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Advancing Practices of Shri Vidya in the Himalayan Tradition

May 2019

In the spring of 2019,  Swami Ritavan and Pandit Dabral spoke on the science and practice of Shri Vidya in the Himalayan Tradition.  In March, the background of the Devi-Mahatmya text was given by Pandit Dabral,  and in April, Saumya Mantra diksha (initiation) was given by Swami Ritavan as a continuation of the meditation practices of Shri Vidya originally prescribed by Swami Veda.

The following are the steps for Practice of Shri Vidya  with the new Saumya Mantra meditation and japa:

1.   Implement the basic preparations and steps of meditation as you have mastered them.
2.   These would include basic breathing practices along with breath awareness and pratyahara (sense withdrawal), as well as
3.   Nadi shodhana,to establish dharana (concentration) of the sushumna channel.
4.   Observe the ascent and descent of prana in the sushumna channel along with the Mantra (“shreem”). 
5.   Visualize an upward triangle with its base between the eye-brows, and enter ajna chakra as the triune presence of the shakti forces (iccha, jnana and kriya).
6.   Within this light-filled space, resonating with the mantra (“shreem”) a single bindu point becomes the center of resonance and illumination from which emanates the Bala Mantra          (“a’eem, kleem, sauh”).  Do the japa of the Bala Mantra 27 times, or for one full mala.
7.   Offer this meditation to the Guru and the Divine Mother with the mental recitation of:   a) “Akhanda mandala karam…. b) Saundarya Lahari, Verse 27: “Japo jalpah shilpam…. c) Saundarya Lahari, Verse 3: “Avidyanam antas….”
8.   For the japa of Saumya Mantra there are two options: Option One: Recite Saumya Mantra 3, 11, or 21 times, or do the japa of Saumya Mantra for one or more malas.  Option Two: Recite Saumya Mantra 3 times and then a do a mala of “Tare tuttare ture swaha,” (the “essence mantra”).
9.   Continue your mental japa with a sentiment of love and devotion with your own personal mantra along with any purascharanas (special mantra practices) or designated recitations according to your personal sankalpa (commitment).
10.   Come out of meditation with the ascent and descent of the breath, prana and the mantra (“shreem”).   

*Saumya Mantra and Tara  Tuttare Mantra

saumyā saumyātarāśeṣā saumyebhyas tvati sundari

parāparāṇāṁ paramā tvameva parameshvarī

Tare Tuttare Ture Swaha

TMC Spiritual Committee contacts: Swami Ma Radha, Dr. Stephen (Stoma) Parker, Lori Beron, Paul Emerson, Jim Nelson, or Michael Smith.