– There exists a feeling seldom mentioned, but all the more important for that: the sense of security. One of the defining feelings of childhood is security, when it is there and, still more, when it is not. In life you meet unexpected situations at every turn, and if you know yourself to be safe, you weather them easily. Everyone is in need of protection and shelter, especially if he is exposed to dangers, or if he has never come to experience a deep primal trust. Then even the familiar situations of life can be a particular strain. Whether it is the latter case or a situation of outright danger, the mantra of protection always matters.
– Tell me about the mantra of protection!
– The wise teach that man is always under some influence. Under the influence either of illusion or of reality, depending on which influence he submits himself to. Man yields to illusion of his own accord, but the divine influence must be fought for steadfastly, and you must devote yourself to it. Here the spoken word matters greatly too, but this mantra does not only speak your resolve, it also pleads for shelter.
– May this mantra be mine too?
– This mantra is a common treasure. God is good, and he shows this goodness to his faithful in endless ways. He grants his protection to whoever is in need of it, and so I, too, am willing to grant you this mantra. Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya – this is how it sounds.
– It will not be easy to remember!
– If you understand what it says, perhaps it will be easier. Its first part is the sacred syllable Om. It is the primal sound of creation, which orders chaos into cosmos. It pervades the universe, and within it lie hidden God, man and the love-bond between the two. If you wish to translate it, it simply means: yes! Yes, what you are seeking exists – so it encourages you. That is why we too must say yes to the divine invitation. Its second part is namaha, or, as it is pronounced, namo. This is the word of salutation, of homage, which suggests that reverence is meant not for ourselves but for God, not for me but for You… Without reverence there is no worship – Yes, I salute thee, I bow to thee…
But to whom, in truth? To the all-knowing personal God. Bhagavate – the personal God, who abounds in glory, in heroism, in fame and beauty, in wisdom and independence. Others add virtue, fullness and good fortune to these. And vasudevaya means ‘to Vasudev’, who is the all in all, the all-knowing God. There is no corner of the universe beyond his knowledge, not even the most secret recess of your own heart. So it comes together: Yes, I bow to thee, my all-knowing personal God!
– Beautiful… And how does it work?
– Yes, beautiful, and effective too. I have tried it myself. Once I sat face to face with my accusers – today I would rather call them my well-wishers – and after I had repeated this mantra in my mind, every accusation rolled off me. It does not act on outside influences but protects you. Through the sheltering power of the all-knowing God no ill intent can pass. Where you are weak, it strengthens you; where you are sick, it heals you; the mantra truly draws a protective shell around you. I suggest you use it for more than your own protection, for it shelters others too. Call upon the one you wish to help, or who is in need of support, healing, shelter, whether present in your life or already departed, or even one who is yet to come. Indeed, even upon universal man, anyone who is in need.
– How should I practise?
– In the morning, at sunrise, set everything in order within you and around you. Turn your face towards the rising Sun, and if you are sitting on the ground, touch the earth; if you are standing, open your arms towards the light, and then say it three times, distinctly: Om namo, bhagavate vasudevaya – this mantra takes everyone under its shelter.