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viz. "Om Gam", after reciting which one should salute Ganesha.
 
The author has suggested a two-syllable Mantra
for convenience. "Om Gam" could be stated elaborately as
"Ganesham Om Asti" or Ganesha is the Absolute Spirit
as denoted by the syllable "Om". The abbreviation has been
purposely made so as to facilitate easy chanting.
 
The author has elaborately explained how a spiritual
seeker should recite the Mantra "Om Gam" in order to
propitiate Ganesha. The correct intonation of the Mantra
is absolutely essential so as to get the maximum benefit.
The author has emphasised that the nasal intonation of the
syllable "Om" is an essential and important ingredient of
the Mantra. The Mantra when recited correctly strikes
at that inner centre in every person which partakes of the
Divine Spirit.
 
The importance of 'Japa' to attain absolution has been
recognised by all religions. The Mantra is chanted to the
telling of beads so as to avoid distraction and wandering
of attention. It is customary to have a fixed place and time
for this practice, and amongst Hindus usually before the
household deity. If it is possible, a separate room should
be set apart in the house, for prayers, which is not accessible
to all and sundry. An image of the chosen deity should
be kept in the room. Incense should be burnt before the
chosen deity because of its auto-suggestive effect. Then
gradually the room would imbibe and radiate an atmosphere
of peace and calm, so that on getting into the room a person
could be automatically calmed and feel restored. The best
time for 'japa' are the early morning and late evening when
the mind is calm and receptive to spiritual influence.
Spiritual progress is inevitable if the seeker is sincere in
his practices, and has the good fortune of securing the grace
of a Guru or teacher. From time immemorial spiritual
aspirants have joined the Ved Shala or Aāla or Āshram of a Guru
from a tender age to get training and guidance in the
spiritual field. The Guru, after testing the capability of
the pupil, trains him in the sacred lore by giving him
 
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