Rama-Kṛṣṇa and Avatāra - 2

The traditional practice of using specific mantras that are passed down through lineages (paramparā) in a sacred manner is the foundation of the concept of Paraṁparā Mantra. These mantras frequently contain concealed layers of spiritual power and significance, which are disclosed to initiates through appropriate guidance. The mantra or śloka referenced contains this concealed knowledge, particularly through the combination of names and the inclusion of specific bīja mantras.

Mantra Upadeśa 

रामकृष्णादयो ये ह्यवतारा रमापतेः।तेऽपि जीवांशसंयुक्ताः किंवा ब्रूहि मुनिश्वर॥ १॥

The term "rāmakṛṣṇādayo" (रामकृष्णादयो) is meant to function as more than a mere a reference to Rāma and Kṛṣṇa. The bīja śrīṁ is associated with Śrī Rāma, the avatāra of Viṣṇu who represents the ideal sovereign (Maryada Purushottam), dharma, and righteousness. The divine protection and qualities of Rāma are invoked through the use of this bīja in prayers and rituals.

The bīja klīṁ (क्लीं) is linked to Kṛṣṇa, who is the embodiment of cosmic play (līlā), divine love, and attraction. Klīṁ is also associated with Kāma, the deity of love, which represents the universal force of attraction and the magnetic power that Kṛṣṇa possesses in his divine līlās.

When we interpret ādi as "beginning" or "commencement," it suggests that it is necessary to prefix these divine names with a bīja that is in harmony with the divine energy they represent. The spiritual efficacy of the mantra should be elevated by the prefix, which should invoke the avatāra's attributes and the energies they represent. The term "Ādi" (आदि) denotes that there should be a prefix added to the names "Rāma" and "Kṛṣṇa" in order to enhance the mantra's energy.

The divine relationship between Viṣṇu and Śrī (Lakṣmī) is underscored by the invocation of Ramāpati (Viṣṇu) as the consort of Lakṣmī. The specific reference to Viṣṇu as "Ramāpati" suggests that the bīja employed by Śrī (Lakṣmī) to worship Viṣṇu is of particular importance in this context.

Hrīṁ (ह्रीं) bīja is frequently associated with the deity aspect of Lakṣmī, who worships Viṣṇu, with this bija and is associated with the combined energies of creation, preservation, and dissolution. It possesses the capacity to transcend the material plane, devotion, and the essence of spiritual transformation.

Hence, Paraṁparā Bīja are hrīṁ + śrīṁ + klīṁ (विष्णुबीजमन्त्र: = ह्रीं + श्रीं + क्लीं)

and the Nāma Mantra is Hari + Rāma + Kṛṣṇa (नाममन्त्र: = हरि + राम + कृष्ण)

Hence, The mantra Hare Rāma Kṛṣṇa  हरे राम कृष्ण is a Paraṁparā Mantra, 

Maha Mantra

Reciting the names of Lord Rāma and Lord Kṛṣṇa comes together to form the Mahā Mantra, which is a sacred chant. We arrange these names in a specific way to create a potent mantra. A number of names are listed, including Hare Rāma Kṛṣṇa  हरे राम कृष्ण.The Maha Mantra arranges the three names in a straightforward pattern that alternates. The mantra organizes this pattern as follows:

(A-B, A-B) (B-B, A-A) (A-C, A-C) (C-C, A-A) This pattern, which repeats the names in a rhythmic sequence, forms the Mahā Mantra.

हरे राम हरे राम, राम राम हरे हरे, हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण, कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे

Practice Instructions are as follows:

The Vedic scripture recommends the search for a dīkṣā guru, which is a spiritual instructor who is capable of formally initiating you into the Mahā Mantra. The initiating guru ensures that the practitioner fully comprehends the mantra and can apply it effectively, thereby integrating it into their spiritual journey.

In the event that you have not yet discovered your dīkṣā teacher, it is recommended that you recite the हरे राम कृष्ण (Paraṁparā Ṣaḍākṣarī Mantra) throughout the duration of your search. This particular mantra is a traditional mantra that is utilised inside the lineage (paramparā) for the purpose of inviting divine favour and blessings until the practitioner is prepared to undergo the Mahā Mantra initiation.

There is a systematic approach to the practice of Bīja Mantra or Paraṁparā Mantra that is in alignment with cosmic cycles, specifically the solar motion. This process guarantees that the seed (bīja) that is sown through the mantra chanting, grows and is completely assimilated into the practitioner's spiritual tradition.

The practitioner establishes the mantra's foundation by reciting it with concentrated intention for the initial 40 days (40° celestial motion). This period represents the introductory phase in which the bīja is ingrained in the practitioner's consciousness. The practitioner continues to "water" the seed by consistent and dedicated mantra practice for the next 320 days (320° solar motion). This phase signifies the bīja's development and maturation, which facilitates its integration into the practitioner's spiritual existence.

The mantra practice concludes after traversing through all nine points (Graha) after a full cycle of 360 days (360° solar motion), with each point representing 40 days. This signifies the complete assimilation of the bīja into the practitioner's tradition, thereby establishing the mantra as a potent spiritual instrument within the lineage.

Om Tat Sat