Significance of Gayathri - Maharishi Devendra Nath Tagore
As soon as I saw the efficacy of Gayatri for Brahman worship,
as taught by Ram Mohan Roy, it sank deep in me.
With constant repetition of its meaning, I meditated on it.
Though I did not succeed in helping others by propounding
the Gayatri mantras, in my case, it did much good.
I continued to worship Him daily through the mantra.
The deep significance of the Gayatri became clear to me.
Gradually the spirit of it filled my heart. I established a certain
connection with Him. Formerly, I had deemed it a privilege
to salute Him from a distance. Now I realized that He was not
far from me. When not knowing Him, I was wandering aimlessly,
sad and despondent. He gradually opened my inner eye,
the eye of wisdom. All this time I did not know that He was
leading me by the hand. Now I walked under His guidance.
Then I prayed to Him to inspire me with righteousness,
to guard me with moral strength, to give me patience,
courage, fortitude and contentment. What profits
beyond all expectations had I not gained by adopting
the Gayatri mantra? I had seen Him face to face, had
heard. His voice of command and had become
His constant companion. Even as He, dwelling in the sky,
guides the stars and planets, so does He dwelling within
my heart inspire all my righteous feelings and guide my
soul. When I did some good in secret, He openly
rewarded me; I saw His benign countenance, and
my heart was purified. I felt that ever enshrined
within my heart. He taught me wisdom like a Guru
and prompted me to do good. I exclaimed:
“Thou art Father too and Mother; Thou art the Guru
and bestower of all wisdom. In punishment as in reward,
I discerned His love alone. Nurtured by His love, falling
to rise again, I have come thus far.