The Meaning of Brahmananda Swarupa - How it is a Consecrated Chant? | Sadhguru

Summary

In this insightful discourse, Sadhguru explains the significance of chants in spiritual practice. He emphasizes that while the arrangement of sounds in a chant is crucial for its energy impact, the meaning also matters to engage the mind and emotions. Sadhguru delves into the meaning of 'Brahmananda Swaroopa' and 'Akhilananda Swaroopa,' highlighting the concept of ultimate bliss and the auspicious ruler of existence. He encourages the practice of chanting as a Sadhana, asserting its potential to lead towards ultimate blissfulness due to the energized and consecrated nature of the sounds.

Takeaways

• 🌟 A chant is a clever arrangement of sounds intended to affect the energy level, with meaning enhancing the experience for those who understand the language.
• 💭 The mind and emotions are integral to the chanting experience, and a pleasant or meaningful chant can help avoid mental or emotional resistance.
• 🔊 The meaning of a chant can be significant, as it can influence the participant's mental and emotional state, even if they do not understand the language.
• 🌐 'Brahmananda Swaroopa' refers to the image or reflection of ultimate joy or bliss, indicating the chant's intention to invoke a state of ultimate blissfulness.
• 🌍 'Isha' and 'Jagadisha' imply rulership over existence, suggesting that the chant aims to connect with the ultimate bliss that governs all existence.
• 🌿 'Akhilananda Swaroopa' and 'Mahesha' represent the all-inclusiveness and auspicious rulership, respectively, further emphasizing the chant's comprehensive and positive nature.
• 👑 Shiva, referred to as 'Mahesha', is associated with a myriad of names and qualities, reflecting the idea that the ultimate can be called by any name due to its formlessness.
• 🎭 The tradition of chanting is not about historical accuracy but about the spiritual and energetic significance of the sounds and words used.
• 🔮 Chanting a consecrated mantra can create a new reverberation and has the potential to lead one towards ultimate blissfulness when practiced consistently.
• 🎵 The sound of a chant is not just auditory but is energized and alive, capable of creating profound effects on those who engage with it.
• ⏳ Consistent practice of chanting, as a form of Sadhana, can lead to profound spiritual experiences and a deeper connection with ultimate bliss.

Q & A

What is the definition of a chant according to Sadhguru?

A chant is a certain clever arrangement of sounds that works on the energy level, regardless of its meaning.

Why is the meaning of a chant important to some people?

The meaning of a chant is important because it enhances the mind and emotion of the person chanting, preventing mental and emotional resistance.

What is the advantage of not understanding the language of the chant?

The advantage is that one can focus solely on the sound and its energy without being distracted by the meaning, which might otherwise cause resistance.

What does 'Brahmananda Swaroopa' mean in the context of the script?

'Brahmananda Swaroopa' means the image or reflection of ultimate joy or blissfulness.

What is the significance of the term 'Isha' in the chant?

'Isha' signifies that which rules or is boundless, and in the chant, it refers to the one who rules existence.

What does 'Jagadisha' imply in the chant?

'Jagadisha' means the one who rules existence, reinforcing the idea that ultimate blissfulness governs all.

What is the meaning of 'Akhilananda Swaroopa'?

'Akhilananda Swaroopa' refers to the all-inclusive image of ultimate bliss, where 'Akhila' means everything and 'Mahesha' signifies an auspicious ruler.

How does Sadhguru describe the tradition of using names for Shiva?

Sadhguru describes it as a tradition not of history but of giving any and all auspicious names to Shiva, as he is considered to be nothing and thus can be called anything.

What is the purpose of consecrating a chant?

Consecrating a chant energizes it, making it alive and capable of creating a new reverberation that can lead to ultimate blissfulness.

How can one use the chant as a form of Sadhana?

One can use the chant as Sadhana by chanting it for 24 hours, which is believed to take the practitioner towards ultimate blissfulness due to the energized and consecrated nature of the sound.

What does Sadhguru suggest about the effect of the chant on a person who has practiced it for a certain period?

Sadhguru suggests that the chant, when practiced consistently, can make a person feel joyous and lead them towards ultimate blissfulness.

Outlines

00:00

🌀 The Essence of Chanting and its Significance

Sadhguru explains the concept of chanting, emphasizing that it is a 'clever arrangement of sounds' whose meaning can enhance the experience, especially given the human mind and emotions. He discusses the importance of a pleasant and meaningful chant to avoid mental or emotional resistance. The chant 'Brahmananda Swaroopa Isha Jagadisha' is introduced, with its meaning dissected to reveal the ultimate blissfulness and boundless nature of existence. The discussion also touches on the multifaceted nature of Shiva, who is seen as the embodiment of all auspicious qualities and thus can be called by many names, reflecting the idea that the divine is beyond definition.

05:03

🎶 The Transformative Power of Consecrated Chanting

In this paragraph, Sadhguru delves into the transformative effects of chanting a consecrated mantra, which is described as energized and alive. He invites practitioners to share their experiences, highlighting the joy and bliss that can be derived from consistent practice. Sadhguru suggests that chanting can be a form of Sadhana, a spiritual practice, and can lead one towards ultimate blissfulness. He underscores the difference between ordinary sound and consecrated sound, indicating that the latter creates a unique reverberation that can elevate the practitioner's experience.

Keywords

💡Chanting

Chanting refers to the repetitive utterance of a sound, word, or phrase, often used in meditation and spiritual practices. In the script, chanting is described as a 'clever arrangement of sounds' that can work on the energy level, regardless of the meaning. It is also noted that a pleasant and meaningful chant can enhance the mind and emotion of the practitioner, which is integral to the overall experience.

💡Meaning

Meaning, in the context of the video, is the semantic content or significance of the words used in a chant. Sadhguru explains that while the sound of a chant is powerful, the meaning can also be important to the practitioner. He humorously illustrates this by suggesting that a chant with an offensive meaning might create mental and emotional resistance, even if it works on an energetic level.

💡Mind and Emotion

Mind and emotion are highlighted as significant components of human experience that interact with the energy during chanting. Sadhguru points out that these elements are as dominant, if not more so, than the energy itself. Therefore, the meaning of the chant is also tailored to positively influence the practitioner's mental and emotional state.

💡Energy

Energy, in this context, refers to the life force or spiritual power that is believed to be affected by chanting. Sadhguru suggests that even without understanding the language of the chant, the energy can still be influenced, indicating that the sound itself carries a certain potency.

💡Brahmananda Swaroopa

Brahmananda Swaroopa is a term used in the script to describe 'the image of ultimate blissfulness.' It is a key concept that represents the ultimate goal of the chanting practice, which is to connect with and experience a state of ultimate joy or bliss.

💡Isha

Isha, as mentioned in the script, means 'boundless' or 'that which rules.' It is used to denote a powerful, governing force or entity. In the context of the chant, it signifies the ruler of existence, which is associated with ultimate blissfulness.

💡Jagadisha

Jagadisha is a term that combines 'Jaga' meaning 'existence' and 'Isha' meaning 'the one who rules.' It is used in the script to emphasize that the ruler of existence is the embodiment of ultimate bliss, reinforcing the theme of the chant.

💡Akhilananda Swaroopa

Akhilananda Swaroopa is a term that means 'the image of everything' or 'all-inclusiveness.' It is used to describe the divine as the all-encompassing reality, which is the ultimate source of bliss and joy, as indicated in the script.

💡Mahesha

Mahesha is a term used to denote 'an auspicious ruler' and is associated with Shiva, a deity in Hinduism known for his many names and forms. In the script, Mahesha represents the ultimate reality that is beyond form and can be called by any auspicious name.

💡Consecration

Consecration, in the context of the video, refers to the process of imbuing a chant with sacred or spiritual energy. Sadhguru explains that once a chant is consecrated, it becomes 'alive' and 'energized,' creating a unique reverberation when uttered, which can lead to profound spiritual experiences.

💡Sadhana

Sadhana is a term used in spiritual practices to denote a personal discipline or spiritual practice. In the script, Sadhguru suggests that chanting can be used as one's Sadhana, implying that it can be a means to achieve spiritual growth and ultimate blissfulness.

Highlights

A chant is a clever arrangement of sounds, where the meaning can enhance the experience.

The mind and emotion play a significant role in the effectiveness of a chant.

A chant with an unpleasant meaning can create mental and emotional resistance.

The advantage of not knowing the language of a chant is the avoidance of meaning-related resistance.

Brahmananda Swaroopa refers to the image of ultimate blissfulness.

Isha and Jagadisha imply the ruler of existence and ultimate blissfulness.

Akhilananda Swaroopa signifies the all-inclusive image of ultimate bliss.

Mahesha, another name for Shiva, represents an auspicious ruler.

The tradition discussed is not historical but spiritual and experiential.

Shiva is known by a million names, reflecting various auspicious qualities.

The chant is a tool for reaching ultimate ecstasy or blissfulness.

Consecrated chants are energized and create a unique reverberation.

Chanting can be a form of Sadhana, leading to ultimate blissfulness.

The sound of a chant is not just auditory but has a deeper energetic impact.

The practice of chanting can lead to joy and happiness.

Consistent chanting over time can have profound effects on one's well-being.

Transcripts

Sadhguru: what is a chant?

Why a chant?

A chant means it's a certain clever arrangement of sounds.

The meaning itself doesn’t matter.

We give it in such a way that the meaning also enhances

because after all you have a mind and emotion,

which is also a major part of you.

If you were all energy, if you were just energy,

your mind and emotion was completely kept aside,

there would be no issue at all,

I would just take you on an express highway.

But you have a mind and emotion which is as dominant

or more dominant than the energy actually,

so meaning also matters to you.

If I just make a clever arrangement of sounds

which is actually a beautiful chant but in meaning it means

that you are fool and God is a fool and everybody is a fool. (Meditators Laugh)

Suppose it means like this,

even though the chant works on the energy level,

mentally, emotionally you will develop resistance towards this.

‘What am I saying?’ Isn't it?

So you also want a pleasant meaning attached,

a meaningful meaning attached.

It is needed.

For you no, because you anyway don't understand the chant. (Meditators Laugh)

That’s the advantage of not knowing the language, (Laughs)

otherwise people would also like the meaning also

to enhance their mind and emotion.

If they are willing to keep the meaning aside

we could arrange various sounds like this.

Let's first explore the meaning,

because exploring the sound would take a practical session,

not talking.

Brahmananda Swaroopa means,

Swaroopa means the image or a reflection of that

image of that rather.

Brahmananda means ultimate joy or ultimate bliss.

So this is the image of ultimate blissfulness.

Isha means boundless,

I mean, Isha means that which rules.

Jagadisha means, it’s like enforcing that, saying that.

Jaga means existence,

again Isha means, Jaga-disha means, the one who rules the existence is ultimate blissfulness,

that’s what it is saying.

The same thing is said in a different way.

Akhilananda Swaroopa means,

Akhila means everything,

all inclusiveness is Akhila.

That which is everything, he is the image of that, is Mahesha.

Mahesha again means an auspicious ruler

which is the same thing or it is also,

Shiva is also referred to as Mahesha.

So you must understand this,

this is a tradition which is not,

which is not a his-story,

which is a her-story, (Meditators Laugh) ok?

This is not a tradition of history.

We are not looking at these things,

‘Oh you called… oh you said Mahesha, are you talking about Shiva?’

That’s not how it is.

Anything auspicious in the world,

all those names we will give to Shiva.

Shiva has a million names

and we say ultimately he is nothing.

Because he is nothing we can call him anything we please.

If he was something we could have only called him one thing.

Because he’s nothing we can call him whatever we want.

Everything that we like we call as Shiva.

Shiva is called as what, Bhairava, means he’s very fierce one.

Shiva is called as Sundaramurthy,

that means he is the most beautiful one.

Shiva is called as Bhuteshwara which means he is the master of the five elements

or another meaning is he is the hideous one.

So like this it goes on.

Shiva is called the most intelligent;

Shiva is called the most simple and innocent.

He is called Bholenath.

So whatever we like,

every name you can attach to him because he’s a nobody,

he’s nothing.

Because he is nothing we can call him whatever we want.

So in this context the mantra is just that.

The meaning-wise it is just saying

it is ultimate ecstasy or ultimate blissfulness

which is the Lord of the existence.

That which rules the existence is ultimate ecstasy.

So this particular thing,

this particular chant that we did,

we have consecrated it.

You utter this and see what it does.

Has anybody done it for a certain period of time by yourself?

Anyone?

What does it do?

Meditator: It makes me happy.

Sadhguru: Hum?

Meditator: It makes me joyous.

Sadhguru: It is supposed to take you towards ultimate blissfulness.

You can just use this as your Sadhana.

24 hours if you can chant that’s your Sadhana.

It’ll take you there.

Nothing else, simply chant.

It will just take you there

because the sound is consecrated,

it is energized, it’s alive,

it’s not just sound.

If from nadha to nadha yoga that’s the difference,

you can consecrate the sounds.

As you consecrate objects, you consecrate spaces,

you consecrate certain sounds.

The moment you utter the sound it creates

a completely new reverberation altogether.