Meru is a golden mountain that supports the heaven, earth and hell. It supports the three levels of consciousness. It also means Tartar range of mountains north of Himalaya. This golden mountain is analogous to the brain, which supports all the aspects of individual life. One of the meanings of the word Meru (Sanskrit) seems to be brain. Hence the vertebral column is called Meru danda (Column or Rod).


Meru-mani means a big bead, in the japamala i.e. rosary.

It is said that while reciting or remembering the name of God; and counting it on the japamala, i.e. while practicing namasmaran; you are not supposed to cross the meru-mani.

What could be the reason for this?

According to me, the penance of any kind; including namasmaran; is aimed at reaching the controlling center of the inner and outer universe.

Physiologically it is clear that there is a continuous flow of impulses to and fro the cerebral cortex on either side. Impulses flow from right brain to the left body and from left body to right brain.

When you start counting the name of God, you tend to replicate the above process and go from meru-mani to the japamala and back. This is like going from left brain and coming back. The next counting is begun by reversing the position of the meru-mani as if starting from right brain to the body and coming back.

One can tally this explanation with one’s experience.

DR.
SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR