Mantra Shakti Ek Chintan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mantra Shakti: Ek Chintan" by Prof. G. R. Jain, focusing on the relationship between sound, modern science, and Jain philosophy:

The article "Mantra Shakti: Ek Chintan" by Prof. G. R. Jain explores the power of sound and its connection to mantras, drawing parallels between ancient Jain texts and modern scientific understanding.

1. The Nature of Sound and its Scientific Basis:

• The author begins by discussing the scientific understanding of sound. Contrary to ancient Vaigaisheshika philosophy, sound is not considered a quality of akasha (ether) that can travel in a vacuum, as proven by modern scientific experiments.
• Jain scriptures classify sound (Shabda) as a form of pudgala (matter), described as both subtle and gross. While imperceptible to sight, it can be heard by the ear.
• Modern science confirms that sound originates from the vibration of atomic particles. This aligns with Jain texts like Tattvartha Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra, which also link sound to atomic vibrations.

2. Classification of Sound in Jainism:

• Jain scholars have categorized sound into two primary types:
  • Linguistic (Bhashatmak): Further divided into:
    • Alphabetic (Aksharatyatmak): Sounds with specific alphabetic representations.
    • Non-alphabetic (Anaksharatyatmak): Sounds without specific alphabetic forms (e.g., animal sounds).
  • Non-linguistic (Abhashatmak): Further divided into:
    • Practical (Prayogik): Sounds produced by musical instruments.
    • Natural (Vaisrasik): Naturally occurring sounds like thunder or the roar of the ocean.
• Practical sounds are further classified into four types based on the source of vibration:
  • Tatas: Sounds from drums (dhol, tabla).
  • Vitat: Sounds from stringed instruments (sarangi, sitar).
  • Avanaddha: Sounds from instruments with stretched membranes.
  • Sushir: Sounds from wind instruments (flute, conch).
• The author highlights that this detailed classification demonstrates the profound and accurate knowledge Jain acharyas possessed regarding sound.

3. The Physics of Sound Perception:

• The article explains the range of human hearing. Sound is perceived when the vibrational frequency of an object is between 16-20 vibrations per second.
• As the frequency increases, the pitch of the sound rises. However, the human ear can only perceive sounds up to approximately 20,000 vibrations per second, and in special cases, up to 40,000 vibrations per second.
• Sounds with frequencies above 40,000 vibrations per second are inaudible to humans and are termed ultrasonic (karnagochar naad).

4. The Power and Applications of Ultrasonic Sound:

• The author elaborates on the nature of ultrasonic sound, explaining that it's generated by devices like the "Piezo-electric Oscillator," which uses quartz crystals that vibrate at millions of cycles per second when subjected to AC current.
• These vibrations create extremely short sound waves (1-3 inches in length) that travel in a single direction without much interference, similar to short radio waves.
• The article details several practical applications of ultrasonic waves:
  • Sonar Technology: Used in detecting icebergs (as conceived after the Titanic disaster) and measuring ocean depths.
  • Medical and Biological Effects: Ultrasonic waves can cause pain, bleeding, and even death in living organisms. In agriculture, they are used in pest control. The author notes the significant parallel between this scientifically proven ability to harm life with sound and the ancient belief in maran mantra (mantras for destruction).
  • Industrial Applications: Used in soldering aluminum, melting metals, and even dissolving mercury in water.
  • Food Processing: Used to break down protein particles in yogurt, making it lighter and easier to digest for patients in hospitals.

5. Mantras and their Siddhi (Attainment):

• The text transitions to mantra shastra (the science of mantras), referencing the renowned text "Gyanarnava." This text contains numerous mantras and details the proper meditation techniques for their associated deities or the pure soul, along with chanting counts.
• Mantras are classified by their syllable count, from single-syllable mantras (like Om, Hrim, Shrim) to multi-syllable ones.
• The "siddhi" or mastery of a mantra requires extensive and methodical chanting (millions of times) over several days, often accompanied by fasting and worship of the mantra's presiding deity.
• Once a mantra is mastered, it can be used for various worldly purposes.

6. Parallels Between Mantra Siddhi and Scientific Principles:

• The author draws a significant parallel between the rigorous practice of mantra repetition and the scientific need to amplify the power of sound through high frequencies (as seen in ultrasonic waves). Just as achieving ultrasonic frequencies requires immense vibrational energy, mantras require immense repetition (millions of times) to gain their power, as a single human utterance is insufficient.
• Mantras are categorized for various purposes: bestowing spiritual realization (siddhi), promoting health (arogya), influencing others (vashikaran, sammohan), halting actions (stambhan), causing displacement (uchchatan), and even causing harm or destruction (maran).

7. Ancient Beliefs and Modern Technology:

• The article touches upon ancient beliefs that divine vehicles (vimanas) were powered by mantra shakti, not engines. While ancient texts like Shilpa Samhita and Samrangana Sutradhara describe engine construction (mentioning Ravana's Pushpak Vimana powered by mercury vapor), the primary emphasis is on the power of sound.
• The author cites examples of modern technology that demonstrate the power of sound and speech:
  • Robotic Cars: Cars that respond to voice commands, showcasing how sound can be translated into mechanical action through technology.
  • Palanquins Moving Without Carriers: The author recounts a personal experience in Gwalior of witnessing a palanquin move without human assistance, attributing it to the power of sound/voice being converted into electrical waves that control machinery.

Conclusion:

• Prof. G. R. Jain concludes that given the modern understanding of how sound and vibrations can influence matter and energy, the concept of mantra shakti being capable of producing results is not illogical. The article advocates for a deeper understanding of these principles by bridging the gap between ancient Jain wisdom and contemporary scientific discoveries.

In essence, the article argues that the power attributed to mantras in Jain tradition is, in many ways, a precursor to or an analog of the scientifically demonstrable power of sound and vibration, particularly at high frequencies. It encourages a perspective that sees the efficacy of mantras not as mere superstition but as a profound understanding of universal forces, now being validated by scientific inquiry.