The Tilaka of Sharada

Second Chapter

Neuter ones are those ending in Namah salutation. Thus, mantras are spoken of in three ways. These three types of mantras are auspicious for subjugation, peace, and hostile acts. (59)

Mantras are to be known as having the essence of Fire or Moon, for cruel and gentle actions respectively. They are described as being devoid of the last element or filled with the ether element. (60)

Mantras of the Fire essence and the Moon essence are known by the predominance of nectar-syllables. The fiery ones are awakened when the breath moves in the right nostril. (61)

When the breath is in the other part, the gentle ones attain awareness. When the breath goes through both nostrils, all attain awareness. (62)

All awakened mantras always yield fruit to the practitioner. Mantras that are "cut" damaged or ineffective and other such bad mantras do not protect the practitioner. (63)

A mantra is said to be "cut," "obstructed," "devoid of power," or "turned away." It is also called "deaf," "blind," "entangled," or "stifled." (64)

It can be "burnt," "cursed," "frightened," "soiled," or "despised." It can be "divided," "asleep," "intoxicated," or "fainted." (65)

It may be "deprived of vitality," "deficient," "destroyed," or like a "child." It can be "adolescent," "youthful," "adult," "aged," or "cruel." (66)

"Devoid of potency," "devoid of success," "dull," "crooked," or "devoid of parts." "Devoid of essence," "squint-eyed," or "devoid of seed." (67)

"Smoky" or "embraced," "deluded," or "suffering from hunger." "Excessively old," "devoid of limbs," or "excessively angry" are also mentioned. (68)

"Excessively cruel," "ashamed," or "with a peaceful mind." "Displaced from its place," "incomplete," or "excessively old" are also mentioned. (69)

I shall speak of the symptoms of those that are "devoid of affection" and "oppressed." If the first, middle, or end of a mantra contains the fire-seed. (70)

Whether joined or separated, or three times affected by vowels, or four times, or five times, that mantra is known as "cut." (71)