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Sadhus: The Great Renouncers

10. FIRESIDE MANTRAS
Pashupatinath, Kathmandu, Nepal
FIRESIDE MANTRAS

A young sadhu reads holy scripture near the fire. Worship is part of daily life. Some sadhus chant powerful mantras. The Gayatri Mantra is one of several mantras which are sacred incantations or mystical forumlas of ancient literature. The Gayatri Mantra was given by Brahma and mentioned in the Rigveda and is named after the consort of Brahma:

"O that glory- of Savitri most high.
Oh Divine let us mediate upon you.
May it inspire understanding."

The goal of the recitation is to attain God realization. Practice can lead the mind into a transcedental union with the deity.



all text & images © Thomas L. Kelly
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