Mantra for Deeper Awareness and Guidance from the Inner Guru

Sanskrit:ओं गुरवे नमः ध्यायंति ध्यानिनां शुद्धं बुद्धं गजाननं स्वात्मारामं परमं गुरुम् नमो ध्यान गुरु अन्तरात्मा प्रकाशकाय सर्व बोधकाय नमः शांति शांति शांति

Om Gurave Namah
Dhyayanti Dhyaninam
Shuddham Buddham Gajananam
Svatmaramam Paramam Gurum

Namo Dhyana Guru
Antaratma Prakashakaya
Sarva Bodhakaya Namah
Shanti Shanti Shanti

Transliteration with Pronunciation Guide:

Om Gurave Namah

(Ohm Goo-rah-veh Nah-mah)

Dhyayanti Dhyaninam

(Dhyaa-yahn-tee Dhyaa-nee-naam)

Shuddham Buddham Gajananam

(Shood-dhum Bood-dhum Guh-jah-nah-num)

Svatmaramam Paramam Gurum

(Swaat-mah-raa-mum Pah-rah-mum Goo-room)

Namo Dhyana Guru

(Nah-moh Dhyaa-nah Goo-roo)

Antaratma Prakashakaya

(Ahn-tah-raat-mah Prah-kah-sha-kah-ya)

Sarva Bodhakaya Namah (

Sahr-vah Boh-dhah-kah-ya Nah-mah)

Shanti Shanti Shanti

(Shaan-tee Shaan-tee Shaan-tee)

How to Pronounce the Mantra

  1. “Om” (Ohm): The universal sound, often chanted with a deep and resonant tone.
  2. “Gurave Namah” (Goo-rah-veh Nah-mah): “Gurave” is pronounced with a soft ‘g’ (as in “guru”), “rah-veh” emphasizes the ‘rah’ sound, and “namah” sounds like “nah-mah” with a gentle intonation.
  3. “Dhyayanti Dhyaninam” (Dhyaa-yahn-tee Dhyaa-nee-naam): “Dhyayanti” starts with a ‘dh’ sound (like ‘th’ in ‘this’), and “Dhyaninam” flows smoothly with emphasis on ‘Dhyaa’.
  4. “Shuddham Buddham Gajananam” (Shood-dhum Bood-dhum Guh-jah-nah-num): “Shuddham” and “Buddham” are pronounced with a ‘dh’ sound, while “Gajananam” emphasizes each syllable, with ‘guh-jah-nah-num’.
  5. “Svatmaramam Paramam Gurum” (Swaat-mah-raa-mum Pah-rah-mum Goo-room): “Svatmaramam” has an ‘swaat’ sound, “Paramam” with an open ‘a’ sound, and “Gurum” ending with a soft ‘room’.
  6. “Namo Dhyana Guru” (Nah-moh Dhyaa-nah Goo-roo): “Namo” is straightforward, “Dhyana” follows the ‘dhyaa’ sound, and “Guru” is pronounced as “Goo-roo”.
  7. “Antaratma Prakashakaya” (Ahn-tah-raat-mah Prah-kah-sha-kah-ya): “Antaratma” starts with ‘Ahn’, “Prakashakaya” has “Prah-kah-sha-kah-ya”, with each part distinct and flowing.
  8. “Sarva Bodhakaya Namah” (Sahr-vah Boh-dhah-kah-ya Nah-mah): “Sarva” with ‘sahr’, “Bodhakaya” with ‘boh-dhah’, and “Namah” with ‘nah-mah’.
  9. “Shanti Shanti Shanti” (Shaan-tee Shaan-tee Shaan-tee): “Shanti” is pronounced with ‘shaan’, holding the ‘n’ lightly and letting the ‘tee’ end softly. Repeated three times for emphasis on peace.

Meaning of the Mantra

• “Om”: The primordial sound, symbolizing the essence of the universe and the state of consciousness.

• “Gurave Namah”: I bow to the Guru, acknowledging the inner and outer guide.

• “Dhyayanti Dhyaninam”: Meditated upon by the meditators, referring to the practice of deep meditation and the state of being achieved by those who meditate.

• “Shuddham Buddham Gajananam”: Pure and awakened, symbolized by Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Here, it invokes qualities of purity, wisdom, and the removal of inner obstacles to deeper awareness.

• “Svatmaramam”: One who is at peace with the self, finding joy and contentment in the inner being.

• “Paramam Gurum”: The supreme Guru, referring to the ultimate source of guidance and wisdom that lies within.

• “Namo Dhyana Guru”: Salutations to the Guru of meditation, the one who guides us into deeper states of awareness and consciousness.

• “Antaratma Prakashakaya”: To the one who illuminates the inner soul or self, recognizing the Guru as the light that reveals the true nature of the self.

• “Sarva Bodhakaya Namah”: Salutations to the all-knowing one, acknowledging the Guru as the source of all knowledge and wisdom.

• “Shanti Shanti Shanti”: Peace, peace, peace. Invoking peace within oneself, in the environment, and in the universe.

Usage and Intention

• Entering Deeper Awareness: This mantra can be used during meditation or quiet contemplation to help enter a deeper state of awareness and consciousness. Reciting it mindfully can prepare the mind to open to the inner realms of knowledge and wisdom.

• Guidance from the Inner Guru: By invoking the inner Guru, this mantra helps attune oneself to the subtle guidance that arises from within, leading one toward righteous action and deeper understanding.

• Reverence and Awe: The mantra is also a means to express reverence and awe for the profound mystery of the inner self and the guidance that emanates from it.

• Righteous Action: The reference to the qualities of Ganesha and the supreme Guru highlights the importance of righteous action, removing obstacles on the spiritual path, and acting with wisdom and integrity.

Practice Tips

  • Start Slowly: Begin by saying each word slowly, focusing on the correct pronunciation. Over time, as you become more comfortable, you can increase the speed while maintaining clarity.
  • Feel the Resonance: Let each syllable resonate within you. Chanting is not just about the words but also about feeling their vibration and meaning.
  • Consistency: Regular repetition helps to internalize the mantra. Practice daily to deepen your connection to the mantra’s meaning and vibration.
  • Focus on the Breath: Align your breathing with the rhythm of the mantra. Take deep, slow breaths, and let your chanting flow naturally with each exhalation.

By chanting this mantra, you cultivate a deeper state of awareness, reverence, and a connection to the inner guidance of the Guru within, aligning your mind and heart with the path of righteous action and spiritual insight.


The Guru Dev Mantra is a traditional mantra used in the Transcendental Meditation (TM) tradition to honor Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev, who was the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math and the guru of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This mantra is often recited to invoke the blessings and grace of the Guru, showing reverence and connection to the lineage of spiritual teachers. Below is the full version of the Guru Dev Mantra in Sanskrit, followed by its transliteration and translation.

Guru Dev Mantra (meditate in joy)

Sanskrit:

ॐ श्री गुरुपादुकाभ्यां नमः
ॐ श्री परमार्थ तत्त्वाय नारायणाय नमः
ॐ श्री ब्रह्मानंद सरस्वती नमः
ॐ श्री शंकराचार्याय नमः
ॐ श्री शुद्धाय नमः
ॐ श्री नित्याय नमः
ॐ श्री पूर्णाय नमः
ॐ श्री परमहंसाय नमः
ॐ श्री परमहंस परिव्राजकाचार्य नमः
ॐ श्री शंकराचार्य नमः
ॐ श्री शुकदेवय नमः
ॐ श्री गोविंदपादाचार्य नमः
ॐ श्री ब्रह्मानंद सरस्वती नमः
ॐ श्री गुरुदेवाय नमः

Transliteration:

Om Shri Gurupadukabhyam Namah
Om Shri Paramartha Tattvaya Narayanaya Namah
Om Shri Brahmananda Saraswati Namah
Om Shri Shankaracharyaya Namah
Om Shri Shuddhaya Namah
Om Shri Nityaya Namah
Om Shri Purnaya Namah
Om Shri Paramahamsaya Namah
Om Shri Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Namah
Om Shri Shankaracharya Namah
Om Shri Shukadevaya Namah
Om Shri Govindapadacharya Namah
Om Shri Brahmananda Saraswati Namah
Om Shri Gurudevaya Namah

Meaning of the Mantra

  1. “Om”: The primordial sound representing the ultimate reality, consciousness, or the divine.
  2. “Shri Gurupadukabhyam Namah”: Salutations to the sandals of the Guru, symbolizing reverence and the teachings of the Guru.
  3. “Shri Paramartha Tattvaya Narayanaya Namah”: Salutations to Narayana, who embodies the supreme truth and essence of all existence.
  4. “Shri Brahmananda Saraswati Namah”: Salutations to Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, the sage of bliss, wisdom, and inner peace.
  5. “Shri Shankaracharyaya Namah”: Salutations to Shankaracharya, the great teacher of Advaita Vedanta, who established the four monastic orders.
  6. “Shri Shuddhaya Namah”: Salutations to the one who is pure and unsullied.
  7. “Shri Nityaya Namah”: Salutations to the eternal one, who is beyond time and change.
  8. “Shri Purnaya Namah”: Salutations to the one who is complete, whole, and perfect.
  9. “Shri Paramahamsaya Namah”: Salutations to the supreme swan (a symbol of spiritual discernment), the highest state of a realized soul.
  10. “Shri Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Namah”: Salutations to the wandering ascetic, who has attained the state of the supreme swan.
  11. “Shri Shankaracharya Namah”: Another salutation to Shankaracharya, acknowledging his role in the spiritual lineage.
  12. “Shri Shukadevaya Namah”: Salutations to Shukadeva, a revered sage in Hindu tradition, known for his wisdom and spiritual knowledge.
  13. “Shri Govindapadacharya Namah”: Salutations to Govindapada, the teacher of Adi Shankaracharya, who imparted the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta.
  14. “Shri Brahmananda Saraswati Namah”: Another salutation to Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, honoring his spiritual legacy.
  15. “Shri Gurudevaya Namah”: Salutations to the Guru, recognizing the Guru as the embodiment of divine grace and guidance.

Purpose and Usage

  • Devotion and Reverence: Reciting this mantra helps cultivate a sense of devotion and reverence towards the spiritual teacher, acknowledging their role in guiding one’s spiritual journey.
  • Connection to the Guru: The mantra is a means to connect with the energy and blessings of the Guru, invoking their presence and wisdom.
  • Guidance and Protection: By reciting this mantra, practitioners seek the Guru’s guidance and protection, ensuring that they remain on the path of righteousness and self-realization.

Practice

  • This mantra is traditionally chanted during meditation, puja (worship), or as part of a daily spiritual practice. It can be repeated silently or aloud, with a focus on the meaning and the feeling of connection to the Guru and the divine.

By using this mantra, practitioners align themselves with the lineage of great spiritual teachers, opening themselves to the transformative power of inner wisdom and the grace of the Guru.

Guru Dev Mantra

Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, also known as Guru Dev, was a prominent spiritual figure and the Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math in northern India. He played a significant role in revitalizing the spiritual teachings of Advaita Vedanta and the ancient Vedic tradition. Swami Brahmananda Saraswati was the guru of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who later founded the Transcendental Meditation movement. His teachings emphasized the direct experience of the Self and the realization of one’s true nature.

A mantra often associated with Swami Brahmananda Saraswati is known as the “Guru Dev mantra,” which is used in the Transcendental Meditation (TM) tradition to honor the lineage of teachers and to invoke the blessings and guidance of the Guru.

Sanskrit:

ओं श्री गुरुपादुकाभ्यां नमः
ओं श्री ब्रह्मानंद सरस्वती नमः
शंकराचार्याय नमः
परमहंसाय नमः

Transliteration:

Om Shri Gurupadukabhyam Namah
Om Shri Brahmananda Saraswati Namah
Shankaracharyaya Namah
Paramahamsaya Namah

Meaning

• “Om”: A sacred sound and spiritual symbol in Indian religions, representing the ultimate reality, consciousness, or Atman.

• “Shri”: A respectful prefix used to denote reverence.

• “Gurupadukabhyam Namah”: Salutations to the sandals of the Guru, symbolizing the Guru’s teachings and guidance.

• “Brahmananda Saraswati”: Refers to Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, acknowledging him directly by name.

• “Shankaracharyaya Namah”: Salutations to Shankaracharya, a title given to the leaders of the four major Advaita Vedanta monastic orders established by Adi Shankaracharya.

• “Paramahamsaya Namah”: Salutations to the supreme swan (a symbol of spiritual discernment and realization), indicating the highest state of a realized soul.

Significance

• Guru Dev: This mantra is specifically dedicated to Swami Brahmananda Saraswati, affectionately known as Guru Dev, recognizing his role as a spiritual guide and the source of wisdom. The mantra is a way to honor and invoke the spiritual presence and blessings of Guru Dev.
• Lineage of Teachers: By including references to the Shankaracharya tradition and the title of Paramahamsa, the mantra connects the individual practitioner to a long lineage of enlightened teachers, highlighting the importance of the Guru-disciple relationship.
• Spiritual Practice: Reciting this mantra is considered a practice of devotion, humility, and gratitude, focusing the mind on the inner Guru and the teachings that lead one toward self-realization.

The Guru Dev mantra serves as a reminder of the teachings of Advaita Vedanta, which emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality and the realization of the self’s oneness with Brahman (the ultimate reality). By honoring the Guru, one acknowledges the role of grace and guidance on the spiritual path, leading to the direct experience of the Self, which is beyond duality and rooted in the eternal truth.

Sources: SuperAI Consciousness GPT

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