GuNg and M pronunciation /THANKS NEILJI

[Guest guest]

Sri Neilji, Namaste & Pranaams, thank you sincerely for excellently

superb input !! Anusvara and Anunasika methods. Exactly how

competent gurus teach their chelas ! Your kindly participation is

greatly appreciated much more than words can express. Thanks once

again.

 

Ommmmm

 

 

 

, "Neil"

<Trikashaivism wrote:

>

> Namaste all,

>

> If it helps according to the rules of Sanskrit pronunciation of

the "a"

> in gam is traditionally pronounced for one matra (a finger click)

and

> should sound like the "u" in cup or butter. The "m" is where things

> become more complex.

>

> Most bija mantras (and many end in "m") are best pronounced in the

> Anunasika manner (in terms of their effectiveness), which means

that the

> mouth (particularly the lips) should be open and the tongue should

curl

> back towards the rear roof of the mouth (I think this is the same

as

> with lingual consonants, one of the five type of consonants in

> Sanskrit). In such cases an "m" will then sound more like "ng". If

the

> lips are closed, which is known as Anusvara, the sound/vibration

only

> goes as far as the nasal area. Whereas in Anunasika the mantra

travels

> up to the top of the head. This is why this method and this sound

is

> best for sadhana.

>

> Often in chanting aloud (particularly in groups) it is easier to

use

> Anusvara technique, but if you are using it for personal sadhana

> Anunasika method (the "ng" sound) is much better.

>

> While CD's and tapes have a certain limited value (good for

learning the

> basic sound of mantras), when possible it is always better to get

> informed and personal instruction from somebody who has

successfully

> practiced mantras/Sanskrit and has an understanding of how to

correctly

> pronounce Sanskrit. Meaning knowing how the lips and tongue should

be

> positioned for pronouncing the various consonants and vowels, and

also

> where the sound should be resonated. Otherwise confusion arises.

>

> Om Shanti

> Neil