Here is a bullet-point gist of the provided text:
Mantra for Meditation: A mantra can facilitate meditation. Repeating a mantra with the right feeling/spirit brings meditation.
Japa vs. Meditation: Simple repetition (Japa) is not meditation itself, but if understood correctly, it can lead to the mind being dis-covered (unveiled), realizing that which is beyond (unveiled or realized).
Mantra's Central Role: Mantra-japa is a "golden thread" running through various yogas (karma, raja, bhakti, and hatha).
Etymological Meaning: The text suggests the word "mantra" means "that which, if the mind is saturated with it, saves us... from our self."
True Purpose of Mantra: A true mantra saves us from the self.
"Who am I?" is cited as a potential mantra.
Mantras for worldly gain (prosperity/fame) may not be true mantras because they favor the ego.
Effective Mantras: The most common and effective mantras point to something beyond the self and the ego.
Examples include Om (verbal indicator of God), Soham ($I$ is that), Om Namahshivaya ("Salutations to the Lord"), and the Christian mantra Kiriye Eleison Christe Eleison ("Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy").
Result: These mantras all leave out the 'me' or the self. Thus, the mantra saves from the ego, the self, the 'me'. What is saved and realized is beyond the self and is indescribable.
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