An Englishman called James T Mangan came up with over a 100 words in English called Switchwords. These words are meant to achieve things and that happens when the mind is constantly applying itself to a word. Even in our traditional life, suppose something is lost—our grandmothers say, “Chant Gatothkacha, Gatothkacha,” or when there is thunder to chant the name “Arjuna, Arjuna.”
How so superstitious? What’s in a name? We may ask. In modern day science of hypnotherapy, it has been revealed that there is a lot of power in just words and names. That is why our Sanskrit shlokas end with the words Shanti Shanti Shanti three times. When that word is uttered, there is immediate peace. The three afflictions from beings around us, from unknown causes such as lightning, thunder, tsunami, heavy rain and floods, and the physical and emotional pains that arise from within us will subside with spelling out the word three times.
There are many switchwords that have been discovered by Mangan. He found that the words have power to do work. For instance, if I wish to achieve mastery in some activity—then the switchword is Together. If I am suffering from pain and I need relief, the switchword is Change. As the name suggests, the switchword functions like an electric switch. When a switch is pressed, the light, fan or other electric device begins to function. When the word is applied, the mind goes into an auto pilot mode to execute that action.
Next time you lose something, try this. Usually when we lose something or are searching frantically for it, we lose our cool. We blame others, blame ourselves, deny that it can be lost and many more emotions come into play. It may be a pair of keys, glasses, a pen or footwear. Before beginning the search, simply spell out the word “Reach”.
It can be said half aloud or silently in the mind. It works like magic. If the object is not irrecoverably lost, you will find it much faster than when you search with frustration and irritation.
These words can even be a tool to meditate. When we sit comfortably for meditation and take a deep breath, exhale with any of the words like Together, Divine, Be, Now, Thanks, Bow, Clear or Cancel.
Each word has a specific power. Divine makes extraordinary miracles possible. Be keeps you in good health, calm, good in sports and unaffected by ridicule. Love helps to give and receive love. Now stops procrastination. Bow helps to control arrogance.
Why wait? Choose your favourite word and meditate.
The author is Acharya, Chinmaya Mission, Tiruchi (www.sharanyachaitanya. blogspot.in)