Concepts

Before going into the science of Mahabharata refer these concepts to have a better understanding. 

What is a Mantra ? 


In simple terms a mantra is an password whose proper recitation of them brings what is inherently true in them and their perfect recitation is very crucial. Swami Krishnananda, in his "Science of Mantra" says "there is a large compilation called a Mantra Maharnava; ‘An Ocean of Mantras’ is the name of that book. All kinds of mantras are described, with their mode of application, like we may have mathematical formulae for the manufacture of different kinds of nuclear warheads or weapons. The formulae change according to the requirement on hand. So a particular mantra of a god is a formula. It is a mathematical equation, as it were, which conjures up a hidden energy and releases it into action, and the mantra does what we expect it to do. He adds "The mantra japa, therefore, is a sacred act of the spiritual seeker. It is not merely a verbal audible utterance of a word or a linguistic formula. It is a preparation for going inward into the very power with which we are able to vocalize or articulate the mantra"
Source : swami-krishnananda.org

If there is a science behind mantras, why not we create mantras ?

"As a matter of fact, a mantra is not created with any specific meaning or thought in mind. Its sole purpose is to devise a method for accessing, attracting and absorbing a specific current of the cosmic energy and its purposeful harnessing. Whatever be the mantra -vedic, puranic or tantric - its mechanism is the same. It would be apposite here to also keep in mind that creation or construction of a mantra is not an intellectual process. However talented or brilliant a person may be, he cannot create mantras. It is the job of only the rishis and seers, whose divine vision is capable of peeping into the subtlest realms".
Source : Akhandjyoti.org

How does the mantra function ? When it becomes accomplished ? 

The methodology of a mantra’s functioning is novel. As the specific phase of its sadhana (practice) is completed, it connects the sadhak’s inner consciousness with the specific cosmic energy current or devashakti. But this is one aspect of its function. In its other aspect, it simultaneously makes the sadhak qualified and fit to receive this special power. By mantra - sadhana, certain secret recesses or zones of the sadhak’s interior become activated, and he becomes capable of receiving, bearing and harnessing those subtle energies. Only then the mantra is said to have become siddha (accomplished or mastered).

Can Mantra travel and reach far away objects ?

Jonathan Goldman an Internationally acknowledged master teacher has studied with masters of sound from both the scientific and spiritual traditions, in an interview by Integeral Yoga Magazine, he explains to the question - "In your book, "Healing Sounds", you talk about research that explains how ancient rishis conceived of yantras, sacred Hindu mandalas, linked to different mantras" ? Jonathan Goldman answers, "Throughout history there have been people who have observed and investigated the unique ability of sound vibrations to effect and shape different substances. In the 1960s, Dr. Hans Jenny, a Swiss medical doctor, observed the effects of sound upon matter. He called his work Cymatics—the Greek word for waveform, because sound travels as a wave. Many consider this work to be the most important demonstration of the ability of sound to shape substance. Dr. Jenny was one of the first to use an oscillator to test different materials. He showed that sound was able to actually create form in various substances such as pastes, liquids and water".
[source : iymagazine.org ]

What is Yagna ?

Yagna is a process aimed at the refinement of the subtle energy existing in matter with the help of thermal energy of the Mantras. The knowledge of philosopy and science of Yagna is as essential for understanding and experimenting the science of spirituality as the knowledge of elementary physics is for material based sciences.
[source : adrishta.com]

What are the Scientific aspects of Yagna ?

There are two basic energy systems in the physical world: heat and sound. In performing yagna, these two energies, namely, the heat from yagna’s fire and the sound of the chanting of the Gayatri and other Vedic Mantras, are blended together to achieve the desired physical, psychological and spiritual benefits. The fumigation, vaporization and subtlisation of specific substances in the yagna-fire constitute a verifiable scientific method of sublimation of matter and expansion of its colloidal state, generates ions and energy with positive effects in the surrounding atmosphere through the specific sonic waves of the mantras.
Source : Akhandjyoti.org

Who is Rishi ?

The word Rishi means to Move, to go, to flow etc. Rishi is a "seer" to whom the Vedas were "originally revealed" through states of higher consciousness.

Who are SaptaRishis?  Who are the SaptaRishi's of Mahabharatha ?

The main rishis recorded in the "Brahmanas" and the "Rigveda-Anukramanis" include Gritsamada, Vishvamitra, Vamadeva, Atri, Bharadvaja, Vasishta, Angiras, Kaṇva. As per the "Shatapatha Brahmana 14.5.2.6" (Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad), SapthaRishis are Gautama, Bharadvaja, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Vasishtha, Kashyapa, and Atri. In Mahabharata there is list of Marici, Atri, Angiras, Pulaha, Kratu, Pulastya and Vasishtha. The Mahābhārata list explicitly refers to the saptarshis of the first manvantara[4] and not to those of the present manvantara. It is to be noted that each manvantara had a unique set of saptarshi.

More concepts to follow