Q: What is the difference between Panchakshara Mantra and Thirumoolar's Siva Yoga mantra of 51 Letters?

A: Thirumoolarji states in His great work, the Thirumandiram, "The transcendent Reality fills Chakras with 51 Letters." The crown of the head is the home of the fifty and one letters. By reciting the 51 Lettered mantra, one brings their Spiritual power of love and bliss into the chakras that lay along the spine. Eventually, these become the 5 letters of Panchakshara, the mantric vibration in the chakras below the Thousand petaled lotus (see #697, 946, and 947 of the Thirumandiram)

Q: If Self is nothing but Siva, can you describe for me how Siva and Self are different?

A: The soul, or self, is of the same make-up as Siva. However, it is created, by the Siva Consciousness, to have free choice. As we move through many lifetimes, and the lower planes of existance, we take on a lower body from each of these levels of vibration. We become further and further removed from our memory of who we truly are. In this way, we become identified with the false, or lower nature; and so it seems we are different. It then remains for us to rediscover who we truly are.

Q: Since doing the 51 Lettered mantra, I am now experiencing more creativity, overflowing in abundance, like I have never experienced before. Are there other cases you know of?

A: I have heard various results from the practice of the 51 Lettered mantra. Some have had visions of light, or joy, or increased energy; to name a few. It is a marvelous practice. It's vibration carries a direct psychic link to the teachings of Thirumoolar, as well as to the Saint Himself. He knows what each person doing the 51 Lettered mantra needs to experience. It is most important to remember, He is ever the link to these techniques.

Q: What is the best diet for me to now eat? Must I stop eating meat?

A: When attempting to raise your own vibratory rate, it is best not to indulge in foods that lower it. This is particularly true of red meats and pork. The best diet for someone who is seriously pursuing yogic practices is a lacto-vegetarian diet. I you are a constant consumer of meat, and wish to seriously evolve along a spiritual path, the easiest way, is to gradually stop eating meat, which is detrimental to your progress. While on the subject of what is detrimental; liquor and drugs (not prescribed by a physician) should also be avoided.

Q: What should I wear when meditating?

A: You may wear any clothing that is comfortable to you. For many, it helps concentrate the mind, to bathe, dress in clean clothing, and sing one or more chants to the Divine, just prior to meditation. A small altar dedicated to Thirumoolar can also be helpful. Other than his picture, whatever has meaning for you is what you should put on it. His signature scent is Holy Basil Flower, Tulasi.

Q: Why do you refer to Tantras? Is that not a sexual practice?

A: If you have the chance to read the Thirumandiram, you will see that every chapter is called a "Tantra". What this means, is Thirumoolarji has shown us a path that incorporates all of life as Divine. If you see the marriage partner as an incarnation of divinity, and he/she sees you the same way, then the marriage becomes divine. Your merging becomes a prelude to the macrocosmic merging with Siva/Shakti. Some part of Siva is in every part of His creation. The path of Tantra does not say, it is all dilusion; rather, it gives a formula that leads us to merge first with Siva in us (His creation), and then with the Cosmic Consciousness of Siva in and beyond All That Is.

Q: I'm attracted to this teaching, but I've been told Surat Subda Yoga is the only true path. Is this true?

A: I'm personally acquainted with the teachings of Surat Subda Yoga. My objection to their approach, is that they teach a Sound Current technique without any thought to the preparedness of the student, other than the requirment, one be a strict vegan. The philosophy is pretty much true (the Sound of Nada is all you need). However, most chelas are not already advanced enough to just sit down, listen, and make contact! Actual full contact can be earth shattering for those not prepared. In my opinion, it is not the best choice for most.

Q: This question is related to Step 2 of the 3 Divine Qualities Lessons. How is the bijaksara "cee", as written in the material, pronounced? Is it as in Sanskrit "see", or "shee", or as in Tamil "chee" (ch as in 'speech')?

A: The pronounciation is as in Sanskrit "See".

Q: Should I now be celebate?

A:This is not a path of physical renunciation, but of inner renunciation of thoughts and actions that take one away from spiritual disciplines such as meditation and positive thinking. A Yogiraj known as "Sri Lahiri Mahasaya", was a true householder Yogi. He brought a practical message suited to the needs of a modern India. He did not encourage the old ideal of a yogi as a wandering ascetic, with begging bowl in hand. Instead, he stressed the advantages of earning one's own living, and practicing yoga in the privacy of one's home. He was also married, and fully engaged in the duties expected of him in that regard. He said, Divine Union is possible through Self-effort, and is not dependent on theological beliefs, man-made laws, or the arbitrary will of a Cosmic dictator.
Only you can make the choice, but to falsely force a state of sexual renunciation, before one is ready to truly live that lifestyle, can be damaging. The desire is just forced deep into the subconscious, and may, at a later time, present itself as stronger than ever. This is a path of balance. For most, the Middle Road is usually the best choice.

Q: Will I make progress if I miss practice 3 or 4 days a week?

A: If you really wish to make progress on the spiritual path, then you must decide that you will do Sadhana no matter what comes, or how you feel. Everyone has felt the desire to procrastinate. At some point, you must take conscious control and decide you will do your Spiritual practices, even if you are sick, tired, or depressed. The negative power in the world will try to pull you away from practice, until it sees that you are serious. This is also the time when you will gain the attention of Siva/Sakti, because God then knows you are seriously seeking Him.

Q: Can So Ham and the 51 Lettered mantra be done together as part of one's other sadhana?

A: Yes. Devoted souls may practice the 51 Lettered mantra and So Ham as part of any sadhana practice.

Q: For years, I heard what seemed to be church bells, but recently, since beginning the 3DQs, I hear a sound in my right ear, a lot like crickets. It has the same timbre as crickets, only instead of being intermittent, it is sustained. I thought the lower chakras were suppose to sound like bumblebees, flutes, etc.?

A: What you are hearing is the base chakra. Yes, it can sound like bees, but also like crickets, or the whine of overhead high power electical lines. All these astral sounds are generated by the base chakra. The church-like bells that you mention are the heart chakra. The good news here is you are awakening the chakras as well as becoming clairaudient enough to hear them.

Q: As I do the 3DQs, I hear and feel the sound current above my head as Om. Is there a natural attraction to the Source above, where the Om (sound) and the Light is coming from.

A: The God within, becomes attracted to the God without. As the inner vibration is raised, it becomes attracted to it's likeness beyond self. Eventually, this can also draw what you hear and feel without of you, into your very core. This is very special. Enjoy!

Q: Are the sounds of Na-Ma-Shi-Vaa-Ya, the ones manifesting as the elements in and as the body?

A: In the yoga of Siddha Boganathar, he calls the "Om-Na-Ma-Si-Vaa-Ya the Bijaksara", as they occur at each chakra. This means the germ root mantra. It is the pranic force concentrated to a point where the sound-emitting power is exhibited. In Chapter 4, He also states,"Experience that the 10 vital energies are sublimated, leading one to become (by meditation) the radiant light of SIVAYANAMA. From now on, discover that the irresistable bond (karma) be wiped out, and the body will exist for many aeons to come." The Om namasivaya runs much deeper than the physical elements.

Q: When doing the 3DQs, I heard what seemed like a room full of people, all talking at the same time. What does this mean?

A: Congratulations! You are becoming clairaudient. This is a common experience for those who are just beginning to experience the higher energies they have tapped, through the practice of the 3DQs. Do not try to listen to these conversations. Observe it and continue with your practices, concentrating on the 3DQs or other spiritual practices you are involved with. The voices will pass.