{"product_id":"gayatri-profound-prayer-naf788","title":"Gayatri The Profound Prayer","description":"\u003ch2 class=\"title is-size-3-desktop is-size-5-touch has-text-centered product-details-description-title\"\u003eBook Specification\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eItem Code:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eNAF788\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/sa\/book-author\/r%20k%20madhukar\" class=\"underlined\" title=\"R K Madhukar\"\u003eR K Madhukar\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/sa\/book-publisher\/new%20age%20books\" class=\"underlined\" title=\"New Age Books\"\u003eNew Age Books\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003eEnglish\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eEdition:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e2021\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eISBN:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e9789390713110\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003ePages:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e372\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eCover:\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003ePaperback\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eOther Details\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd rel=\"product-dimensions\"\u003e8.5 inch x 5.5 inch\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd class=\"product-details-specifications-label has-text-grey-dark\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd rel=\"product-weight\"\u003e400 gm\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2 class=\"title is-size-3-desktop is-size-5-touch has-text-centered product-details-description-title\"\u003eBook Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"product-details-description\" style=\"max-height: 63rem; overflow-y: auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e \u003cb\u003eBack of The Book\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is a profound prayer. It is an authentic prayer that elevates, exhilarates and enlightens. According to Hindu scriptures, a prayer in its real sense is not just chanting of a few verses. It is a comprehensive exercise that involves jnana (knowledge), dhyana (meditation) and anubhava (experience). Gayatri Mahamantara is a true prayer that not only reaches out but also reaches in.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is chanted as a Mahamantra worshipped as the Mother Goddess and expressed as a Meter. It is not a prayer for worldly and material benefits. Gayatri is a prayer for the highest enlightenment. It is a prayer that opens up our mind and vision, body and intellect to a world beyond the worldly attachments. It is a prayer that leads to the Ultimate’s Truth and Supreme Bliss that every enlightened human being seeks.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri, like the Vedas, is meant for the entire mankind, in irrespective of gender, caste, creed, religion or nationality. It is a profound prayer that can touch and transform every human being.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e This book is a good read for everyone who believes in the efficacy of prayer and meditation. It is a good read for everyone who wishes to gain an insight into the breadth and depth of ancient Indian wisdom –the Sanathana Dharma. This informative book is meant for every generation, both young and old.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e \u003cb\u003eAbout The book\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is a scared Mahamantar. It is a universal prayer. The Vedas, Upanishads, puranas and various other ancient Hindu scriptures sing in one voice the glory of Gayatri- the profound prayer. Since the Vedic times, Gayatri has been a daily prayer of the Hindus, chanted every morning and evening, addressed to Savitr, the power behind the sun. Gayatri is considered the most exalted prayer, because unlike the other mantras, it does not seek material or worldly gains. It is a prayer that seeks the highest enlightenment, the realization of the Supreme Being , which according to our Sanathana Dharma, is the highest goal of every the prayer or meditation meant for men and women everywhere, irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or nationality.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e \u003cb\u003eAuthor\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e \u003cp\u003e R.K. Madhukar is a Retired General Manager of Canara Bank, settled in Bangalore. He was associated with the world of Banking and Finance for nearly forty years. He has written books on Bank Marketing, business Communication, Customer Relations and Developing Managerial Skills. His book, ‘Business Communication,’ is a prescribed Text and Reference book for MBA, MCA and other professional and graduate courses in several institutes and universities across India.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e ‘Gayatri-The Profound Prayer’ is the author’s first spiritual book. Writing it has been a divine spiritual experience for him. It has been written at the behest of Swami Balakrishnanada Saraswathi, founder of Gayatri Tapobhoomi, Tadas, Hubli, Karnataka.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e \u003cb\u003ePreface\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e \u003cp\u003e It is with great pleasure and a sense of humility that I offer this book to our readers. Writing \"Gayatri - The Profound Prayer\" has been a unique experience, a fulfilling journey in terms of spiritual progression. This being my first book on a spiritual subject, I have written it after significant research and sourcing of material. As listed under \"References\", I have gone through a large body of available literature on the subject, widely diffused, not only in English but also in Kannada. It is from all these sources that I have gathered the required insights and conceptual clarity so essential for writing this book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e True to my name, I have been a honey bee (madhukara) and collected the nectar bit by bit from all these valuable sources. I acknowledge my sincere gratitude to all these authors and would like to particularly express my deep sense of indebtedness to Swami Chinmayananda, Sri Chandrasekh- arendra Saraswati, Raimundo Panikkar, I.K. Taimni, John Woodroffe, Krishnaswamy Iyer, Eknath Easwaran, Swami Kriyananda, Swami Harshananda, Svami Mukhyananda and other Swamijis of the Ramakrishna Math, and several others whom I have profusely quoted in this book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e First and foremost, I should express my deep sense of gratitude to Sri Balakrishnananda Saraswathi, our Swamiji, who saw the spiritual spark in me, and has impelled and emboldened me to write this book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e This book would not have been possible but for the ready and willing support I have received from several quarters.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e I must acknowledge the role played by my mother, Smt. Sitabai Kulkarni, who since my childhood has instilled a sense of spiritual orientation and encouraged me in writing this book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Chethan Sharma, a Vedic scholar-cum-Engineer, made avail- able to me his extensive collection of rare and relevant books and also supported my efforts by confirming the original scriptures from which I have quoted and translated.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Anand Kulkarni, Aparna Kulkarni and Anuj Kulkarni who have been closely involved in the activities of Sri Gayatri Tapobhoomi have, besides giving their full encouragement, arranged valuable meetings with our Swamiji to interact on the subject and complete the Question and Answer session with him.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Rohit Kulkarni, my son, has worked relentlessly in designing and typesetting, verifying sources and virtually taking care of the minutest details to make the Camera-Ready- Copy(CRC) complete and concrete.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e This book was written during my six-month stay in Dallas, USA between May and October 2013. During this stay, I received immense support from Vinay Nooji and Anjana Kulkarni, who enthusiastically provided the physical facilities, timely computer support and also useful comments on the first draft of the book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e My grandson, Ayan, who arrived 'as a new entrant into our family as the book was being written, provided the much needed relaxing moments in overcoming the fatigue of constant writing. Every newborn, it is said, is God's opinion that the world should go on. How True!\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Alaka, my wife, who has been a friend and a guide in all my creative endeavors has been, once again, a constant source of encouragement in writing this book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Sreekanth Kulkarni has prepared the artwork for the photo of Goddess Gayatri Mata and logo of Gayatri Tapobhoomi.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e My special thanks are also due to Shri Rajeev Prakash Jain and Smt. Jyotsna Khandelwal of New Age Books for readily undertaking the printing, publishing and promotion of this book.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e \u003cb\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is a subject of very deep significance for it is concerned with the relation between man and the universe and the Reality which underlines both. It is necessary therefore that in studying the subject the reader should be familiar with the basic philosophy of Hinduism which defines the relation between these three fundamental realities of the manifested universe. It is only against the backdrop of such philosophy that the subject can be properly studied and appreciated.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is a Mahamantra, a prayer of universal relevance. It is not a mere chanting of a few words. It is the gateway to Knowledge Infinite. Gayatri is a spiritual journey. It is a path to Self-Realization, Atman or Ultimate Reality. It is an experience in totality. It is a comprehensive prayer for the body, mind, and the intellect. It calls for proper breathing, healthy body, a controlled mind, and deep concentration. It is communion with God Supreme. It helps us focus our intellect and open our eyes to the world within. It is a prayer, mantra and a source of meditation combined into one. It leads the practitioner to peace, light, knowledge, and bliss. Gayatri is Para Brahma, Parameswara, Surya Narayana and Atma Rama. It has been described as a search, a quest and an adventure. That is why ancient Rishis herald that Gayatryastu param japam na bhutam na bhavishyati. There is nothing superior to the Gayatri, not in the past, not in the future. It is called Mantra Raja, king of prayers.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is also worshipped as Devi Gayatri, Mother Goddess. She resides as Shakti or Supreme Energy in every one of us. As Gayatri Devi, She is invested with a form, face and at- tributes. She becomes the recipient of dhyana sloka or prayer hymns. The third dimension of Gayatri relates to the Gayatri Chandas. In ancient literature, Gayatri is known as Chandasa Matha or Mother of Meters. Gayatri thus assumes utmost significance in Sanathana Dharma as a three-dimensional splendor-Mahamantra, Mother Goddess and Meter.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e In order to fully understand and appreciate the significance of Gayatri, as enunciated by various scriptures, and as experienced by the Rishis, saints, seers, scholars and sadhaks, both ancient and modern, we need to study the subject against the vast canvas of Sanathana Dharma, the ancient Hindu literature in its totality. As the renowned author, LK. Taimni notes, Gayatri is a subject of deep significance that can be appreciated fully only against the backdrop of the rich philosophy of Hinduism and a good understanding of the ancient Hindu wisdom.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Accordingly, we have divided this book into eight sections. These are (1) Religion and Spirituality, (2) Sanathana Dharma, (3) God Almighty-The Supreme Power, (4) Body, Mind and Intellect, (5) Spiritual Enlightenment, (6) Gayatri-Mahamantra, Mother Goddess and Meter, (7) Speaking From Experience, and (8) Sum and Substance. We have tried to make this book as inclusive as possible and cover all the major concepts dealt with by the ancient texts and elucidated by saints, seers and scholars before actually taking up the subject of Gayatri. Gayatri, in all its grace, glory and fullness can be understood and appreciated only when we become familiar with the ideas, concepts and ancient Hindu wisdom against which Gayatri assumes its profound significance.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e We should start at the very beginning by asking a host of relevant questions. What is religion? What is the inter-relationship between man (woman included), God and religion? What is the Global Religious Landscape? What have been the basic tenets of the major religions of the world? Can religion be a guide to practical living? What do spirituality and philosophy mean? Is God a physical, material object or a spiritual realization? These questions have been discussed in the first section of the book under 'Religion and Spirituality’.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The second section of the book called 'Sanatliana Dharma' attempts to bring forth the central message contained in the expansive ancient Hindu literature. What are the Vedas, the most ancient sacred works, not only of India, but for the entire world? What makes the Vedas the most precious legacy of knowledge passed on to the people at large? What are Upanishads and why are they considered the quintessence of Hindu spiritual wisdom? How should we, from the modern perspective look at the Puranas? All these apart, we also take a brief note of other invaluable texts like the Bhagavad Gita, Itihasas, Yoga Sutra and the like.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Prayer and worship have been an integral part of human life since the beginning of human civilization. Why are prayer and worship so significant in the lives of men and women? And, probably, the most elusive question confronting men and women over the ages, ''What really is God?\" Is God a He, She, Father, Mother, Young or Old? Is God like a nor- mal human being or somebody with four hands, three eyes, five faces, and so on? Is God having any particular form or totally formless? Is God a form and a face or only a principle? Is the world we live in the only world or are there other worlds? These questions are discussed in the third section of this book called 'God Almighty - The Supreme Power'.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Men and women are endowed with not only the body, but also with the mind, intellect and ego. That is why human beings have been described as the 'crown and crest' of all creation. Spiritual enlightenment can take place only when the body, mind and intellect together constitute a vehicle fit enough for the long and eventful journey. So, the fourth section of this book deals with various facets of the human body, mind and intellect. It discusses the human body de-scribed in the ancient texts referring to koshas and chakras, pranayama or the right way of breathing, three gunas or characteristics inherent in every human being, and also the impact of food on human body, especially in the context of spiritual pursuits. Mind constitutes the most crucial instrument for any spiritual traveler. A healthy mind, a calm and undisturbed mind, and a controlled mind is a must. As we progress in our pursuits, we should be aware of the dormant power called kundalini that lies within us and awaken it. All these aspects have been discussed in the fourth section called 'Body, Mind, and Intellect'.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Gayatri is all about spiritual enlightenment. This spiritual enlightenment comes from long drawn and sustained spiritual journey. The metaphysical world, that is what lies be- yond our five senses, is often described by the Latin expression mysterium tremendum et fascinans - a mystery that is at once awe inspiring yet fascinating. Sanathana Dharma throws light on the metaphysical world towards unravelling this mystreium tremendum. Ancient Hindu scriptures deal with the various paths and methods for undertaking the spiritual journey. As we move on the chosen path, we should be clear about the various concepts of relevance for our pursuits. Is our world a reality or maya, an illusion? Which are the different paths to enlightenment and liberation? What is the role of japa, tapa and yajna? Gayatri is essentially a prayer and a meditation. Hence, we have discussed at some length the significance, benefits and methods of meditation. How does one achieve Pure Consciousness and attain Self-Realization or Atman? Spiritual enlightenment results in realizing Para Brahma. So we discuss Para Brahma as distinct from Brahma and the Trinity of Gods.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e What are mantras and stotras? What is Chandas or meter? Do heaven and hell really exist? What is sin and the related suffering? Related to the idea of heaven and hell is the Theory of Karma, a unique feature of Hindu philosophical wisdom. Moving on, we deliberate on related subjects like the mark of a True Brahmana, the significance of Shodasha Samskaras or Hindu sacraments, and the relevance of rituals and ceremonies. Guru, or the teacher, is a person held in high esteem in Hinduism. We, therefore, turn our attention to the role of Guru and end the discussion on the fifth section called 'Spiritual Enlightenment' with a brief account of the women in Vedic literature.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The sixth section of this book, called 'Gayatri - Mahamantra, Mother Goddess and Meter' deals with the three-dimensional splendor of Gayatri. First and foremost, Gayatri is the most ancient and sacred prayer of the Hindus. It is a Mahamantra, a profound prayer. The primordial sound, Aum, also known as Pranava, is considered to be the condensed version of Gayatri. Gayatri mantra is addressed to Savitr, the power behind the Sun. We take note of why Gayatri is regarded as the most sacred and efficacious mantra and what does one achieve by meditating on this mantra. Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and other scriptures sing in unison the glory of this profound prayer.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The origin of Gayatri is traced to Lord Brahma, the Creator of this Universe and Gayatri is recognized as Vedamatha or the Mother of Vedas. The relationship between Surya and Gayatri, Gayatri, Saraswati, and Savitri, and Aum and Gayatri is also dealt with. There is also some coverage on Brahma Gayatri and Viswamitra Gayatri and the Pushkar story. Apart from being a Mahaman tra, Gayatri is also worshipped as Mother Goddess. What is the significance of this? Taking this aspect further, we also look at the dhyana slokas describing Gayatri and the different Gayatris addressed to various Gods and Goddesses.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e We also elucidate the word-by-word meaning of the Gayatri Mahamantra in an endeavor to bring out the depth of meaning in this prayer hymn. We discuss Sandhya Vandana, the Hindu's daily prayer involving Gayatri, and Upanayana, the Hindu sacrament with which the Hindus take their Gayatri Upadesha and commence their Vedic studies. There is also a mention of how the Gayatri mantra helps in awakening Kundalini, the dormant power. That women have an equal right to this profound mantra is underlined with the help of ancient texts and reiterations from saints and scholars. Gayatri is significant as not just a prayer but also a fulfilling experience. Gayatri japa, dhyana and upasana signify relent- less pursuits by practitioners or sadhaks in search of enlightenment and bliss. We take a look at some of the well-known sadhaks or achievers and what they have to say on Gayatri. We end this section by discussing the third dimension of Gayatri, viz. the Gayatri Chandas or Meter.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e In a special section of this book titled 'Speaking From Experience', we cover a profile of and present a Question and Answer session with Sri Balakrishnananda Saraswathi, an accomplished Gayatri Sadhak, who has devoted himself wholly to the propagation of the sacred message of Gayatri.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e This book ends with a section called 'Sum and Substance' where we sum up the cardinal principles from Sanathana Dharma and the takeaways from this comprehensive study of Gayatri. There is indeed a precious set of lessons from the rich treasure of ancient wisdom which can guide us in making our everyday lives healthier, happier, enlightening and blissful.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e The Appendices to this book present three pieces of information sourced from the Internet. One, the landmark judgment from the Madras High Court, underlining the universality of ancient Hindu wisdom and the fact that Gayatri Mantra is a secular prayer that goes beyond all religions. Two, the declaration by an American scientist from his extensive research study in Hamburg University, Germany that Gayatri Mantra is the most rewarding mantra or prayer hymn among all the prayer hymns in the world. Three, the lessons we can learn from Bali, Indonesia where Gayatri mantra is taught in every school and broadcast daily by their Radios.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e Every chapter of this book starts with an appropriate quote drawn from ancient texts, saints and scholars and authors of repute, providing an inkling of what that chapter is set to cover.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e As mentioned in the Preface, I have sourced, the material for this book from numerous authentic works of renowned and scholarly writers. Although I have not quoted the specific stanza and sloka numbers, so as to enhance reality, I have made every effort to ensure their correctness. Even then, we need to note that scriptures like the Vedas and Upanishads often state the same truth in different ways, with slight variations and there could be some overlap.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e \u003cb\u003eContents\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e \u003ctable width=\"100%\"\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd width=\"05%\"\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd width=\"80%\"\u003e Preface\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd width=\"15%\"\u003e lX\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Introduction\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Xl\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSECTION I: RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY \u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 1\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Religion, God and Man\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 3\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e A\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e The Global Religious Landscape\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 5\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e B\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Chronology of Major Religions\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 7\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e C\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Beyond Rituals - A Guide to Practical Living\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 9\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e D\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Christianity, Islam and Hinduism\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 11\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 2\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Religion, Spirituality and Philosophy\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 15\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 3\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e God - A Spiritual Realization\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 19\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSECTION II: SANATHANA DHARMA \u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 4\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Ancient Hindu Literature\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 25\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e A\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e The Vedas\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 29\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e B\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e The Upanishads\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 35\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e C\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e The Puranas\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 40\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e D\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Other Ancient Scriptures\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 42\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSECTION Ill: GOD ALMIGHTY - THE SUPREME POWER \u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 5\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Prayer and Worship\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 49\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 6\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e God - Form, Face and Principle\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 55\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e A\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e God - With Form and Without Form\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 58\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e B\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e One God - Many Faces\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 62\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 7\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e God of All Gods - The Supreme Being\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 65\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 8\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Brahmanda - The Fourteen Worlds\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 68\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSECTION IV: BODY, MIND AND INTELLECT \u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 9\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e The Human Body\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 77\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 10\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Koshas and Chakras\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 82\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 11\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Pranayama\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 89\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 12\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Three Gunas\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 93\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 13\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Our Food\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 99\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 14\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Conditioning the Mind\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 102\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSECTION V: SPIRITUAL ENliGHTENMENT \u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 15\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Kundalini - The Dormant Power\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 111\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 16\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Maya - The Illusion\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 115\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 17\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Four Yogas\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 119\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 18\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Japa, Tapa and Yajna\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 125\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 19\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Dhyana - The Path of Meditation\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 133\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 20\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Brahmi Muhurtha and Sandhya\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 141\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 21\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Para Brahma, Brahma and The Trinity\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 145\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 22\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Pure Consciousness, Self-Realization and Atman\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 151\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 23\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Mantras and Stotras\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 159\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 24\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Chandas or Meter\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 165\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 25\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Heaven, Hell and Sin\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 169\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 26\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Karma - The Theory of Re-Birth\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 175\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 27\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e A True Brahmana\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 180\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 28\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Shodasha Samskaras - The Hindu Sacraments\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 185\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 29\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Significance of Rituals and Ceremonies\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 191\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 30\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Guru - The Gateway to God\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 196\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 31\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Women in Vedic Literature\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 202\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSECTION VI: GAYATRI - MAHAMANTRA, MOTHER GODDESS ANDMETER \u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 32\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Aum or Pranava\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 207\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 33\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Surya, Savitri, and Savitri\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 217\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 34\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri Mahmantra\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 223\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 35\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Scriptures and Gayatri\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 233\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 36\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Brahma Gayatri and Viswamitra Gayatri\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 237\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 37\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Brahma and Gayatri- The Pushkar Story\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 246\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 38\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Surya and Gayatri\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 250\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 39\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri, Savitri , and Saraswati\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 253\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 40\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Aum and Gayatri\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 258\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 41\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri Mantra-word by word\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 262\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 42\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Upanayana and Sandhya Vandana\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 267\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 43\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Difference Gayatri Mantras\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 272\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 44\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri Devi-The Mother Goddess\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 277\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 45\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri Prayer-Dhyana Shlokas\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 284\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 46\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Women and Gayatri\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 289\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 47\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri, Tantra, and Kundalini\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 292\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 48\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri Japa, Upasnan and Sadhaks\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 296\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 49\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Gayatri Chandas or Meter\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 304\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSection VII: Speaking from Experience\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 50\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Sri Balakrishnanananda Saraswathi- A Gayatri Sadhak\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 309\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 51\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Questions and Answers with Swamiji\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 313\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eSection VIII: Sum and Substance\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 52\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Principles of Good Living\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 325\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eAppendices\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Appendix I- Gayatri Mantra is Beyond\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e All religions (Madras High Court Judgment)\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 339\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Appendix II- Gayatri Mantra is the world's Best divine prayer Hymn (Hamburg University Research study)\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 342\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e Appendix III- Lessons from Bali\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 345\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e \u003cb\u003eReferences\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e \u003ctd\u003e 347\u003c\/td\u003e \u003c\/tr\u003e \u003c\/tbody\u003e \u003c\/table\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cfont size=\"5\" color=\"red\"\u003eSample Pages\u003c\/font\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788a.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788b.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788c.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788d.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788e.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788f.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788g.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788h.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788i.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788j.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788k.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788l.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788m.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788n.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788o.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e \u003ccenter\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.exoticindia.com\/images\/products\/original\/books-2016\/naf788p.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Occultnthings","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44633440616749,"sku":"NAF788","price":28.8,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2094\/2117\/products\/naf788.jpg?v=1677862087","url":"https:\/\/occultnthings.com\/sa\/products\/gayatri-profound-prayer-naf788","provider":"Occult-N-Things","version":"1.0","type":"link"}