Lesson 2 • The Journeying Up the Tattvic Ladder: Understanding Mantra Practice at the Level of the Heart with Hanuman Mantra
Yoga practice is meant to help us work our way ‘up the tattvas’ so to speak, enabling us to work more intuitively with the force of Shakti moving through us, or Vayus. Yoga postures, living a simple and disciplined life, and regular meditation keep our awareness turning within, which is to say, keep us moving up the Tattvic ladder towards our true nature, instead of down the ladder into infinite manifestation. This isn’t to say that manifestation isn’t Shiva, but manifestation without awareness is what we seek to avoid. As we move up the ladder of the tattvas we increase our awareness while we live in the context of our life.
Levels of Mantra
Mantra practice itself is a great conduit for understanding this subtle shift from outer to inner, or as we were saying before, from going down the tattvic ladder to going up it. When we start practicing a mantra, we feel it on a physical level. This level of mantra corresponds to the physical aspect of the mantra, the actual sound and words of it as we are saying it aloud. At this level of awareness we repeat the mantra at a normal volume and speed, as if we were talking. After doing mantra at this level, and connecting to it inwardly, it is natural for the mantra to sink deeper within. You may find yourself wanting to repeat the mantra a little slower, and more quietly. The next focal point of awareness is in the throat, at the base of throat where the chakra itself is located. This is referred to as the Madhyama level of mantra and corresponds to a deeper understanding of the mantra. This level of awareness is more subtle and therefore requires surrender to not only maintain but deepen. Eventually, after a lot of practice, the awareness can sink into the heart, the Paśyanti level of mantra. Here the mantra’s real meaning is understood, not with the mind, but from a wordless level of the heart. As we repeat the mantra at the heart our volume may decrease to a whisper, or even silence. This approaches the non-dual state of mantra, where the practitioner and the practice merge, or as Babaji often says, the mantra begins repeating you instead of you repeating the mantra.
As Swami Muktannada teaches, “Everyone is aware of the speech of the tongue. It is called Vaikhari and corresponds to the gross body. With the subtle intellect, one can also know the second level of speech, which is in the throat. There, words have taken form but have not yet emerged. This level is called Madhyama and corresponds to the subtle body. At a deeper level, words exist in the heart. This is the third level of speech, Paśyanti, which corresponds to the causal body. Here, words are hidden, and what arises at this level is Matrika… The moment one understands the Matrika Shakti and its work, one is no longer a human being. When the Matrika Shakti expands within, in this very body one becomes Shiva” (Nothing Exists that is Not Shiva, p. 7-9).
Hanuman and the heart
Swami Muktananda’s quote both helps us understand the trajectory of our work, as well as its final destination. His description of the final level of mantra in the heart also reminds us of the tremendous journey of surrender required to accomplish it. Which is to say that we don’t start at that level of awareness, but progress there over time through practice. One story of Hanuman displays the power of the heart level of devotion.
As you may know in the story of the Ramayana, Hanuman, the mighty monkey god and devoted disciple of Lord Rama, embarked on a mission to find Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king Ravana. In his search, Hanuman reached the island of Lanka, where Ravana had held Sita captive. When he found Sita, she was held in a garden, surrounded by demon guards. Hanuman approached her in the form of a small monkey, and upon confirming her identity, he reassured her of Rama's imminent rescue.
To demonstrate his loyalty and devotion, Hanuman revealed his true form, towering above the demons. However, Sita remained skeptical, questioning how she could trust him. In response, Hanuman performed a remarkable act. With palms joined in reverence, he declared that within his heart resided both Lord Rama and Sita. To Sita's astonishment, Hanuman ripped open his chest, revealing an image of Lord Rama and Sita enshrined within. This act showcased Hanuman's unwavering devotion, as his heart was filled solely with love and reverence for his beloved deities of devotion. Witnessing this extraordinary display of devotion, Sita was deeply moved and overwhelmed with emotion. She blessed Hanuman and entrusted him with a message for Lord Rama, expressing her faith and longing for their reunion.
Holding a mantra in your heart is no small accomplishment, but the result of devotion and effort over time. It is a focal point for our awareness as we practice, as it keeps us pointed in the right direction. One cannot force the mantra into the heart, though, just as one should not force one’s body into a handstand. When we are willing to do the disciplined work over time, feeling and working on a daily basis, this kind of connection grows within us. We should also remember that sometimes it takes a strong challenge in life to force us to open our hearts, and that sometimes these challenges are a quite literal path to our growth and enlightenment.
So Let’s take a few moments now to work with the mantra, moving towards the source of its vibration in the heart in order to unlock our truly divine potential.
Hanuman Mantra Practice
Om Ham Hanumate Rudratmakaya Hum Phat Svaha