Maharishi on om mantra
The following is an excerpt from a talk His Holiness Maharishi Mahesh Yogi gave in 1955, which was published in the book entitled, "Beacon Light of the
"...... Obviously enough there are two ways of life, the way of life of a Sanyasi and the way of life of a householder. One is quite opposed to the other. A Sanyasi renounces every thing of the world, whereas a householder needs and accumulates everything. Shastras declare both the ways of life to be the paths of emancipation. Both are said to be the "Moksha-Marga" Nivarthi Marga and 'Privathi Marga'. The one realizes through renunciation and detachment, while the other goes through all attachments and accumulation or all that is needed for physical life.
We have two different sets of mantras to suit the two ways of life. Mantras for the Sanyasis have the effect of increasing the sense of detachment and renunciation, and also have the power of destroying the objects of worldly affections, if there should survive any such objects for him. Quite contrary to this are the Mantras suitable for the householder, which have the efficacy of harmonizing and enriching the material aspect of life also.
The Mantras of the Sanyasi have a destructive effect in the material field of life, whereas the Mantras suited to the householder envisage constructive values also.
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If unfortunately the householder begins to repeat the pranava Mantra viz. '
The path of peacelessness and misery in the world cannot lead to Eternal happiness. If the man is proceeding towards Eternal happiness, every day he should feel the increase of peace and happiness, and this alone will assure him that he is proceeding towards abiding peace and eternal happiness. If you walk towards the light you should be able to feel the increase of light at every step....
The mantras that suit the Sanyasis can never suit the householders. Hundreds of God-loving and God-fearing families, have been ruined due to the destructive effects of Sanyasa Mantra viz, "
But when a householder repeats
Select a path, which will make you happier in your material life also. Do not live in a fool's paradise. Do not think that your sufferings end miseries of today will work as reservations in the galleries of heaven for tomorrow. Be peaceful and happy in the present and try to make this state permanent. This is the path of Deliverance in Life Jivan-Mukti, the most exalted state in human existence, the state of abiding Peace and Eternal Bliss.
And this you are entitled to have through correct and suitable Sadhana. And because the Mantras play an important role in the field of Sadhana, you must be very very careful in the selection of the Mantra. The theory of Mantras is the theory of sound. It is most scientific and natural.
Ladies should never repeat any Mantra beginning with Om. The pronunciation of
Do not cling to the unhelpful Mantras. The moment you find you have got into the wrong train, it is wise to get down from it as soon as possible. It is foolish to stick on to the wrong train and go wherever it takes you."