I embarked on my travels across the world to SE Asia almost exactly one month ago. While on the long plane ride from Oregon, I made this post where I wrote about my thoughts and feelings at the time.
In that post, I briefly mentioned the Gayatri Yantra, and included an image of it which I drew & colored. This symbol has been a frequent reminder for me of creating consciousness and mindfulness within myself as I travel. Today I want to revisit this sacred symbol and describe more of its importance and meaning for me at this time.
Finding Gayatri
I don’t actually remember exactly why I was googling Vedic symbols... I think I was thinking about it because my friend has a tattoo I really like and maybe I was looking at pictures of that and looking for similar ones to meditate on...
Anyway, when I came across an image of the Gayatri Yantra my eyes and heart and soul just felt drawn into it. You know that feeling of yes when you see something you love for the first time, and you just know that it’s meant for you right now? Yeah, it was like that!
What I found online was basically images of these gold-plated wall decorations / shrine ornaments, but since I was flying across the world I knew I wouldn’t be purchasing one of these placards anytime soon... so I decided I would just make my own! :)
This is what I used as a reference for my drawing because it was simple and easy to see the outline and main features.
Gayatri Mantra
As I resonated with and researched this emblem, I learned that there is also a mantra that is sung with it. This made me realllly happy because I love to sing and believe in using the power of my voice to manifest.
I actually ended up learning this mantra... it’s really fun & meditative :) I learned from listening to this video many times.
”The most powerful of all Vedic mantras”
Here’s a bit about the Gayatri Yantra and it’s corresponding mantra...
The Yantra enhances the ability to sharpen one's intellect and spiritual awareness without using any of the words; but aligning with the essence of their deepest meanings.
Listen to the mantra, with words & one English translation
Gayatri Goddess
*Gayatri is the mother of the Vedas (Gayatri Chandhasam matha) Gayatri, however, has three names: Gayatri, Savitri, and Saraswathi. These three are present in everyone. Gayatri represents the senses; it is the master of the senses. Savitri is the master of Prana (Life Force). Many Indians are familiar with the story of Savitri, who brought back to life her dead husband, Sathyavan. Savitri signifies truth. Saraswathi is the presiding deity of speech (vaak). The three represent purity in thought, word, and deed (thrikarana shuddhi). Although Gayatri has three names, all three are in each of us as the senses (Gayatri), the power of speech (Saraswathi), and the life force (Savitri).*[‘Sathya Sai Speaks’, vol 28.22: August, 23, 1995]
The words (in Sanskrit)
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo Yonah prachodayat
According to some of my research, this is a very good affirmation for invoking prosperity and balance, and is absorbed well by water. So I’ll be singing to my water more :) I also like to hum this into my food as a nice blessing.
Basically it’s a prayer/mantra for bringing energy and health into one’s being.
If you like, you can read a few English translations here.
The Wikipedia page is a good resource too.
My Gayatri Yantra
This is my drawing, which I did in my stetchbook while on the airplane from the U.S. to SE Asia (my first time flying that far!)
It’s been nice to learn more and refresh my memory on the Gayatri Yantra.
It feels really resonant as I sit here in Indonesia, uncertain of what the future will bring, but trusting that I am always on the path to a most magnificent future.
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit about this as well. May your intellect feel blessed!
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