Are pronunciation or meaning of the mantra important? Is it better for a guru to give me a mantra?
Pronunciation and meaning of the mantra are not important. Both of these factors have been considered in the design of the AYP mantra, but they should not be made the focus of the practices.
It is not necessary for a guru to give you a mantra. In this age of spiritual energy increasing all around us, we are able to achieve on our own what used to be taught one-on-one.
Read "Main Lessons" (link above) to learn mantra meditation.