The Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri mantra is considered to be the most powerful mantra in the Vedas. The Vedas are a genre of Hindu literature dating from the middle of the fifth millennium B.C.E. to the middle of the second millennium B.C.E. The Gayatri Mantra is an invocation to the Sun. The following quotation is from the Isa Upanishad (16):

O nourishing Sun, solitary traveler, controller, source of life for all creatures, spread your light and subdue your dazzling splendor so that I may see your blessed Self. Even that very Self am I!

Translations

We meditate upon the radiant Divine Light of that adorable Sun of Spiritual Consciousness; May it awaken our intuitional consciousness.

Throughout all of existence “That” essential nature illuminating existence is the Adorable One.

May all beings perceive with subtle intellect the magnificent brilliance of enlightened awareness.

A Theosophical translation:

We adore the resplendent glory of our mighty Lord, the sun, the giver of life, who guides, invigorates, and protects us; may his dazzling radiance brighten His light within, to shine through us for all.

A succinct translation by Theosophist CW Leadbeater:

We adore the resplendent glory of Savitri our Lord; may He inspire our devotion and understanding.

Harry Van Gelder

Early TS Portland member, and one of several young people mentored by CW Leadbeater, said that the Gayatri mantra activates all the energy centers or chakras in the body. He recommended that you first contact yourself in the heart center by saying, “I am in my heart.” When chanting the words make the tone as high as is comfortable. The voice shouldn’t be too low. With each word see the energy and love going up through the top of your head. Let it flow through you with intention.