Book review: Mantras for peace of mind Vaswani J.

P, publisher: Gita publishing House, Sadhu Vaswani Mission,10, Sadhu Vaswani Path, Pune- 411001, 186 pp, for private circulation, price not mentioned, paperback edition. The head of Sadhu Vaswani Mission, recipient of U Thant peace award, Dada J.P.Vaswani is an internationally acclaimed thinker and philosopher. He has more than 100 books and booklets to his credit. All of them are rich with useful, practical and yet simple spiritual solutions for a common man. The word 'mantra' is no longer an alien to English vocabulary though there it is used in a derogatory sense. The science of Mantras, its methods of application, its benefits, is a very exhaustive subject of which very little is known from tradition as it is often secretly guarded, and still less available in book form. Despite this, the curiosity of the people to know more about it has not at all abated. Though, the book under review is not intended to satisfy such superficial readers, it definitely serves as an introduction for the topic under discussion, highlighting the basic methods and attitudes to be adopted in chanting mantras, which are also equally important. Introducing the need for 'connectivity' in this age, the author says we must not forget to remember the important connection with our creator. This Japa or repetition of the Divine Name is the easiest Sadhana for that. Peace of mind, Secure feeling of linking ourselves with a Higher Truth, power to conquer negative thinking, destruction of accumulated past vaasanas, getting closer to God and achieving four-fold goal of human life- these are the benefits of chanting sacred mantras. A mantra that we take from a book has not the same significance and value, as one that we receive through the voice of a realised master. The mantra bestowed by a Guru to his disciple is called Gurumantra which is a combination of sacred sounds, high energy waves, healing vibrations and the transformative power of the guru's grace and compassion for us, says the author. This is called mantra diksha. Mantras can be classified into Saguna, Nirguna and Bija. Their repetition or Japa also is of three types: chanted aloud, whispered in a low voice, uttered in the silence of the heart within. The author has discussed some of the mantras with his characteristically lucid and eloquent expositions on the significance of each. After every chapter on mantras, a page is devoted solely for frequently asked questions wherein the readers get most of their common doubts answered. Guided suggestions on positive visualization are added at the end of explaining each mantra, equipping a neophyte to concentrate on the mantra easily. Stories of saints and anecdotes from mythology are added, to inspire the readers of the efficacy of mantras. There is no doubt that this book would serve as a good handbook for a beginner in the field. *********************************************************************************