SravaNam, Mananam, Nididhyaasanam

1/5/09

The literal meaning of Sravanam is hearing. But in the language of the Vedas, this word means "experiencing God through sravnedriyam or the instrument of hearing or ears" . It is probably the most easy method to experience God for anybody. That is why Bhaktha Prahlad introduced Sravanam as the first one of the 9 types of Bhakthi (Navavidha Bhakthi).

 

Next is Mananam which means thinking. But again Vedas say that mananam is "experiencing God through our mind". When we analyze and reanalyze the principles we heard or read in the scriptures to enlighten our mind, then it is called mananam. It is well known that the word Manthram came from Mananam. "Mananat trayate iti mantra:" means  "constant thinking or remembering of which, one is released from the cycle of births and deaths is Mantra".

 Realized souls did mananam repeatedly and came up with specific combinations of letters, repetition of which helped them to experience God and they are called Manthras. So repetition of manthras with intense focus, devotion and sincerity will elevate the devotee to experience the bliss.

 

Nididhyaasam is the third one. What ever principle, or tatva, or image or form enlightened the mind by mananam should be remembered continuously, with out interruption. This continuous remembrance of God using intellect (similar to the unbroken flow of honey from one vessel to another vessel) is called Nididhyaasam. In Vedabhaasha, it is "experiencing God through intellect or buddhi".

 

So God can be experienced through sravanam and mananam retains the experience for longer duration and nididhyaasam leads to absolute and continuous bliss.

 

Scriptures assure that continuous sravanam will lead to continuous mananam and to nididhyaasam and to Aatmajnaanam or knowledge of the self.