad states -
Those who want enlightenment should reflect on the sound and meaning of Aum. Aum is the bow, the individual being is the arrow and Brahman is the target. When the arrow is released from the bow it goes straight towards and into the target.

The Sweteswatara Upanishad states-
Fire though potentially present in firewood is not seen until one stick is rubbed against another. The Self is like that fire; it is realized by constant awareness of the sacred syllable Aum. Let your body be the stick that is rubbed and Aum be the stick that is rubbed against. Thus you will realize your real nature which is hidden within, just as fire,in a sense, is hidden in wood.

In the Maitrayana Upanishad after it has been said that there is one Brahma or Supreme without words and a second, a Word- Brahma, we are told that the word is the syllable 'Aum'.

In the Bhagvad Gita Sri Krishna states that amongst the mantras he is Aum and that whoever chants Aum at the time of death gets liberated.

There is a verse in the ancient Rig Vedas -
"Prajapati vai idam agra asit" meaning - 'In the beginning was Prajapati,( the Supreme)
Tasya vak dvitiya asit meaning With whom was the Word
Vag vai Paramam Brahma meaning And the Word was verily the Supreme Brahma.
This Sphota has its symbol in the word Aum.
Notice the similarity much later in time in the fourth Gospel of the New Testament where it is repeated 'In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.'

 WHEN DO WE HAVE THE FIRST MENTION OF AUM?
 Aum is the most ancient word for God that has come down to us through the ages. It was there before time - hence even this question is absurd!

However, it is believed that at least over 5000 year ago, in ancient Sumer, Aum was known and used as a secret word by the Sumerian mystics and priests.

When the Indo-Aryan tribes wandered east from Sumer to Northern India they carried the precious and sacred word Aum with them.

In parallel, as we have seen there is mention of it in the ancient Rig Vedas and in many of the Upanishads.

 MENTION OF AUM IN OTHER RELIGIONS:
 In most modern religions there is some sacred word similar to Aum . For Tibetans the sacred word is Hum. In Muslim religion -Amin. Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Jews and Christians say 'Amen'.

Buddhism and Jainism too use Aum .

Also notice also how close the positive statement 'I am' is to Aum.

Zen sages ask their disciples to go and find out the sound of the unstruck sound -this is Zen's own way of refering to the anahat or the unstruck sound and the uncaused sound referred to in the Upanishads- 

Aum is not caused by you - it arises from your innermost depth. It represents the space or the bridge between the finite world of words and sound and the infinite world of silence.

 EFFECTS OF CHANTING AUM:
 The books state it and our personal experience confirms it that chanting of Aum
soothes the aching man,
cures the ailing man,
inspires the poetical man,
and brings realization to the genuine sincere seeker.
In 1978 Bihar School of Yoga conducted a scientific research project in a hospital in Barcelona. People who were going in for a surgery were made to chant Aum for five minutes.

Their brainwaves, skin resistance and heart beats were monitored. It was found that just after five minutes of loud chanting, there was an increase of alpha and delta waves, there was relaxation of the nervous agitations as monitored by the blood pressure and the skin resistance. Subjectively too the patients were less afraid and more visibly relaxed. 

A few minutes of chanting Aum show that the breathing and the heart beats slow down and all the vital processes inside the body become calm.

Chanting Aum regularly is like planting a tiny seed which slowly sprouts and grows into a powerful gigantic tree. It contains indescribable potential.

To use another example, the mantra is like a vacuum cleaner. It sucks all the dark sanskaras of the mind. (sanskaras are tendencies inherited from previous births)

Some contemporary Indian authorities have given a rational explanation for the miraculous power of Aum.

Swami Sivananda who was a practicing medical doctor before he became a yogi, explains that the vibrations produced in nasal cavities by the continuous chanting of Aum stimulates the activity of the hypophysis and gladula pinealis by a direct massage like action. These organs have great importance in the psychological and physiological functions of man and probably explain the powerful effects of chanting of Aum 

Today science has confirmed that vibrations are at the root of every manifestation in the world.( Even the seven basic colours are seen by the human eye due to different vibrations coming within the range of the human vision.) The intensity of vibrations produced by chanting Aum is said to effect the entire microcosm and the macrocosm.

 METHODS FOR CHANTING AUM:
 Mantra sastra says that Aum the pranava can be chanted in 170 ways. 

Madame Blavatsky researched ancient Indian works and noted that Aum can be chanted in 250 different intonations - and each way has a different effect on the person and the surroundings.

Aum can be chanted aloud-slowly or fast; or mentally with a movement of the lips; or siently with no external movement.

Mentally Aum can be silently chanted by synchronizing with the heartbeat, in which case one can visualize Aum at the heart center as though it is a candle flame the same size as your thumb or mentally synchronizing it with the pulse at the eyebrow center and visualize the Aum at the eyebrow centre. 

Whichever method one uses, Aum should be pronounced so that it is a harmonious sound. It should be ' like the continuous flow of an oil stream and like the vibration of a bell.' This is the way to pronounce Aum and to really know its meaning.' - Dhyanabindu Upanishad.

One can also write Aum daily a certain fixed number of times in a book kept specially for this purpose.

 WHY DO WE CHANT AUM THREE TIMES?
 We chant Aum three times to recall the three components of the self which are Tamasic, Rajasic and Sattvic.(inertia, dynamic and goodness or truth)

Also by chanting Aum three times we are recognizing the three qualities of the Self.

The Self is Omniscient, Omnipotent and Omnipresent. All three words start with Aum and the qualities are confirmed by chanting it.

http://www.yogaandyou.com/meaning_of_aum.htm

Meaning of Aum or Om

Meaning of Aum or Om

In Sanskrit, the meaning of Om is avati, or rakùati. Rakùati means
`One who protects, sustains'. So that which sustains everything is
Om. And that which sustains everything is what we have to see as the
order. That order, which is the reality of everything. The
order itself is a reality. And so, that which is the essence of the
order itself, is Om. That means Om is the name of the Lord, who
pervades your being, who pervades everything in the world in the form
of niyati, the form of the order that sustains.

The Mandukya Upanishad is one of the prime Upanishads.
It is a short Upanishad dedicated to Aum. It begins with the words -
"Aum is this imperishable word. Aum is the universe and this is the
exposition of Aum. The past, present and the future; all that was, is
and will be is Aum. Likewise all else that may exist beyond the
bounds of time, that too is Aum. That which is beyond all these is
also Aum. ( verse 1)

The Taittiriya Upanishad says: 'Thou art the sheath of Brahma." That
is Aum is the container for the Supreme and therefore invoking Aum is
invoking the Supreme.

The Taittiriya Upanishad also says "With Aum, Brahma begins
creation'' which means that the whole universe was projected out of
the sound of Aum.

The Dhyanabindu Upanishad states -
Those who want enlightenment should reflect on the sound and meaning
of Aum. Aum is the bow, the individual being is the arrow and Brahman
is the target. When the arrow is released from the bow it goes
straight towards and into the target.

The Sweteswatara Upanishad states-
Fire though potentially present in firewood is not seen until one
stick is rubbed against another. The Self is like that fire; it is
realized by constant awareness of the sacred syllable Aum. Let your
body be the stick that is rubbed and Aum be the stick that is rubbed
against. Thus you will realize your real nature which is hidden
within, just as fire,in a sense, is hidden in wood.

In the Maitrayana Upanishad after it has been said that there is one
Brahma or Supreme without words and a second, a Word- Brahma, we are
told that the word is the syllable 'Aum'.

In the Bhagvad Gita Sri Krishna states that amongst the mantras he is
Aum and that whoever chants Aum at the time of death gets liberated.

There is a verse in the ancient Rig Vedas -
"Prajapati vai idam agra asit" meaning - 'In the beginning was
Prajapati,( the Supreme) Tasya vak dvitiya asit meaning With whom was
the Word
Vag vai Paramam Brahma meaning And the Word was verily the Supreme
Brahma. This Sphota has its symbol in the word Aum

Puja for Shiva Lingam

Puja for Shiva Lingam

While chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” or singing the “Maha Mrityunjaya mantra”, wash first the lingam in the bowl containing the clean water. After a through bath, wipe dry with a soft tissue. Follow this with milk and then with rose water. After the final bath, install it in a place of worship with full love and devotion. Apply “Vibuthi”, sandal paste and then “saffron”. After that offer the incense/Dhoop of Googal. Bilva leaf will compliment the lingam along with flowers. 

Rudram chanting pleases Lord Shiva which is either recited or played during the Abhisheka (Divine Bathing). Sanskrit mantras are coined in such a way that they are shelled with divine vibrations and it certainly heals the environment & atmosphere. The above process is the Puja and if done with a pure heart and consciousness and true aspiration, the Lord will certainly accept it.

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/parad_shivaling.html

Images are at:

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/dispProductlist.php?subcatId=228

Puja for Shiva Lingam

Puja for Shiva Lingam

While chanting “Om Namah Shivaya” or singing the “Maha Mrityunjaya mantra”, wash first the lingam in the bowl containing the clean water. After a through bath, wipe dry with a soft tissue. Follow this with milk and then with rose water. After the final bath, install it in a place of worship with full love and devotion. Apply “Vibuthi”, sandal paste and then “saffron”. After that offer the incense/Dhoop of Googal. Bilva leaf will compliment the lingam along with flowers. 

Rudram chanting pleases Lord Shiva which is either recited or played during the Abhisheka (Divine Bathing). Sanskrit mantras are coined in such a way that they are shelled with divine vibrations and it certainly heals the environment & atmosphere. The above process is the Puja and if done with a pure heart and consciousness and true aspiration, the Lord will certainly accept it.

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/parad_shivaling.html

Images are at:

http://www.rudraksha-ratna.com/dispProductlist.php?subcatId=228