DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Reciting slokas/mantras without guru upadesam....

**Munccoughe** · 02-21-2011, 10:59 PM

Hi
Somebody cautioned me that , we cannot recite sloka's/mantras/japam etc without proper guru upadesam
(meant invocation thru guru).

Some time we may not get guru who can do upadesam first time. Also my uncle used to say that if not
you can tell 'Dakshina moorthy slogam, Soundariya Lahri Guru Stothram, pray to God to forgive not taking
taking thru ) and the start reciting that slowly.

If we could not get 'guru upadesam', what is the best way to start ?

Please be eloborate.
thanks
Usha

You have to distinguish between Slokas, Sthudhis and Mantras. Slokas and Sthudhis which are in praise of a Deity do not need a Guru.

These are said with Bhakti. Bhakthi and Shraddha are important here.

The first words I learnt was "Gajananam Bhudhaganathi Sevidham ...."

I was taught and learnt Acchudhashtakam, Kalabhairava Ashtakam, Annapurani Sthothra and Lingashtakam before I learnt any alphabets. I recited them in the temples at Varanasi when I was not yet 6 years old. I have also taught my children that way.

You need a Guru only for Mantras. Even here not all mantras need a Guru or Mantra Upadeasm.

So it depends on what you want to recite.

Remember GOD is pleased when you recite Slokas and Sthudhis. Even if you commit mistakes, it is beneficial.

Unfortunately our religion has degenerated into a set of Do Not do this, do not do that (injunctions) rather than telling you what you should do.

Please advise the specific Sloka or Mantra so that the advice could also be specific.

02-21-2011, 10:59 PM	#6
Munccoughe Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 544 Senior Member	Hi Somebody cautioned me that , we cannot recite sloka's/mantras/japam etc without proper guru upadesam (meant invocation thru guru). Some time we may not get guru who can do upadesam first time. Also my uncle used to say that if not you can tell 'Dakshina moorthy slogam, Soundariya Lahri Guru Stothram, pray to God to forgive not taking taking thru ) and the start reciting that slowly. If we could not get 'guru upadesam', what is the best way to start ? Please be eloborate. thanks Usha You have to distinguish between Slokas, Sthudhis and Mantras. Slokas and Sthudhis which are in praise of a Deity do not need a Guru. These are said with Bhakti. Bhakthi and Shraddha are important here. The first words I learnt was "Gajananam Bhudhaganathi Sevidham ...." I was taught and learnt Acchudhashtakam, Kalabhairava Ashtakam, Annapurani Sthothra and Lingashtakam before I learnt any alphabets. I recited them in the temples at Varanasi when I was not yet 6 years old. I have also taught my children that way. You need a Guru only for Mantras. Even here not all mantras need a Guru or Mantra Upadeasm. So it depends on what you want to recite. Remember GOD is pleased when you recite Slokas and Sthudhis. Even if you commit mistakes, it is beneficial. Unfortunately our religion has degenerated into a set of Do Not do this, do not do that (injunctions) rather than telling you what you should do. Please advise the specific Sloka or Mantra so that the advice could also be specific.
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