GAYATRI MANTRA and THE UPANISADS
Chandogya Upanisad 3.12.1This entire creation is Gàyatrì. And the Gàyatrì is speech - for speech sings (gayati) and protects (trayati) this entire creation. Brahadaranyaka Upanisad 5.14.4The Gàyatrì Mantra is based on truth. For truth is based on strength. Strength is breath, and is based on breath. So, Gayatri protects (tra) the wealth (gaya) (the breath!) of those who speak it with earnestness and devotion. When one recites Gàyatrì on behalf of someone, it protects that person's breath too!Brahadaranyaka Upanisad 5.14.5This verse talks about the unbounded wealth contained within the four 'foots' of the Gàyatrì Mantra. The first foot (aum bhur bhuvah svaha) is said to be equivalent to the wealth contained in the three worlds put together. The second foot (tat savitur varenyam) is said to be equivalent to the wealth contained in the three main vedas. If one were to receive a gift extending as far as there are living beings, that would equal the third foot (bhargo devasaya dheemahi). The fourth foot (dheeyo yo nah prachodyaat) is based on the glory of the sun, whose power and wealth remains unequaled and unrivaled. Hence, there is no amount of wealth that can equal the fourth foot of the Gàyatrì! |
. The translation of The Upanishads (Amazon.com link)
by Eknath Easwaran is also eminently readable.
