03/08/2026
This is one of the most renowned mantras in the Vedic tradition. The original reference is in the Vedas, especially in the Nārāyaṇa Upanishad where the recitation for the purification of the heart is stressed, and the Mahā Nārāyaṇa Upanishad which discusses the significance of chanting the mantra as a way to delve into the nature of the Supreme Being, which is Nārāyaṇa who is creation itself, the ultimate cause of everything and according to the text is identical with the soul.
Today, if we want to learn something we can just access the internet and get the information. Which is both a blessing and a bit of Pandora’s box. Many have been educated in a way, that cognitive information is sufficient for understanding. Though, the Vedic tradition had and has different standards when it comes to comprehension of a specific subject. Knowing that both the thing and the entity perceiving it, are subject to change. Thus, the aim to explain something as “definition” is impossible. One of the known statements about this Vedic approach is commonly called “neti-neti” – not this, not this, or not this, not that.
As the importance is stressed, that every object receives its intrinsic qualities from the subject perceiving it, the Vedic culture has high standards for who is qualified to receive its teachings. So, just looking it up on the internet won’t work to know about the meaning of a Mantra. And Mantra (to stretch, transform or protect true consciousness) is arguably the most important yogic tool for transformation and realisation.
August 2026 FOTM
Oṃ Namo Nārāyaṇāya
By Petros Haffenrichter Petros Haffenrichter
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