Sahaja Siddha Yoga

The Holy Mountain

In the west of Gujarat, near the city of Junagadh, is Ginar Mountain, which is revered by Hindus and Jains alike.  It has been said that the interior caves of the mountain are home to the 84 mahasiddhas who govern Dharma in this world.  It’s nine peaks rise upward to form the face of a sage, and on its highest peak, situated in stone, still reside the footprints of Lord Dattatreya.

The Guru of Gurus

Sadguru Dattatreya was born to the rishi Atri and his wife Anasuya, and is considered the sixth incarnation of Vishu, coalesced along with Lord Shiva and Brahma.  Datta means “given”, which indicates that Guru Datta provides everything necessary for perfection; it also means that he embodies giving all or total surrender, which is symbolized by the holy white cow.  Atri means three, and he is the divine trinity.  He is depicted with three faces, representing the three Gods, the three gunas, and the three letters of AUM, which are the three states of existence.  In the iconography of the Lord, he has six arms, which are the six darshanas, and he is followed by four dogs, which are the four Vedas.  Lord Dattatreya is the Adi-Guru or the Guru Tattva.  He is the guru principal that is manifested in all gurus.

The Hidden Saint

On the slopes of Ginar Mountain lived a little-known yogi saint named Sri Punitachariji Maharaj.  For 12 years he pursued intense sadhana for 18 hours a day in a cave measuring only 3 feet high, 3 feet wide, and 6 feet long.  His only companions were lions and monkeys, and when an occasional wanderer would come by and leave a bit of food.  In time some aspirants urged him to descend to the foot of the mountain where they built for him an ashram.  There he continued his worship of the divine Mother.  After a total of 40 years of spiritual practice he was blessed with the darshan of Lord Dattatreya.  On November 14th, 1975, Bapu, as he was affectionately known, had the intuition that he would meet the Lord at midnight.  He prepared fruit and flowers and walked to a nearby rock where he laid the gifts on an asan and waited for the Lord.  At midnight, three bright spheres of light appeared from different directions and merged to form the classical image of Lord Dattatreya.  At the sight of the Lord, Bapu became free from all desires, and immediately achieved Sahajavastha, Shambhavi Avastha and Buddhatva.  Dattareya informed Bapu that the Supreme Goddess had sent him as the result of his sadhana.  Then Guru Datta told Bapu that he could ask for a boon and it would be given to him.  Bapu protested, saying that he had no desire for anything after seeing the Lord.  Sri Dattatreya insisted that Bapu ask.  Since he wanted nothing for himself, he asked the Lord to grant him a gift for humanity, something that could uplift anyone, regardless of their status.  Suddenly, all the mahasiddhas appeared, worshipping the Lord and singing in unison, “Hari Om Tatsat Jai Guru Datta.”  Bapu realized that this was their own sadhana, and it was being given to him.  To confirm, he asked the Lord, “Is this what you mean to give me?”  Lord Dattatreya then spoke, “Hari Om Tatsat Jai Guru Datta.”  The divine mantra was spoken directly from the Lord’s mouth.  This is the finest spiritual tool the Lord could devise.  He then instructed Bapu to give this mantra to anyone who desired it, but added, “Do not be surprised at how few will.”  Bapu lived the life of a rishi while giving away the Mahamantra to one and all without discrimination.

The Great Mantra

The Mahamantra “Hari Om Tatsat Jai Guru Datta” has many interpretations, but one is provided here.  Hari means both light and space, which are characteristic of absolute consciousness.  It is also one of the names of God.  Om is the three states of existence.  Tat means “that”, and Sat means truth, existence, or reality.  The first part of the mantra could be translated as “That consciousness, present in all states, is the true reality.”  Jai means victory.  Guru means that which leads us from darkness to light, and Datta is that which is given.  The second part could be translated as “Victory to the Guru who gives all that is needed.”

“Hari Om Tatsat Jai Guru Datta” is a mantra given for the purpose of Sahaj Yoga.  It carries the divine energy of the Adi-Guru, and it guarantees the success of sadhana.  It only needs be chanted or sung for 5-10 minutes, followed by surrendering to the Guru or God.  There are no requirements to change your religion, Ishta, Guru, or Guru mantra.  The only requirement is sincerity and faith in the mantra.  It will guide and protect, and the result is that absolute good, Self-realization.  This mantra can be chanted by anyone without restriction, and it can be given by anyone who has experienced its benefit.

HARI OM TATSAT JAI GURU DATTA

The Spontaneous Meditation

In a secluded space where you won’t be disturbed, sit with your back straight and your legs crossed on the floor.  It is best to sit on a small cushion or folded blanket, but you can use a chair if necessary.  If you cannot sit comfortably, you can also lie on the ground.  Chant the Mahamantra “Hari Om Tatsat Jai Guru Datta” for 5-10 minutes, then close your eyes and surrender to the Absolute.  Do not attempt any willful technique, but do not resist anything that naturally arises either.  Permit everything to spontaneously happen according to divine guidance.  Whatever is needed for spiritual advanced will occur, just observe as a silent witness without attachment or aversion to what does or does not happen.  Allow for at least 15 minutes, but feel free to meditate for up to an hour or more.

* You can hear the correct pronunciation of the mantra as being sung by Sri Punitachariji Maharaj here.

**You can find more information at the Sahaj Yog website here.