Gum or Gung

[Guest guest]

Om Andrew, thanks for sharing your experience. Rudra Centre's

recording is absolutely correct in the Anunasika Manner with the

pronunciation of GuNg. Sri Neil Campbell (distributor from

Scotland) summed it up very succinctly. Please read his message

pasted below for your perusal.

Ommmmm

-------------------------

 

Message 12741 dated September 24th 2006

 

, "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

 

 

 

 

, "andrewngmm"

<andrewngmm wrote:

>

> gum or gung.