A User's Guide To... Lakshmi

The bhakTi User’s Manual VOLUME 3 | Lakshmi

With Your Bhakta & Yoga Guide Stuart Rice

Copyright © 2008 Stuart Rice • bhakTi All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying without written permission of the publisher. The original purchaser is authorized to make one printed copy for personal use. Original book design by Calyx Design

Contents Welcome to the Lakshmi User’s Manual

1

A Brief Introduction to Vedic Spirituality

1

A Brief Introduction to Mantra

2

The Golden Shakti

3

Birth from the Ocean of Milk

4

The Shakti of Narayana

5

Lakshmi Puja

6

Lakshmi Mantras: Direct Abundance

8

My Personal Experience of Lakshmi Mantra

9

Why Use Lakshmi Mantra

10

Using These Mantras

14

Conclusion

15

Abouts

16

About The T-Shirt

16

About bhakTi

17

The Shiva’s User’s Manual | 1

Welcome to the Lakshmi User’s Manual You’ve bought the T-shirt—now learn more about how to work with Lakshmi, the Goddess of Abundance. This radiant and beautiful goddess helps us to recognize the resources and gifts that we have been given to achieve our highest life’s purpose. So read on, and find out how to make Shri Mahalakshmi your co-pilot on the winding road of life!

A Brief Introduction to Vedic Spirituality The Indian subcontinent is home to a rich and varied set of spiritual traditions, the four most well-known of which are Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. All four of these traditions derive from the great Vedic culture that developed in Indian over thousands of years. Ancient Indian wise men, known as rishis, spent their time observing the world and engaging in meditations during which they literally heard transcendental truths from the universe. These observed and heard truths gave rise to Vedic philosophy, systems of mathematics and astronomy, and one of the most advanced medical treatment systems in existence at the time. In Vedic spirituality, there is a single God known as brahman or isvara. However, for Vedic philosophers, brahman is completely impersonal and all-pervading, the sustaining fabric that makes the universe possible. Because of its impersonal nature, brahman is

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very difficult for most people to grasp or comprehend. Therefore, the rishis personified specific aspects of the universe and world. The observed and experienced cycles of creation, sustenance, and dissolution or decay were personified as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. These three personifications also have multiple shadings, depending upon the context in which they are discussed or worshipped. For example, Shiva is the Lord of Destruction, but also is personified as the destroyer of spiritual poison (sin), a wild yogic ascetic (or sadhu), and the embodiment of worldly enjoyment. A later development was the understanding of shakti, or the creative, feminine impulse, as an integral part of the world. This gave rise, and prominence, to the various Goddesses, personifying other aspects of the universe. As manifold as the masculine manifestations, several key manifestations such as Lakshmi (the principle of abundance), Durga (the principle of protection), Kali (the principle of transformation), and Saraswati (the principle of speech) reoccur in various forms in Vedic thought and writings. In Vedic spirituality, it is expected that each person will form a personal connection to brahman through one of these personifications. The term for this is ishta-devata (“chosen deity”). Although the individual directs his or her actions or prayers to this representation of the divine, it is clearly and deeply understood that this representation of the divine is a inseparable component of brahman. Without brahman, neither the individual person nor the divine representation would exist.

A Brief Introduction to Mantra In Vedic spirituality, certain sounds represent the concentrated essence of an aspect of the universe. In their meditation, the ancient yogins heard these sounds as a kind of music emanating from brahman. The fundamental unit of these sounds is ॐ, often rewritten as AUM or OM. From AUM springs all other sounds.

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All of the sacred chants and texts of India begin with an invocation of the sound of AUM as a way to connect to the energy of brahman. The science of subtle sound is known as mantra. Mantra is a form of empowered speech or chant that unlocks or draws closer some specific aspects of the universe. According to the Vedas, there are nearly 70 million mantras, a practically limitless amount. A mantra can consist of a single word, a short grouping of sounds, or an entire chant that interweaves both sacred sounds and words in Sanskrit. Typically, the sounds that are themselves mantras, such as shrim (the seed sound of abundance), have no literal translation. Shrim is not the word for “abundance” but the vibrational quality that when invoked manifests abundance in the life of the invoker. A key difference between mantra and prayer is that prayer typically takes the form of asking for some specific outcome or boon from the divine. A mantra, on the other hand, specifically and directly draws an aspect of brahman to the invoker. However, the other aspect of mantra is that it works in its own way depending on the needs of the speaker. For example, two people invoking the mantra for abundance (shrim) or the mantra for protection (dum) may experience the benefits of these mantras in very different ways. One person might receive an unexpected monetary raise at work, while the other might find that a friend who has been draining their energy and time suddenly stops calling or showing up, giving them another form of abundance. Each god or goddesses has multiple mantras that are invoked for specific situations and circumstances. These mantras are most powerful when the god or goddess invoked is also the ishta-devata (“chosen deity”) of the speaker, although any mantra invoked will begin to create an effect in the life of the speaker.

The Golden Shakti

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One of the most sublime hymns to Lakshmi—the Sri Sukta—describes her in these terms: Invoke for you O Agni, the Goddess Lakshmi, who shines like gold, yellow in hue, wearing gold and silver garlands, blooming like the moon, the embodiment of wealth. O Agni! Invoke for me that unfailing Lakshmi, blessed by whom, I shall win wealth, cattle, horses and men. I invoke Lakshmi, who has a line of horses in her front, a series of chariots in the middle, who is being awakened by the trumpeting of elephants, who is divinely resplendent. May that divine Lakshmi grace me. I hereby invoke that Shri (Lakshmi) who is the embodiment of absolute bliss; who is of pleasant smile on her face; whose lustre is that of burnished gold; who is wet as it were, (just from the milky ocean) who is blazing with splendor, and is the embodiment of the fulfillment of all wishes; who satisfies the desire of her votaries; who is seated on the lotus and is beautiful like the lotus. Of the many goddesses that represent aspects of the Shakti Ma, Lakshmi represents all that is beautiful, virtuous, and radiant. She figures prominently in many stories, in which she incarnates along side her divine consort, Vishnu.

Birth from the Ocean of Milk There are many stories regarding Lakshmi and her emergence into the world. One of the most well-known is from the story of the asuras and devas (demons and angels, respectively) churning the ocean of milk. In this story, the angels had lost their power by angering a powerful sage, and consequently, hosts of demons were allowed to invade the angels’ realm. For help, the devas went to Vishnu, who recommended that they drink amritam, the divine nectar that would confer strength and immortality. Naturally, the demons also

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wanted access this miraculous substance. So Vishnu, in his cleverness, enlisted the demons assistance in releasing the nectar from the ocean of milk in which it sat. The angels and the demon began to churn the ocean of milk, following the directions of Vishnu. As they churned, a number of miraculous things began to emerge—a divine horse, divine elephants, and then a radiant being. This beautiful woman appeared standing on a lotus flower, carrying lotus flowers in her hand and wearing a lotus wreath around her neck. Immediately, the sages began singing her praises. The elephants from the ocean of milk showered her with water, blessing her with sacred energies of the Ganges. Later, Lakshmi would take Vishnu as her husband. Lakshmi, as the goddess of abundance and virtue, complemented the role of Vishnu as the sustainer of the world, and the restorer of balance.

The Shakti of Narayana In other versions of Lakshmi’s story, she appears at the very beginning of creation. In this story, Lakshmi is the shakti, the creative power, of the Narayana, the source of creation (brahman). In the beginning, there was darkness signifying the presence of Absence. In the midst of this blackness appears a slumbering blue figure, floating in this darkness. Out of the navel of this figure sprouts a lotus flower, growing and growing, until it opens. Out of the open flower begins to emerge a four-headed being. As this figure begins to emerge, from the head of the sleeping figure emerges two negative beings, swimming in the darkness towards the four-headed being. In alarm, the four-headed being attempts to stir the sleeping blue

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figure awake. Suddenly, a female figure emerges and speaks to the four-headed being, “What is it?” The four-headed being points to the negative beings and say, “They mean to do me harm; please destroy them.” The beings speak saying, “We have done nothing.” In response, the woman speaks to the beings, “I understand everything. You are banished to the farthest reaches of the universe which will be created. It will take you eons before you will return to where life shall be. So be it.” Immediately, the beings disappear. The four-headed figure, now fully emerged from the lotus, speaks to the woman and asks, “Who are you?” She replies, “I am Lakshmi. I am the power of he who slumbers, just as I shall be your power in another form.” The four-head figure suddenly feels a presence along side of him. He turns, and finds yet another feminine figure. This feminine figure speaks, saying, “I am Saraswati, the source of your power, and you are Brahma. Lakshmi, through me, will act through you.” Immediately, Brahma feels irresistible desire to speak, and intones a deep OM. From this pulse, the entire universe begins to emerge, encased in a bubble of light. From the heart of blue figure comes a bolt of energy that strikes the bubble and scatters the universe around the darkness. “So,” says the voice of Lakshmi, “you desire to create the world. Therefore, I will be the power in the world, until such time as the entire universe returns onto you. Some call you Narayana, some Mahashiva. It matters not. You are what You are, and I am Your Power.”

Lakshmi Puja A puja is a ceremony used to honor a god or goddess, as well as a way to gain his or her blessing. This puja sequence honors the Goddess Lakshmi. It is often performed on her most sacred day

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in India, known as Diwali. This festival of lights honors several key events and figures in India’s history, and culminates with the day honoring Mahalakshmi. This puja should be performed during diwali. You can also perform this puja when initiating a new venture that you hope to be successful. Many of the items mentioned in this sequence can be found at Indian groceries or speciality stores. 1.

Spread a new cloth on a raised platform. Place a handful of grains in the center and, on this, place a pitcher made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta. Fill three-fourth of the pitcher with water and place a betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains in it. Arrange mango leaves in the pitcher.

2.

Place a small dish on the pitcher and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder over the rice grains and place a small statute or image of Lakshmi over it, along with coins.

3.

In front of the pitcher, place a statue or image of Ganesha. Also place ink and books related to your business or occupation on the platform.

4.

Light a lamp and begin the puja by offering turmeric, kumkum (a blend of spices), and flowers to the platform on which the pitcher is placed.

5.

Then offer haldi, kumkum , and flowers to the water that is to be used for the puja. Invoke the river goddesses to be part of this water.

6.

Sprinkle this water on all puja utensils to purify them.

7.

Offer haldi, kumkum , and flowers to the pitcher on which the idol of Lakshmi is placed.

8.

Invoke goddess Lakshmi by reciting the Vedic mantras addressed to her (see below). Alternately, simply take some

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flowers in your hands, close your eyes, and think of goddess Lakshmi being showered with gold coins by two elephants standing on either side of Her and chant Her name. Then offer the flowers to the statue or image. 9.

Place the idol of Lakshmi in a plate and bathe it with water or milk. Wipe the idol clean and place it back on the pitcher.

10. Offer perfume, a mala, and flowers to the Goddess. 11.

Light an incense stick and dhoop . Make an offering of sweets, or fruit.

12. Then worship the ink and business books. Open the first page

of each book and write ‘’Shubha Labh ‘’ on it and draw a swastika in the clockwise direction. 13.

Make an offering of puffed rice and batasha. Pour some puffed rice, batasha, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds over the idol. Collect some of this as a sacred offering and place it in the safe where you keep money and jewelry.

14. Finally, listen to the hymn (arati) to Lakshmi.

While listening to this arati, focus on the sources of abundance in your life, and commit to a continuous awareness of that abundance.

Take some time at the end of the puja to feel the energy that you have created, and to feel it resonate within you. Recall this energy when you are feeling a sense of lack in your life.

Lakshmi Mantras: Direct Abundance Of all the Gods and Goddesses for whom I have done mantra, Lakshmi is the one with whom I feel the most personal and direct connection. This is partly due to the fact that Lakshmi is the ruling goddess of my Vedic astrological chart. It is also because I have committed much of my mantra practice to mantras and prayers dedicated to this most merciful and radiant goddess.

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My Personal Experience of Lakshmi Mantra When I began my practice of mantra, it was specifically to and for Lakshmi. I was beginning a new life, and I asked my spiritual advisor how I should honor my new space. She suggested setting up an altar to the Goddess. I purchased a statue of Lakshmi from a local store and a low table on which to place her. I was laying out my apartment using feng shui, and I ended up placing the altar in my marriage corner. A friend consequently joked that I was marrying myself to Lakshmi. At the time, that was probably a true statement. On the altar table I placed two lotus shaped candle holders, as well as fresh arrangements of flowers. I also placed two stones, one in green and in pink (Lakshmi’s predominant colors). I clothed the statue in a scarf, and also placed two images of Lakshmi on either side of her. I began my practice of Lakshmi mantra by performing 108 repetitions of her basic mantra (see below). I found that while doing this, I would sometimes feel a great deal of peace and comfort; at other times, I would be on an emotional roller coaster. In spite of these emotional highs and lows, my mantra practice became a rock that gave me strength and steadiness throughout my day. As I continued my mantra practice, I began to notice the steady flow of abundance that was moving towards me. It came in the form of spiritual abundance first. I began to experience a rush of understandings regarding the energetic aspects of my body, such as the chakras. I also received knowledge of new spiritual traditions. This opened up a whole new direction for my practice of yoga, giving it a richness and shape that it did not have previously. Abundance also arrived in the form of relationships: new friends and the restrengthening of old relationships. As Lakshmi is also the goddess who gives new romantic relationships, I also ended

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up meeting a wonderful person who ended up becoming my partner. Each of my new and rekindled relationships added to my sense of abundance in my life. I continue to give my energies to Mahalakshmi, and to thank her for all the ways that abundance manifests in my life. She is a source of great comfort and beauty in my life, and I give to her all the fruits of my successes in all areas of my life, and thank her for the times when I do not succeed, so that I can learn from them. Om shri mahalakshmi-ki jai!

Why Use Lakshmi Mantra From my experience, all mantra is effective, even when you do not have a direct relationship with the energy on which you are calling. Also, I have found that mantras aligned with a specific divine representation manifest in a way that reflects the god or goddesses qualities. For example, you want to do some mantra work to overcome an issue or conflict at home with a partner who isn’t, ultimately, right for you. If you use mantras associated with Lakshmi, the representation of abundance, you will begin to see the abundance of positive things in your life that you may not be able to enjoy because of the relationship; this will give you a gentle prompting that maybe you need to reconsider how you value yourself and the relationship. If you use mantras associated with Kali, on the other hand, you and your partner will get right down to brass tacks, push egos and feelings aside, and really asses if this is even the right situation for each of you. If it isn’t, you’ll likely feel empowered to part ways and get back on track. Working with Lakshmi is usually a very supported and pleasant experience. Any issues related to abundance can be directed to Lakshmi and she will respond in the way that is most helpful for your dharmic growth. Lakshmi’s abundance is said to take multiple forms, based on the forms in which she appears. Some of these forms include abundances of:

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1.

Food

2.

Courage

3.

Children

4.

Victory

5.

Spiritual Knowledge

6.

Property

7.

Money

Any or all of these may come to you with Lakshmi mantra. One thing to remember about Lakshmi is that she embodies virtue and beauty, and consequently appreciates those things in her worship. For this reason, it is said in India that Lakshmi will not come to those who do not attend to the order or cleanliness of their home. In vedic philosophy, these principles are known as sukha and sauca. Maintaining the physical and spiritual cleanliness of your inner and outer spaces will allow Lakshmi’s energy to work more efficiently and effectively. Also, Lakshmi is not a goddess who will do for those who refuse to do for themselves. She supports those who work actively and continuously on themselves and their goals. For this reason, it is also important to engage in the right actions while propitiating Lakshmi. Do not just sit there waiting for abundance! Take action towards abundance, and Lakshmi will facilitate a successful outcome. Basic Mantras for Abundance The most basic mantra for Lakshmi consists of her seed sound. This seed sound represents the essence of abundance, and can be used as a starting point for working with the goddess. Mantra: Shrim

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This is bija mantra, or seed sound, of Lakshmi Pronounced like “shreem”, this sound is said to represent the energy of Lakshmi. Shrim will create a field around you that attracts the principle of abundance and repels thoughts of limitation and lack. Mantra: Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Namaha An expanded version of the seed sound presented above. Mahalakshmi is another form of the name of Lakshmi. The sound “yei” activates the energy of the mantra. The word “namaha” means “to honor.” This mantra activates and honors the energy of Lakshmi and welcomes her into our lives. Mantra: Om Gum Shrim Klim Mahalakshmiyei Swaha Lakshmi and Ganesha are often connected. Ganesha is the god who clears the way for new beginnings. His seed sound is gum which unblocks the path towards success. Klim is principle of attraction, a sound that draws energies towards us. Combining these seed sounds with Lakshmi’s bija mantra helps to open the path when there are great obstacles. While this mantra still requires us to focus on the right actions, it will help create a greater sense of abundance when we face obstacles that seem insurmountable. Deeper Mantra Work These mantras are more complex versions of the basic mantra. While they are not necessarily more effective than the mantras above, they evoke more nuanced versions of the Lakshmi’s energies. They are also excellent mantras when you are ready to deepen your practice of Lakshmi mantra. Mantra: Om Shrim Hrim Shrim Kamale Kamlalaye Praside Praside Om Shrim Hrim Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Namaha

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This mantra is a longer form of the foundational mantra “Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Swaha.” Hrim is another seed mantra that calls upon the divine soul to remove the illusion of the world. “Kamale” means the one who sits in lotus, referring to Lakshmi as the lotus dwelling one. “Praside” means to be gracious. The first line asks for the beautiful, lotus-dwelling Lakshmi to be gracious to us as we pray to her for assistance. The second line invokes the foundational mantra to Lakshmi. This mantra requires more surrender from us, as we lay our desires at the feet of the goddess to do with as she will. Mantra: Siddhi Buddhi Pradadevi, Bhukti Mukti Pradayini Mantra Murte Sadadevi, Mahalakshmi Namostute This mantra comes from the Shri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam Stotram, the “Eight-Lines in Praise of the Goddess Lakshmi.” Composed by Indra (the lord of the devas), the Ashtakam Stotram highlights different aspects of goddess’s manifestations. In this mantra, Indra praises Lakshmi in this way: “O Devi, you are accomplishment, wisdom, enjoyment, and liberation; you whose form is expressed sublimely through your mantra, I bow to thee.” This mantra calls upon all of Lakshmi’s gifts of abundance, giving us success in both spiritual matters and material ones. Mantra: Om Lakshmi Vam Sri Kamaladharam Svaha This mantra helps to attract specifically material wealth into one’s life. The sound vam can mean “to emit” or “send forth.” It also can be the seed sound of the water element. Dharam can mean “possessing” and also refers to gold given to represent earthly wealth. Thus, the esoteric meaning of this mantra can be said to mean, “I offer this prayer to the Water-Born, Lotus Dwelling Lakshmi to bring forth earthly richness. Remember when using

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this mantra that earthly wealth may or may not proceed if it is not karmically or dharmically necessary for you. Mantra: Om Mahadevi Cha Vidmahe Vishnu-patni Cha Dhimahi Tanno Lakshmihi Prachodayat This mantra is known as the Gayatri for Lakshmi. The gayatri mantras are ancient hymns to the gods and goddesses. The Lakshmi Gayatri translates to “May we honor the Goddess Lakshmi, the wife of Vishnu. May the blessed Lakshmi enlighten us!” This is a wonderful mantra if you feel deeply connected to Lakshmi and seek to create a long term practice devoted to her. Using this mantra will propitiate the goddess in all matters related to abundance.

Using These Mantras The more you use a mantra the more powerful its effects will be. You can begin with 18 repetitions of the mantra first thing in the morning, ensuring that you keep your attention focused on your purpose in using the mantra. Remember when setting your purpose that the specific outcome is based on what you most need, not what you most want. Regardless of your intent, remember that Lakshmi values both clarity and purity, so making your practice space both clean and beautiful facilitates the power of her mantras. If you would like to create a more powerful practice surrounding a particular Lakshmi mantra, you can perform your mantra at the hour before dawn or at dusk, both of which are considered particularly pure (or sattvic) times of the day. If you have an altar or other sacred space, you can place an image of Shiva on it, along with a small offering of milk, sandalwood, honey, ghee, and a lit candle. The offering does not need to be large, but it should heartfelt. Take a moment to center yourself in both

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breath and mind, sitting quietly and setting your intention. Begin by intoning AUM and then perform 108 repetitions of your chosen mantra. At the end of 108 repetitions intone AUM again and then rest quietly in the vibration of the mantra. Bring your hands together at your heart (anjali mudra) and bow your head to end your practice.

Conclusion Lakshmi is a radiant and pure goddess that represents all sources of abundance in our lives. She stands ready to help those who are willing to do the work to evolve and change themselves. For people who prepare their body, mind, and home through attention to cleanliness, spaciousness, and beauty, she is an ever-willing supporter. Lakshmi reminds us that there are many forms of abundance, and that by experiencing and embracing all of them, we can lead truly rich lives. May the blessings of this most compassationate and loving mother rain down on you continuously! Om shri shri shri 1008 shri mahalakshmi-ki jai!

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Abouts About The T-Shirt

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The T-shirt that started it all! When I first conceived the idea for T-shirts, I began with the idea of doing some simple phrases with cool graphics. But when Richard Miller of Calyx Design and I began to bounce ideas of each other, I envisioned a series of shirts reflecting the graphic styles of different eras. For Lakshmi, I first started with the idea of her in a 1950s era car, and the idea of the goddess as my co-pilot. Richard really ran with it, coming up with the idea of Lakshmi as a Doris Day-like Hollywood (Bollywood!) starlet. The gloves, the eyeglasses, the billowing scarf, the fabulous vintage car—it was all so perfect. I must admit, I thought we were done with the first draft. Richard spent some time cleaning up the illustration, and making Lakshmi even more fabulous. I was so pleased with the T-shirt. It was awesome to see Lakshmi in all of her glory, and it launched the whole line of bhakTi

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apparel. Offerings and much love to Mahalakshmi for all of her blessings!

About bhakTi bhakTi is a company that focuses on creating tools for mind/ body expansion. Founded in 2008 by Stuart Rice as a sole proprietorship, bhakTi is committed to providing classes, workshops, immersions, retreats, and products that move the heart, mind, and spirit of each person who works with us. The word “bhakti” in Sanskrit means “devotion,” and is also a particular yoga path marked by a commitment to a path of love and service. Our logo includes the face of Hanuman, the consummate spiritual warrior who found his life purpose by serving the divine faithfully and completely. From his devotion came the ability to perform incredible feats. Hanuman’s life and his use as our logo reminds those of us at bhakTi that the smallest act becomes great when it is infused with love. Our website at stuartrice.com contains a full list of our current services and products. Please visit us soon and find the tools to open your mind and heart!

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