Mantra Meditation applies the use of a dedicated phrase or set of words (which are termed a mantra) that brings the practitioners closer to their goals or helps achieve them. So what is a mantra, anyway? Well, the mantra is a sound vibration through which we mindfully focus our thoughts, feelings, attention, and intentions. The Mantra in meditation works as an object of focus, just like focusing on your breath or any other meditation object. When you practice meditation with a particular mantra in mind and make conscious efforts to concentrate on that mantra in your mind, you can attain the silence of the mind or the state of tranquility or nirvana.
So where does mantra come from? Mantra is a Sanskrit word where ‘man’ means mind and ‘tra’ means vehicle or transport. A Mantra is therefore a tool of the mind, which was designed to help meditation practitioners gain a higher power and discover their true selves. Ancient meditation traditions have said that mantra and meditation are like two sides of the same coin.
One of the most universally recited mantras in meditation is the sacred Hindu syllable ‘Om’ - considered to be the sound of the creation of the universe. Indeed, Om meditation has found a place among many people across the world. The Om sound is believed to contain every vibration that has ever existed. In fact, it’s also considered the energetic root of other longer mantras for instance the very powerful ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ mantra which translates to ‘I bow to Shiva’. Most mantras are of Hindu origin in Sanskrit, but you’ll find mantras in different other spiritual traditions be it in Hebrew, Latin, English, etc.
If you're wondering how repeating the sound can be a meditation therapy. Mantra based meditation is a technique where a sound, word or phrase called mantra is chanted, whispered, recited silently or listened to when meditating. The correct frequency of the mantra sound along with the correct intent, helps the practitioner enliven the brain. It has been found that the vibrations of specific mantras can help the practitioners through synchronizing the two hemispheres of their minds to achieve the highest levels of deep meditation. But the process can be really understood only when one experiences it.
Through regular practice of mantras for meditation, you open the energy in the mantra. Below is how to practice mantra meditation.
The first step is to find the best mantras to suit your intention.
Look for a quiet space and avoid bright light as it can lead to sensory overstimulation and hinder your concentration during meditation.
You may choose to lie down or sit in a comfortable position. If seated, your spine should be straight and legs crossed.
After you have taken your position, close your eyes.
Silently repeat the mantra, once as you breath-in and once as you breath-out. Keep your focus maintained on the breathing.
Make your mind tranquil. When unwanted chatter tries to creep into your mind, simply notice them without acknowledging and then return to silently reciting the mantra.
Continue reciting for as long as you’d like.
At the end of the meditation, let the mantra go and focus on your breath. Doing so will help bring you to the ground and prepare you to go back to your regular life.
The benefits of chanting mantras for meditation can only be experienced through devotion, faith and constant repetition of the Mantra. Consistency is the key, regardless of your chosen mantra. The best thing is all mantras have intense and positive physical and psychological benefits.
You begin to understand how your mind works. Through mantra meditation, you control your mind
This meditation calms down your nervous system. It gives mental as well as physical relaxation by bringing balance and health into our bodies and minds.
Now that you know Mantra Meditation balances your nervous system, which in turn regulates the stress and tension that is so common in today’s hyper-stimulated lifestyle.
It engenders compassion by awakening our spiritual identity. This consequently opens our hearts and minds for compassion where we may live our life free of jealousy, hatred, and ego.
Works as an immunity booster.
It has a profound soothing effect on the restless mind. Chanting of the mantras transcends the senses taking us beyond the bounds of time and space. It relieves us from the sights, sounds, and simulation of the material world and lands us into a divine spiritual space.
Another amazing effect of chanting mantras is that it eases fear. If you have phobias, adapting to this meditation will brave you up during times of fear.
Now that you know the many wonders that mantras could do to us, why not adapt mantra meditation in your daily lives. Indeed, benefit yourself and consequently transmit positive and peaceful vibrations to the world in this age of turmoil.
