chanting incantations and making spells while

stirring some evil brew in a big round pot,

intent on some mischief, perhaps with the
broomstick ready so that they can quickly fly
off into the nether worlds. Such is the nonsense, superstition and misunderstanding that
surrounds the use of mantras. And this is a
great pity for they can help to transform one's
life. Like mandalas, mantras imply far more
than is understood on first impression. They
can bring about experiences that cannot even
be talked about. They are often described as
specific sound structures, but there is far more
inherent in mantras for they extend their
influence into the realms of the subtle. In a
sense, their roots are in the subtle and their
branches are in the m o r e gross levels of
existence. It is only at low levels of awareness
that they are seen and understood as mere
sound patterns. They are far, far more.
Actually, the use of mantra is a science, a
very wonderful science. In the past this science
was widely practised in all parts of the world.
In recent years it has been sadly neglected as
people become more and more attached to
gross and materialistic explanations of phenomena. But the science of mantras is being
revived and will bring vast repercussions in
the world of the future. This must happen, for
it is the power of mantras that can unlock the
secrets of nature and the universe. Mantras
will be used as a scientific tool, in the same way
that light and lasers, and electron microscopes
are currently used to peer into the deeper
realms of nature.
T h e inner being of every individual is in
continual contact with something much greater
than the limitations of individuality. Most
people are never aware of this; it is beyond
normal levels of awareness. Mantras bring
about a state of 'resonance' between the
individual and the depths of the inner being.
Psychologists would say that the individual
tunes in with his collective unconscious.
Mantras are the means to harmonize with these
inner cosmic forces. Specific mantras are used
to contact particular realms of the inner being.
Again don't make the mistake of thinking
that this power of mantras is confined to tantra,
for it definitely is not. It is an integral part of
many eastern systems, including Buddhism,
Jainism, Sikhism, etc. It is also a part of systems
t h r o u g h o u t the world, including western

systems, though it is usually hidden in esoteric

language and symbols.
Magic
Magic occurs in the realm of the material
universe (maya). Everything that h a p p e n s
around us in the world, whether the birth of a
child, the growth of a tree, a flying bird or the
digestive process, it is really magic. What can
be more magical than the incredible phenomena occurring around us every second of the
day? All that magic rites involve is the
manipulation of the universal magic around
and within us. Modern science, in a sense,
does this through various energy manipulations: electrical, mechanical, biological and so
forth. T h e tantric, yogi or magician invokes
cosmic forces, psychic forces, etc. by means of
mantras, mandalas, rites and other tantric
practices. If you don't think this is possible,
then we don't intend to persuade you otherwise. In fact, we again point out that there is
no reason why you should believe anything
without personal experience. Only keep an
open mind to possibilities, and remember that
magic rites have been practised throughout
the history of mankind.
T h e basic premise of magic is that the
macrocosm is reflected in the microcosm,
though in fact the relationship is far deeper
than this. Therefore, change in the outer world,
in the p h e n o m e n a l universe a n d in t h e
individual himself can be invoked by magical
means. T h e microcosm is the gateway to the
macrocosm. Undertaking of the inner leads to
understanding of the outer. Understanding
of maya leads to its mastery.
In tantra, magic is to be used to bring about
positive changes in one's being and surroundings. Unfortunately, magic is easily open
to abuse in the form of black magic. This leads
to a person's downfall, for negative actions
lead to negative repercussions on the magician.
T h e r e is a tendency for the misapplied use of
magic to rebound. Tantra, of course, discourages misuse of magic. It advocates that
magic should be used to bring about harmony;
it should be in accordance with one's nature
(dharma). This is often called white magic. But
magic is magic; it is only misappropriate or
appropriate use that transforms it into black
or white magic. T h e power is there in each
individual; it is the way that it is used that is
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