There are various types of mantras, each with its own effects, but the basic effect of chanting mantras seems to be to reach a state of bliss.

Mantras are included as part of rituals or practices, and are essentially a form of prayer, but they also have a magical aspect.

However, apart from these doctrinal, cultural, and ability-related aspects, there is a basic effect: that of purifying the inner self through a state of bliss. Spiritually, it is called purification, and in yoga, it is called clarity. In Vedanta, it is called Antahkarana Shuddhi (purification of the inner self). Although the terms are different, the effects and expectations are almost the same.

This basic bliss is deeply connected to emotions, and it has the effect of purifying emotional conflicts, anger, fear, jealousy, and desire.

In fact, this type of state of bliss is basically the same as the "zone" that is often talked about in sports and performing arts. The difference is that mantras and rituals are less likely to lead to distractions such as desires, as the focus is on the deity. However, the effects are actually almost the same. Stories about Silicon Valley engineers entering a state of bliss while programming on computers are also the same. The same goes for when sculptors or artisans enter a state of focus while creating traditional works.

Therefore, the basic effect and expectation of chanting mantras is essentially to enter a state of bliss. However, this may not always be explicitly stated in doctrinal explanations, but from what I have seen, this seems to be the basic principle.

This state of bliss is connected to the emotional aspect of the astral body. The astral body is a layer that exists after the physical body, and it is relatively physical and worldly. The effect of mantras and other practices is to remove various impurities from this layer.

Therefore, if you can enter a state of bliss through performing arts or other activities, even without chanting mantras, it can be said to have the same effect. This state of bliss realizes the purification of the inner self, and a sense of peace gradually deepens.

As the state of bliss becomes more stable, the fluctuations in that bliss gradually subside, and eventually, one reaches a state of stillness. This is also an indication of having reached the next level, the causal realm (realm of cause and effect), and at that point, the need to rely on the state of bliss is significantly reduced.

■It is not necessarily through mantras; entering the zone of joy in work is also acceptable.

It is possible to advance to the next level by reaching the zone of joy through mantras or other practices. However, what is easy and suitable varies depending on the individual. It is not necessary to chant mantras; instead, one should choose a method that is easy to do within their living environment. For example, a technician can enter the zone by mastering their skills, and a religious person can enter the zone through mantras, which is also fine. Similarly, someone in the entertainment industry can enter the zone of joy by mastering their craft.

No matter which path one takes, it is possible to reach a state of stillness. People who have achieved a certain level of mastery in any field often have a very calm and peaceful expression, and their expressions are also rich, because they have reached a state of tranquility due to having entered the zone of joy. While this is not always the case, generally, by repeatedly entering the zone for many years, the zone becomes stable and one can reach a state of stillness.

This is a relatively basic aspect of spirituality, but it is important because it is the foundation. If one studies spirituality but has not passed through the basic zone of joy and reached a state of stillness, then they have not truly achieved anything.

Therefore, while studying spirituality is good, it is most efficient to turn one's daily work into a form of practice, as it is something that is done every day. By working hard, one can achieve results, receive recognition, and potentially increase their salary. Furthermore, entering the zone of joy can purify one's inner self, making it a win-win situation. Whether or not it is easy to enter the zone depends on the job, but one can use whether or not it is possible to pursue spirituality as a criterion for choosing a job. One can choose a job with a certain degree of potential for entering the zone, or look for aspects within their current job that allow them to enter the zone. Alternatively, even if there is nothing specific, one may be able to enter the zone simply by doing their job properly. It is easier to enter the zone when there is a specific target, but as one's inner purification progresses, all actions can be included in the zone. Therefore, the type of work that allows one to enter the zone varies depending on the individual's state and situation. However, if one is struggling, it is a good idea to choose a job with a clear target and work hard until they can enter the zone.

■The joy of the zone is the foundation of spiritual practice.

The type of work is not that important, but it is better to choose something that does not cause trouble to others. It is better to be able to contribute to someone, but at this stage, you do not need to worry too much about that.

There are many spiritual organizations in this world, but some of them believe that their own school is the only correct one, and they operate with the belief that their rituals and mantras are the best and only correct. However, from the perspective of those who participate, it is better not to take them too seriously, and the root of this is that all schools are correct.

When we talk about schools, the correctness refers to the correctness in the heart. What is felt in the heart is correct in any school, and there is no mistake there. However, there are differences in expression, such as mantras, the way of chanting, and the interpretation. Such superficial differences are not very important. Some schools have traditionally inherited teachings from previous teachers through a guru, and they continue to pass them down unchanged. However, fundamentally, what is real is what connects to one's own heart. On the other hand, many people spend their time distinguishing between trivial superficial matters, such as "this is different" or "that is different," or criticizing other schools. In reality, there is not much difference between the schools. If we say this openly, it will cause friction, and I will not point out such trivial things. However, I believe that the differences between schools are only superficial differences. Any school that attracts people to some extent has some truth to it.

Sometimes, the people involved believe that they are teaching the only and absolute correct teachings. However, such thinking can inflate the ego, and since people are involved, it cannot be completely pure, and it goes through the filter of people's thoughts. Therefore, it is better to listen to it with half an ear. I will not deliberately point out to such organizations that "it is the same as other organizations," and if that school believes that, they can do as they please. However, from an outside perspective, some of them have seen or been near such schools, and I think that the basic situation is like this.

And, I think the basic principle of attracting people to an organization is the "zone of bliss." Bliss is connected to the emotional aspect, and it is a fundamental part of spirituality. Even if the foundation is small, it attracts people, and it depends on each person's level of spiritual growth. However, since there are various people in any organization, there is a basic foundation, and the zone of bliss forms that foundation.

■The zone of bliss is a personal practice.

The zone of bliss can be achieved through service, but in some schools, it can also be achieved through chanting mantras or performing rituals such as pujas. This is a form of immersion in the object, and bliss is brought about by identification and unification with the object (such as deities) through concentration.

In reality, everything in this world is the authority of God, and everything is precious. However, objects or entities that resemble God are relatively less dependent and can lead to more pure thoughts and prayers.

Similarly, worshiping someone (a person) is generally thought to be a bad thing, but in the context of the zone of bliss, it can be a foundation for spirituality. However, worshiping a person is not essential, and in reality, it is often easier to achieve the zone of bliss with other objects, especially in the initial stages. There are many options for achieving the zone of bliss, such as sculptures, art, performing arts, technology, and sports.

At this stage, a certain degree of bliss arises in the zone, but it is not yet oneness, and it is still a state of individual consciousness. Consideration and understanding of those around you are not very broad, and basically, your own concerns are the center of attention. This state, where the individual is the center of attention, continues until you break through the zone of bliss and reach a state of stillness. However, it is only when you reach the state of oneness that the connection with "others" becomes important. Until then, the basic practice is to do it alone, and even in the zone of bliss, the basic practice is to face yourself. Even if you belong to an organization, until that stage, you are essentially alone. You may make friends with people you get along with, but from the perspective of spiritual growth, you are still living as an individual and practicing individually until you reach oneness.

In this way, the stage of "zone of bliss" is a personal practice, and by achieving a state of bliss, one may become slightly kinder to others, and there will certainly be interactions with others in work, but it is still a state that has not reached oneness, and the stage of personal practice continues until one exits the "zone of bliss."

In this way, the "zone of bliss" is a personal practice, but when a person who has reached that stage becomes a spiritual guide (guru), there is a tendency to insist that one's own sect is absolutely correct without recognizing other sects.

Especially in places with a long history, the connection between the guru and the disciple (guru-parampara) is highly valued. For example, tracing back to the guru can lead to famous historical figures such as Honen, Kobo Daishi, or Shankaracharya, which is used as proof of legitimacy.

Indeed, such legitimacy has its own meaning, but whether or not to recognize other sects is a separate matter. The religious wars in this world are caused by interpreting that one's own sect is legitimate, therefore other sects are wrong. Even without going to war, it is common to criticize other sects.

At the level of "zone of bliss," the best one can achieve is a state of stillness, and in sects where many people are at that level, the state of stillness is often misunderstood as "enlightenment." However, the state of stillness is actually not enlightenment, and has not yet reached oneness.

■When One Reaches Oneness, One Begins to Recognize Other Sects

When one reaches oneness, in fact, especially in the early stages of reaching that level, one may even have the illusion that everyone around them is enlightened. In reality, everyone in this world was enlightened from the beginning, and one might even feel a little embarrassed, thinking that only oneself was not enlightened. If that is the case, there should be no arrogant feelings such as "our sect is superior" or "I am at a high level." Because everyone is enlightened.

Eventually, as one becomes accustomed to it, one begins to understand that the illusion of everyone being enlightened was itself an illusion, and one realizes that there is still something obscuring one's vision, and one enters further practice. However, even in the initial stage of oneness, it feels as if everyone in this world is enlightened. That is the foundation of oneness, because oneness literally means being connected to everything, so everyone feels wonderful, and if that is the case, it is natural to recognize other sects.