The Gayatri mantra
(Vedic prayer to illuminate the intelligence)
This is a sacred mantra that demonstrates the unity
that underlies the diversity in creation.
Words:
Om
bhûr bhuva suvaha
tat savitur varenyam
bhargo devasya dhîmahi
dhiyo yo naha prachodayât
Translation by S. Krishnamurthy:
We meditate upon the radiant Divine Light
of that adorable Sun of Spiritual Consciousness;
May it awaken our intuitional consciousness.
Translation by Sai Baba:
We contemplate the glory of Light
illuminating the three worlds:
gross, subtle, and causal.
I am that vivifying power, love, radiant
illumination,
and divine grace of universal intelligence.
We pray for the divine light to illumine our
minds.
Meaning of the
individual words:
Om: the primeval sound
Bhur: the physical world
Bhuvah: the mental world
Suvaha: the celestial, spiritual world
Tat: God; transcendental Paramatma
Savitur: the Sun, Creator, Preserver
Varenyam: most adorable, enchanting
Bhargo: luster, effulgence
Devasya: resplendent, supreme Lord
Dhimahi: we meditate upon
Dhiyo: the intellect, understanding
Yo: May this light
Nah: our
Prachodayat: enlighten, guide, inspire
