Passage 3

Aids for the control of the senses

There are eight ways of reciting the Upanishadhic manthras, - Jata, Ghana, Mala, Shikha, Rekha, Dhwaja, Dhanda and Radhwa. Of these Jata and Dhanda are the most important. The others are variations of these two. The Jata method of recitation is essential for the performance of the seven Paka-yagnas, the seven Havis-yagnas and the seven Soma-yagnas. The 21 yagnas are associated with the 5 senses of action Karmendhriyas, the 5 Gnanendhriyas (the Cognitive senses) , the 5 7hahmanthras (the subtle elements), the 5 Pranas (life-breaths) and the Principle of the Ego. Consequently every yagna is related to one Indhriya. The Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and the Upanishadhs are aids for the control of the senses. Although different deities are mentioned in the manthras, it is the one Supreme that is invoked under different names for different purposes. When the Divine is invoked for giving rain, the name of Indhra is called; Varuna is invoked for another purpose. When the Mruthyunjaya Manthra is recited, it is not for conquering death (as it is commonly believed), but for avoiding unnatural or premature death.