Next step in the spiritual journey?

Trying to push yourself and take the next step in your spiritual journey? Here are different Ways of Worship in the order of intensity in Mantra Yoga. Take the next step?

Our rishis, saints and acharyas have been researching upon hundreds of different ways of worship to attain spiritual growth. They were impressed not only with the power of vibrations, sounds and devotion; but also, subtle effects of many aspects of life, that impact our thoughts, opportunities, mindset and spirituality, such as discipline (yama/niyama), colours, aroma, food, fire, water, flowers and symmetry. They designed rituals incorporating all such 16 aspects of Mantra Yoga to benefit everyone.

An integral part of Mantra yoga is its focus on

1. Mantras (Divine Sounds) — Vedic and Puranic Mantras with different objectives and psychological effects.
2. Ishwar pranidhana (Bhakti / Devotion) — Moorti Puja, Arati, etc.
3. Siddhant Shravana (Discussing philosophy) — Stories, Explanations, Pravachana, Exposition, Blessings etc. Philosophy is often incorporated in the rituals through stories (viz. Satyanarayan Katha or Vrat katha)
4. Dhyana (Meditation) — Agni Dhyan (Fire Meditation), Moorti/Saguna Dhyan, Mantra Dhyan, Pranayama Dhyan, Chakra Dhyan etc.
5. Shuchi (Environment creation, Dos and Don’ts, Rules of Attire, food, Puja Setup, decorations etc.)

We may write separate article on each of the above later, especially Shuchi since that has become controversial and difficult to follow in modern times.

Make it a point to discuss intricacies & philosophy with your purohit.

Different Ways of Worship in the order of intensity in Mantra Yoga. Take the next step?

While Abhishek and Havan are the most common forms of worships performed, taking next step to Homa is often quite fulfilling and satisfying.

Yaag (Yaga) is a massive undertaking for social welfare often conducted by a group of people or temples. Homa is a simpler form of the same ritual simplified to be performed by family at home. Each step must be accompanied by Japa and Dhyana.

Where do I begin?

The ideal step to start the journey on spiritual growth is committing to a Vrata. Vrata is a binding commitment of your choice — be it Naam Japa, Stotra Japa, Fasting, Puja, Reading scriptures, performing annual homa or any other resolution. When performed as Vrata, there is level of submission and renunciation instead of the ego of the resolution. Vrata are the templates of such binding contracts, frequency, and intensity of which can subject to your comfort level.

1. Annual Vrata — Most families perform annual vrata of Ganpati Sthapana in Bhadrapad (Siddhivinayaka Vrat), Laxmi pujan in Diwali (Ashwin Amavasya Laxmi Pujan Vrat), Navaratri vrat, Vat Paurnima Vrat, Haritalika Vrat, Satyanarayan Puja once every year.
2. Monthly or Weekly Vrata — Some vratas are more frequent such as Sankashti / Angaraki Chaturthi Vrat, Shanivar/Somvar Vrat, Ekadashi / Pradosh Vrat etc. They repeat every 15 days or every week.
3. Daily Vrata (Nitya) — Naam Japa, Stotra Japa, Nitya Dev puja, Agnihotra, Sandhya at home are daily Vrata.
4. Naimittik Rituals — define your own frequency — Occasional Rudrabhishek, Vishnu Homa, Gayathri Havan, Satyanarayan Puja, Graha Shanti etc. Once in a while is of course better than nothing, but defining its frequency such as once a year, once in 2 years as you see appropriate, elevates level of commitment to it.

Now next step is pick a deity of your liking and take the above ritual ladder to combine your daily sadhana with frequent rituals.

How will these help me in my Spiritual Journey?

Rituals of Mantra Yoga help focus our energy to the cause. It improves discipline, commitment, philosophical knowledge, perseverance, mental and physical health and satisfaction. It improves the quality of meditation, Japa and calms you down. Frequent rituals at regular intervals act as catalyst in your regular mantra and yogic sadhana.

Once you develop the understanding of the complex fabric behind it and sense of the satisfaction it creates, you will look to cross those comfort levels on your own and take the next steps.

Practising Mantra Yoga with Omkar, Mantras, and Ishwar Pranidhan, one attains Samadhi. Yogis who practise Hathayoga, Rajayoga, Layyoga create inspiration by implementing principles of Mantras Yoga and rituals. It is for this reason that mantras are combined with asanas and pranayama in hatha yoga.