Introduction to Mantra Science: Practice & Theory

Mantra as described in Georg Feuerstein's book, The Encyclopedia of Yoga & Tantra:

"Mantra comes from the root man, to think, and tra suggesting instrumentality, thought or intention expressed as sound. Mantra is therefore a prayer, plan, spell, and in yogic contexts numinous phonemes that may or may not have communicable meaning. It is said in the Kularnava Tantra that mantra saves one from all fear through pondering the luminous deity who is in the form of reality.”

In this course, we will explore some of the various texts and traditions focused on mantra and more importantly on their practice. Traditionally mantras are said to only have power if given by a guru through initiation. That being said, I am not a guru but we can still share in the delight of mantra together. We will also explore the 16 limbs of mantra yoga according to the Mantra Yoga Samhita.  

This is a very complex topic and tradition by which I am deeply humbled and claim no authority whatsoever. I can say that these practices have created much meaning in my life and have been one of the most mystical and intriguing areas of my own practice.  

"Mantra perhaps uniquely represents both the teaching and its practice at the same time. It holds the key to the greater Yoga tradition and its continual adaptation. It links the human mind with the cosmic mind. Yet mantra is also something very accessible that we can begin with at any stage of our inner quest.”  David Frawley 

This course is a fundamental and complete introduction to both the theory and the practice of mantra science. It will teach students a series of mantras, their meanings, and their practice together with a number of associated actions and practices that go along with sustained mantra practice.