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On account of past Samskaras, or latent impressions a particular form of God appeals most to an individual. That form of God, liked most by an individual becomes his Chosen Ideal. The Mantra of one’s Chosen Ideal becomes one’s Ishtamantra.You learn things effortlessly when it is taught in your mother tongue. Similarly, Sadhana – spiritual practice becomes a joyous experience when you do the Japa of your Ishtamantra. You need not worry even if you do not know your Ishtamantra. You need not worry even if you do not know your Chosen Ideal. Your Guru will give you the right Mantra. There is an advantage in getting Mantra Deeksha (initiation from a Sadguru (competent spiritual teacher). Your Guru will answer your questions pertaining to spiritual practice and will lead you by hand in your spiritual journey.
You will benefit immensely from his invaluable guidance, holy company etc. This is like getting medicines from an experienced and competent physician. A spiritual luminary like Sri Ramakrishna is a world teacher and can be accepted as a Guru by the entire mankind, because he is so catholic, so universal. So the sacred Mantra of Sri Ramakrishna “Om Namo Bhagavate Ramakrishnaya’ is acceptable to one and all. Even if you are not initiated into Mantra Deeksha, by a competentent Guru, you can continue your Sadhana (spiritual practice) with all sincerity and your Chosen Ideal (Ishtadeva) homself will act as your guru and guide the chariot of your Sadhana.
Which Mantra to Chant?
Some people ask which Mantra is most powerful? Is there any need to repeat different Mantras? ” etc.
The answer is:
Each Mantra is a storehouse of infinite divine power. All Mantras are equally powerful. But everything depends on the sincerity with which you do Japa. Mantra can be likened to a sharp knife. The user must know how to use it. An intelligent man uses the knife carefully to cut fruits, to dress vegetables etc. Likewise, the success of Japa depends on how you do Japa, with what attitude and intensity. It does not depend on the Mantra you repeat or the duration fo your Japa. If your mind is filled with various distracting thoughts like anxieties and worries your Japa will not become successful.
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