Mantra is highest rhythm of intensity and power to which human speech can be raised. The Vedic Science regards the world as being built by Light and Sound. The primordial Sound or the original Naad is the first Vibration that expands as Space or Akash. Then by modifying itself it gives rise to the other four elements, Vayu, Agni, Jal and Prithwi. But Sound remains one of the two fundamental aspects of the cosmos. Each element, each deity, each force, each plane can be resolved into certain rhythms and frequencies that were discovered by the Vedic Rishis. The fundamental sounds came to be known as beej mantras. They are naturally more powerful buf also more difficult to practice as a little mistake in the Sound Vibration can raise very different forces. Besides very few are capable of bearing the impact of the forces that are unlocked by the Sound. Most beejmantras, except Aum and Maa require a Guru who can manage the effect..Aum and Maa are complete and all encompassing sounds and hence include within its Vibration all the other forces. But other seed sounds generally invoke one deity or the other whose entry may completely upset the human system by emphasising one or another aspect of the One Divine.
But mantras have not only Sound but also words and meanings. This involves and engages the mind which by meditating upon a Mantra with a specific meaning invests its faith in it as well as aligns its aspiration. This becomes an advantage because the mind not only participates but also channelises the power of the Deity invoked through the association of the meaning. Some of these mantras are universal in power because they have been practiced over several centuries, such as the verses of the Gita and the Upanishads, the Gayatri Mantra, Mahanrityunjaya Mantra, Narad’s Mantra, etc. They do not require to be activated by a guru. Others have remained dormant and generally require a Guru, such as Sohamasmi, Tattwamasi, most tantrik mantras for example.
The mantra works best if it arises spontaneously within since it implies an acceptance by the inner being of the sadhak. Mantras chosen mechanically because others do it or to produce certain effects or results may or may not bring the desired result depending upon the intensity of faith and aspiration behind it.
As to Kaliyuga what is considered most quickly effective is Naam Japa or inwardly repeating or chanting the Name or Names of the Lord since the Name is associated with the Divine Presence and taking the Name itself opens the inner being, purifies the nature and leads one to the doors of highest realisation. No Mantra is greater than the Divine Name and yes, the easiest of all.
