The Tilaka of Sharada (1100) - Page 22

Second Chapter

...having identified these mantras tainted with defects, the practitioner should integrate them within themselves. (110)

Using firm breath control and the yoni-mudra a symbolic hand gesture representing the divine womb, one should purify them. Ten processes are mentioned for mantras that bestow success: (111)

Generation, then animation, piercing, and awakening. (112)

Then sprinkling, purification, nourishing, (113)

Satisfying, enlivening, and concealing—these are the ten mantra-processes. The extraction of mantra letters from the Matrika the subtle letters of the alphabet is called generation. (114)

The wise practitioner should recite the mantra letters while placing the Pranava the Om sound between them. Experts in mantra-essence call this animation. (115)

Having written the mantra, the practitioner should pierce it with sandalwood-scented water. Piercing is defined as doing this for each letter using breath a symbolic ritual of infusing air/life. (116)

Having written the mantra, the practitioner should strike it with flowers from the Karavira oleander plant, matching the number of mantra syllables, to achieve awakening. (117)

According to the independent scriptures, the practitioner should sprinkle the mantra with Ashvattha sacred fig tree leaves, matching the number of mantra syllables, for purification. (118)

Mentally contemplating the mantra, one should burn away the three impurities of the mantra using the "light-mantra" a transformative meditation technique. This is known as purification. (119)

The "light-mantra" is considered to be the one joined with the tara Om, the sky-syllable, and the fire-syllable. Sprinkling each letter with chanted Kusha sacred grass water is the mantra-sprinkling ritual. (120)

Nourishing the deity through this mantra in the prescribed manner is known as "nourishing." Offering water with the mantra is known as "satisfying." (121)

Joining the tara, maya Hrim, and rama Srim is called "mantra-enlivening." Concealing the mantra that is being recited is called "secrecy." (122)

->These ten processes are mentioned as secret in all tantras. By performing these according to tradition, the practitioner obtains what is desired. One should serve the mantras that are favorable to one's own zodiac sign.