Mantras are sacred words, phrases, or sounds that have been passed down through generations. They hold profound spiritual significance and are believed to have the power to bring about positive changes in our lives. These ancient vibrations resonate within us, allowing us to tap into our true potential and connect with the universe.
Origin
Mantras are words or verses with spiritual or mystical powers, used traditionally to connect with gods and invoke their power for specific goals or ends; such as religious duties, wealth accumulation, sexual desire or liberation. Mantras may also serve to communicate with them directly for further divine intervention and support. Historically they were often employed to contact gods directly for help reaching dharma (religious duty), wealth accumulation (artha) kama (sexual desire) or moksha (liberation).
Mantras’ origin and practice remain mysterious. However, many aspects are generally believed to come from ancient Indian, Mongolian and Tibetan shamanic traditions where chanting served to induce an altered state of awareness for meditation practice. Chanting or sounding out mantras has been said to alter consciousness through their meaning, tone, rhythm and physical vibrations, and is widely believed to help meditation practitioners gain deeper knowledge and insight into themselves as well as spiritual mysteries.
Mantras are often used in Vedic rituals, daily sacrifices or domestic worship practices to bring about inner peace and wellbeing for both mind and body. Reciting mantras aloud or silently brings spiritual comfort; short phrases or entire verses can be repeated. Furthermore, mantras form the basis of yoga and meditation practices, providing mental relaxation while improving wellbeing on all levels. Mantras may be directed toward Brahma, Vishnu or Shiva directly or simply all gods generally.
Mantras may have both literal and symbolic meaning, while some sacred syllables embody one or more of the five divine powers: creation, preservation, concealment, destruction and revelation. Being granted one of these mantras is seen as an honor and is kept confidentially. Hindus believe that repeating a mantra has specific effects which can bring about desired changes, both inner and outer world. Any use of mantras for selfish or material gain is considered sinful and will create negative karma. It is the responsibility of an instructor to teach his disciples correct and effective usage of their mantras.
Meaning
Mantra is an amalgamation of two Sanskrit words; manas meaning “mind” and tra meaning “instrument.” Mantras can be understood as spiritual aphorisms or positive affirmations, with variations depending on tradition and belief system. Some view mantras as distillations of spiritual wisdom which affect physical vibrations and consciousness within its reciter, changing their state of mind while helping manifest one’s intentions.
Mantra Siddhi refers to the practice of repeating mantras continuously for increased power, acting as an intermediary between devotees and Divine. Repeated repetition also may help heal certain ailments or empower them towards accomplishing goals in life.
A mantra can be invoked in many different ways within Hindu tradition; from speaking out loud or silently in one’s thoughts. Many mantras have an explicit or implicit meaning; the latter are said to be more potency. Whatever its wording, however, its correct pronunciation is paramount in order for its vibrations to have maximum power to help reciters achieve their goals more quickly. Different sounds vibrating together can produce different energies that may aid their goal achievement.
A mantra can be anything that speaks to you, from an inspirational quote or one you create yourself. Whatever it is that resonates with you is important. However, make sure it represents what’s meaningful to you and represents the changes you wish to bring into your life. A mantra serves to balance out both inner and outer worlds so you can feel confident, grounded, and inspired!
At least for starters, experts advise incorporating mantra practice into daily life for at least a short while, either prior to or following meditation sessions. Repeat your mantra quietly as you breathe in and exhale, without becoming overly focused on it. Just allow it to play in the background while going about your daily business. Many teachers advise staying with one mantra for several months in order to establish a regular practice and deepen relationships with it.
Purpose
A mantra serves as the seed to energize an intention, much like planting flowers or seeds in fertile soil and nurturing them until their intended purpose bears fruit. Chanting, speaking out loud or repeating them silently helps foster mindfulness, as well as foster an attitude of wellbeing that contributes to living a balanced and healthful lifestyle.
Mantra combines two Sanskrit roots, “man” and “tra,” meaning to deliver or carry, to invoke spiritual power and healing. While its exact purpose, structure, and function may differ according to tradition, mantras are believed to provide profound advantages in both mental and physical wellbeing.
At many Hindu religious and domestic ceremonies, mantras are whispered into an initiate’s ear by their guru to instil certain feelings or induce specific states of consciousness. Mantras also play an essential role in yoga practice where they’re used to infuse certain states of awareness into oneself.
Yoga mantras consist of three components: its intention, meaning and vibration. An intention identifies its goal or purpose, while meaning defines and interprets what the mantra stands for, while vibration connects you to your practice through unique frequencies that resonate deeply within its framework.
Example: Om is an iconic sound that transcends time and culture. It represents all other sounds as an incorporeal force, hence why its vibration can be found everywhere on the globe. This phenomenon makes OM the primordial or omnipresent sound.
Other mantras such as the Mahamrityutthana or Tibetan “Hail the Jewel in the Lotus,” promote compassion and generosity towards ourselves and others, and is thought to encourage the development of what Buddhism calls Buddha-nature and enlightenment. And yet another mantra called Vasundhara Shakti can help strengthen that virtue as it increases in power with each repetition chanted, eventually reaching full potency after 125,000 repetitions (known as Mantra Siddhi).
Techniques
Mantras are used in yoga to focus the mind. They’re believed to help connect meditators to divine forces or deities, cultivating inner peace by dispelling negative thought patterns, as well as increasing brain activity through repeated chanting of certain mantras that promote relaxed alpha waves in the brain.
There are various techniques for using mantras that can be tailored to a person’s culture, spiritual needs and system of beliefs. Mantras don’t need to be religious or spiritual-sounding phrases like “om” or “mmmm.” When repeated over time, mantras create an energy field around your body and help create change from within. Additionally, they may combine with breath work, chakra focus or visualizations for enhanced effects.
As part of their meditation practice, people looking to select a mantra must first find something with meaning for them, such as love, freedom, light or courage. It must represent who they are or their personal development. More important than its exact word or syllables used is making sure it can easily repeated.
Next, find a comfortable position and begin practicing silent repetition of the mantra at the same rhythm as breathing. Ideally, practice at the same time each day so as to establish consistency and momentum within your meditation practice. Finally, gently redirect any wandering thoughts back onto the mantra until a state of inner peace and calm are attained.
Some traditions recommend staying with one mantra for an extended period, in order to develop a deeper connection and allow it to take hold in one’s psyche. Other traditions suggest switching up periodically between various mantras in order to broaden meditation’s scope and experience more benefits from your practice. Yogis believe that once they have repeated it over 125,000 times they reach Mantra Siddhi state, fully activating its potential.
Om Chant
Many yoga students grunt when their yoga instructor calls time for “om”; its sound may seem familiar or lack inspiration, yet you might not realize its scientific use to reduce stress. According to research published in the International Journal of Yoga, chanting om actually down-regulated activity in the amygdala of your brain which plays an integral part of stress response; thus activating parasympathetic nervous system as part of “rest and digest” response in your body.
Studies have also demonstrated that Om sounds are vibrations which help synchronize both hemispheres of the brain to form an integrated and powerful mind, relieving stress and anxiety. Om can also stimulate the vagus nerve, which controls heart rate and digestion.
Chanting Om can also help release negative emotions such as anger and frustration, making you more flexible and compassionate. According to some accounts, its sound resonates through both your heart chakra, associated with love, as well as crown chakra, which represents wisdom and enlightenment.
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Namah Shivaya is one of the most powerful mantras in Hinduism, providing numerous health and psychological benefits. These include clearing your mind and purifying your body and chakras, tempering ego and aggression, and expanding consciousness, bringing about an enhanced awareness of life overall.
The syllable “Om” is believed to be the primordial sound that encompasses the universe’s vibrations. It represents the ultimate reality, often described as the sound of creation itself. Chanting or meditating on “Om” helps us connect with the divine energy and attain a state of inner peace and harmony.
The phrase “Namah Shivaya” translates to “I bow to Lord Shiva.” Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities in Hinduism, symbolizes the destroyer and transformer of negative energies. By surrendering to Lord Shiva through the mantra, we seek his blessings and guidance to overcome obstacles, purify our thoughts, and attain spiritual enlightenment.
Each syllable of “Om Namah Shivaya” holds symbolic significance. “Om” represents the creator, “Namah” signifies surrender or salutation, and “Shivaya” refers to Lord Shiva himself. Together, these words encompass the expression of reverence towards the divine. The mantra also represents the union of individual consciousness (Shiva) and universal consciousness (Shakti), leading to self-realization.
Incorporating this mantra into our daily routine can deepen our spiritual connection. Regular chanting or silent repetition of the mantra helps in maintaining mindfulness, cultivating gratitude, and fostering a sense of unity with the divine. It reminds us to embrace the qualities of Lord Shiva, such as fearlessness, compassion, and detachment, in our actions and interactions.
Content listed below may contain affiliate links.