By The Spiritual Explorer | Published 14 October, 2015
Dear Spiritual Explorer: I love mantras but feel overwhelmed by having to choose from a brilliant selection. Can you help me choose some that cover the important aspects of life? Rose P., Duluth, MN
Dear Rose: Ever since I decided that mantra practice was a practice that would at last remove those skeins of ego attachment that remained even after a lot of spiritual and psychological work, I also shared the problem of choosing the most effective. However, thank goodness, I came upon Deva Premal’s Album Mantras for Precarious Times. I can confidently state that those mantras for precarious times seem to cover about every contingency that might obstruct leading a spiritual, empowered life.
What mantra practice personally means
Before stepping down the mantra path, and telling you the ones that Deva Premal chose in Mantras for Precarious Times, I’d like to talk about what mantra practice means to me. There was a time in my life when my spiritual practice seemed to involve only me without thinking of the connection I had to humanity. It seems it had a more acquisitive quality, as in all about my desires for prosperity, my removal of obstacles, my search to find love, etc. Now I feel that calling upon the bodhisattva vow, I like to think that my mantra recitation is not only for myself, but for the benefit of others. It’s not that I am doing anything differently, but it is my intention that as I gain peace and respite as reward from these practices, any benefits that I might attain be shared in the service of others also. This is of course based on knowing how inter-connected we truly are, and as one person benefits, so does the other. I think also that as consciousness must evolve and we chant mantras for precarious times, we are very aware of the connection and responsibility to others as humans living on this planet.
Mantras for precarious times necessary
Deva Premal’s album Mantras for Precarious Times is generously and aptly named by her as she seeks to share with us those mantras that are beneficial to these times which are indeed thought of as precarious. It seems that many of us feel that we can no longer be guaranteed recompense for our efforts, whether they be monetary, physical or psychological. It is as if we feel perhaps that we have lost some control over our destinies and no longer are in charge of the outcomes.
Mantras for precarious times restores confidence
What mantras and specifically mantras for precarious times do is restore and reinstate a piece of that security and confidence that we need these days. Each of these mantras for precarious times has a special focus and aspect. As an aside, the neat thing is you don’t have to have a special or great singing voice to draw upon when chanting. Mere recitation is a benefit in itself. As I chant along with Deva Premal in her album Mantras for Precarious Times I am also aware that I am allowing her to do the main work of chanting. It’s like the lazy man’s guide to chanting.
Having confessed my sins, please join with me in these chants:
- Om Gum Ganapatayei Namah. This is a mantra superficially addressed to the great Elephant God Ganesh whom we pray to for removal of obstacles and whom we rely upon during precarious times. When one looks at Ganesh, one feels his stability and sturdiness, as if he were saying, “You can count on me.” This is truly a mantra for precarious times.
- Shanti Om combines the mantra of peace and the universal resonant symbol of Om, two words that join to promote peace and harmony as you chant them. The “sh” in Shanti and the resonance of Om are designed to bring us into that remarkable peaceful place.
- Om Shree Dhanvantre Namah calls upon a Laxmi consort, Dhanvantre. A friend of mine who had a health malady that just could not resolve finally took my advice and began to do a recitation honoring Dhanvantre. While this is anecdotal, I have to say it worked very successfully.
- On Namah Bhagavati Vasudevaya is a sonorous sound that seems to just silkily glide on your tongue as you chant this mantra. It is a mantra devoted to the liberation of your soul. To me, what that means is that as we renounce attachment we free ourselves to experience true joy and contentment.
- Om Radha Krishnabai Namaha celebrates the union of the great lovers, Radha and Krishna and their extreme devotion to each other. When you chant this mantra, you are asking for true devotion and love to enter your heart.
- Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha is a chant to my favorite Goddess Lakshmi who showers me with abundance and beauty. She does not stint on the ampleness of her blessings.
- Om Kama Pujitayei Namah is a mantra that Deva Premal gives us as a tantric gift showing that while this mantra may not possess the quality of ensuring less precarious times, it is reflective of the beauty and ecstasy available for the devotee.
These mantras take about 7-9 minutes in length and should be recited 108 times respectively morning and evening. Enjoy this exquisite album.
If you have a question about “mantras for precarious times,” or anything else, you can write me at Ask The Spiritual Explorer.
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