What is a Mantra and How to Practice It Daily?

What is a Mantra and How to Practice It Daily?

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In this mantra guide, we will show you how to use Mantras and the power of sound to discover the direct vast inner resource of energy and creativity. The guide includes musical notation of the Mantras, meanings of many traditional mantras, the benefits of mantra practice, and experiences of those who have practiced Mantra.

This guide is filled with inspiration and practical wisdom for those who wish to personally experience the power of this ancient practice.



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What is a Mantra and How to Practice It Daily?

Mantras are like lotus flowers that bloom from the murky depths of our minds. Throughout history, mantras have been used to quiet the mind, experience inner stillness, develop virtues like empathy, and experience “God.”

Despite being simple words and sounds repeated over and over again, mantras are immensely powerful in raising our consciousness. In addition to being manifestations of energy vibrating at different frequencies, words and sounds also carry centuries of meaning. Over 3,000 years (or more) are said to have passed since mantras and chants were first recorded.

Take some time to consider what you need most in your life today if you wish to welcome meditation mantras’ mystical influence and healing power into your life. Would you like more empathy and love in your life? Perhaps you need to invite self-acceptance and forgiveness into your life.

What is Mantra Yoga?

Mantra Yoga is part of Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound, and is only one of about forty different approaches to yoga.

Nada Yoga is a theory and understanding of sound, vibration, and music which has for centuries far exceeded any such understanding in the West. In this century, however, that understanding is being rediscovered by Western physicists as their work carries them beyond traditional ideas about the physical world.

Yogis have used the principles of Nada Yoga to bring themselves into harmony with the harmony of the Universe. In this article, I have presented a practical way for beginning students to approach one part of Nada and to learn from personal experience of the great healing and unifying power of this practice.

A Mantra is a combination of sacred syllables which forms a nucleus of spiritual energy. This serves as a magnet to attract or a lens to focus spiritual vibrations. According to the Upanishads, the ancient scriptures of India, the original abode of the Mantra was the Parma Akasha or primeval ether, the eternal and immutable substratum of the universe, out of which, in the uttering of the primal sound Vach, the universe itself was created. (A similar account is found in the Gospel of St. John, “In the beginning was the Word “)

The Mantras existed within this ether and were directly perceived by the ancient rishis, or seers, who translated them into an audible pattern of words, rhythm, and melody.

Mantra is not prayer. Prayer consists of words of supplication chosen by the spiritual aspirant, whereas Mantra is a precise combination of words and sounds the embodiment of a particular form of consciousness or Sakti.

The root man in the word Mantra means in Sanskrit “to think;” tra comes from trai, meaning “to protect or free from the bondage of samsara or the phenomenal world.” Therefore, Mantra means “the thought that liberates and protects.” But there are many levels of meaning in a Mantra that must be experienced to be truly understood. An intellectual explanation encompasses only a very small part of its meaning.

The chanting or recitation of Mantras activates and accelerates the creative spiritual force, promoting harmony in all parts of the human being. The devotee is gradually converted into a living center of spiritual vibration which is attuned to some other center of vibration vastly more powerful. This energy can be appropriated and directed for the benefit of the one who uses it and for that of others.

Every Mantra has six aspects: a rishi or seer, a raga or melody, the Devata or presiding deity, a bija or seed sound, the Sakti or power, and a kilaka or pillar.

What is the importance of chanting mantras?

When someone abuses you verbally, how do you feel? If someone says that you are a donkey, how do you feel? What does it do to you? What does it create? Anger! It shakes you. It creates some negative vibrations; you feel angry. Or, you may feel some sensations in the stomach, in the head. You may also think that a very sweet name, a chant, which contains a lot of energy from the cosmos does not affect your body in the same way that a bad word can.

It is unscientific and stupid to think a mantra doesn’t have any effect on your body. No, that’s not true! It does.

That is why it is called mantra kavach(armor); a mantra creates the sense of armor around your body.

It’s not uncommon for you to feel compelled to talk to someone you meet. You get good vibes from them. Sometimes you meet people, and you want to avoid them. Do you know why? The negative vibes around a person make them repulsive. Vibrations that are negative and repulsive are changed by mantras into vibrations that are positive and attractive. This is the advantage of mantra chanting.

People have seen that there is an effect. And there is!

Now when should you do it? If you do chanting after pranayama and meditation, then it has a better result. If you do it at a superficial level, then it is not so effective.

Chanting a Mantra with devotion and concentration attunes the individual through divine melody and has a harmonious influence over the whole body and mind.

It is important to use the correct raga (melody) always since precise rules govern the interrelation and sequences of sound. Each raga, which is a particular combination of sounds, is claimed to reflect the laws of the universe and to be in perfect harmony with the universe at the time it is sounded. Since sound results from the union of the breath and intellect of a human being, the one who chants will be brought to harmony also.

Chanting produces a series of psychological and spiritual effects. The concentration brings a deep sense of peace and joy, as often arises with other forms of meditation.

The Mantra serves the same function as the koan in Zen or the mandala of Tibetan Buddhism: it functions as a device for focusing the ordinarily dispersed powers of the mind to a sharp point that is capable of penetrating through the shifting sands of thoughts to the deeper layers of mind beneath.

Through constant repetition of the Mantra, one becomes like a magnet attracting the spiritual power of the Mantra to oneself and becoming aware of the Self. This repetition gradually awakens the higher faculties in a person and raises the consciousness toward the level of the mantric resonance. According to Vedic teaching, “A Mantra has the power of releasing the Cosmic and Supra-Cosmic Consciousness,” and it bestows freedom, ultimate illumination, and immortality.

Not only the singer benefits but also those who listen and attune themselves to the spirit of the singing. This serves not only as an aid to meditation but is, in fact, a form of meditation in itself. When a Mantra has been received from a Guru, the power of that Mantra increases after the initiation.

In the Guru-disciple relationship, both are under an obligation throughout their lives to chant the Mantra which has been given to the disciple. It constitutes a permanent spiritual link between them. As the initiate practices, the Mantra becomes a self-generating force, uniting the individual with the power of the Mantra. Through his or her efforts the disciple is drawn toward the chain of Gurus who have found Self-Realization through the use of the Mantra. In due time, the disciple must become a link in that chain.

By reciting the Mantra, you carry its force and power, and this will be a blessing for all those you meet. At times the mantric power may take over so that it will not even be necessary to speak. As a person, as a mind, you do not need to get involved. This is a much more valuable communication that can take place on the soul level.

Mantra is the song of a star . . .and it will transport you to that star.

Mantra Practice

When you begin a Mantra practice you need to clarify to yourself what you want to achieve. What are your ideals? You can rightfully pin your hopes on the Mantra to help bring these ideals into manifestation in your life in the purest form possible. But to what extent and how soon this will come to pass depends on you. Obviously, the more you put into it the more you will achieve. The pearl exacts its price.

While you chant, observe the mind. You may be shocked at how easily the mind can be side-tracked and how quickly you get bored. You may even begin to doubt your sincerity in desiring God or desiring to become single-pointed, as you watch the mind finding dozens of excuses to stop chanting. Perhaps you will tell yourself that doing a charitable act would be a more worthwhile way to spend the time. But you are missing the point when you start thinking this way. You will be of far more help to others when you have gained some spiritual power.

The choice of Mantra is extremely important because the greatest success lies with the Mantra to which you can best surrender. There is a specific Mantra for each person—the Ishta Mantra. This does not mean that no two people will have the same Mantra. However, according to the principles of Nada Yoga, the yoga of sound, there is a particular sound, a particular vibration, to which your body will best respond. The Mantra that is designated for you corresponds to your spiritual nature.

The benefits of Using Mantra

The benefits of Mantra practice depend on you as an individual, on where you started, where you stand now, what your past lives have been, and the intensity and degree of longing in your desire. When you chant a Mantra your whole being changes for the better. Build up the habit of repeating the Mantra at all times. The work you do will become easier and more joyful because the Mantra is continuously in the back of your mind.

One of the results that come quickly with the practice of Mantra is control of the breath which is how we can develop the ability to control emotions. In chanting, we can give all our emotions to the Mantra, to the deity of the Mantra, and ask that deity to help us gain control.

In this way, we find a safe release for negative feelings. Rather than throwing them on someone else, we offer them back to their source. Continued chanting will lead to greater awareness and the replacement of negative feelings with positive affirmations.

Mantra practice stills turbulent emotions and thereby stills the turbulent mind. In yogic terms, there is a difference between emotions and feelings, since a purified emotion becomes a true feeling. Mantra Yoga gives us an opportunity to know the emotions, what they are, where they come from, and what their proper place is in our lives.

Through Mantra Yoga we can learn to deal with emotions properly, control and refine them, and encourage the harmonious development of all aspects of the human potential.

As the Mantra is put into the subconscious, the mind is purified to an extent of which we would be incapable without this aid. Slowly the ego is overpowered by the Higher Self It is like pouring milk into a cup of black coffee until, little by little, the coffee is replaced by pure milk. Because it purifies the mind, the Mantra is also great protection from fear.

Whether you practice mantra meditation or another style, you’ll often see many of the same benefits, including:

  1. increased self-awareness
  2. reduced stress
  3. a greater sense of calm
  4. increased self-compassion
  5. a more positive outlook

How to Practice Mantra?

Here’s how:

Get comfortable.

Find a quiet place where you can meditate without disruptions. Find a position you can hold for the length of your meditation, whether that’s sitting on the floor, in a chair, lying down, or even walking. Mudras, or hand positions, help some people enter a meditative frame of mind, but they’re not necessary.

Set a timer.

Decide how long you want to meditate (anywhere from 3 to 30 minutes) and set a timer. Consider using a quiet, relaxing sound, such as ocean waves or birdsong, so the alarm doesn’t jar you from a peaceful meditative state.

Start with a few deep breaths.

Pay attention to your breathing without doing anything to try and modify it. Just focus on the sensation of it entering your lungs and filling your body.

Use your mantra.

Continue breathing slowly and steadily through your nose as you begin to chant your mantra. You can say it out loud (this might help more with mantras intended to produce vibrations) or repeat it silently. It often helps to match the mantra to your breathing.

Let your breath guide you.

As you settle into the meditation, your mantra and breathing will eventually settle into a rhythm. Unless you’re attempting to use a specific breathing technique, following this flow may help your meditation feel more natural.

Remember to gently redirect wandering thoughts.

As you meditate, you’ll probably notice your attention begin to wander. When this happens, don’t try and force those unwanted thoughts away. Instead, just acknowledge them, let them go, and then pick the mantra back up.

Close the meditation.

When your timer goes off, don’t jump up right away. Instead, take a few moments to sit with your (hopefully) quiet mind. Check-in with yourself. Do you feel more relaxed? More optimistic? This closing exercise lets you check in with yourself and track your progress.

8 Mystical Meditation Mantras That Raise Your Consciousness

1. OM

“Om” is said to be the first sound and the birth of all other sounds. It is essentially the sound of infinity and is said to vibrate at the pitch of the universe (432 Hertz). This ancient sound can be chanted by itself to help focus, clear, and purify the mind, or placed in front of other meditation mantras.

OM

2. Om mani padme hum

This mantra is used by Tibetan Buddhists to invoke Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva embodiment of compassion. This chant translates to “Hail the jewel in the lotus” but it has also been interpreted in the following way:

Om – This sound purifies pride

Ma – Purifies jealousy and the need for stimulation

Ni – Purifies passion and desire

Pad – Purifies ignorance and prejudice

Me – Purifies possessiveness

Hum – Purifies hatred

This mantra is said to contain all of Buddhism’s principles in a summarized form.

Om mani padme hum

3. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

This Hindu prayer essentially translates to, “May all beings be happy. May all my thoughts, words, and actions contribute in some way to the happiness of all beings.” This mantra helps us to become aware of our irrevocable connection with all of life and helps us to open our hearts to understanding, love, and compassion for others.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

4. Elohim / Hamsa / Satnam / Tao / Shiva / Ram

Chanting the name of God/Consciousness/Source/Tao is also another powerful type of meditation mantra. Select any name that appeals to you the most and sits with it in silence. Repeat the name in your mind, or out loud. Let the syllables vibrate through you and infuse your mind, heart, and soul with meaning, power, and significance.

Hamsa Mantra Meaning

5. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

This mantra, popularized by the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON), is a form of transcendental vibration that is said to expand our consciousness by repeating the three names of the Supreme Being; Hare, Krishna, and Rama. When repeatedly chanted, this mantra helps us to taste something known as Krishna Consciousness (purity of being).

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

6. Ho’oponopono

This ancient Hawaiian word translates to, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you.” It is pronounced in the following way: ho-oh-pono-pono. This is an excellent mantra to use when you feel distressed, angry, or ashamed. You might like to repeat the word “Ho’oponopono” or its literal translation, “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love you” as a mantra.

7. Ham-Sa

Ham and Sa in Sanskrit translate to “I am that,” and thus reaffirms our conscious presence and infinite state of undivided Being. Do this mantra by breathing in and saying “ham” (thus affirming your “I am-ness”) and breathing out saying “sa” (thus bridging the gap between self and other, creating oneness).

Ham-Sa

8. Create your sacred meditation mantras.

No rule states you must use a word or idea from another language. Why not use a word or concept from English, Spanish, Indonesian, or whatever native language you have? Here are some tips:

  1. Make the mantra short and sweet (no more than 10-15 words).
  2. Choose a word that is of great significance to you, or a sentence of deep meaning, e.g. “I am love, you are love,” “I forgive myself,” “Freedom, peace, resolve,” “I change my thoughts, I change my world” etc.
  3. Ensure that the mantra is framed in the positive (which the unconscious mind can process) rather than the negative (which it can’t). For example, instead of saying “I am not angry,” say “I am calm and accepting.” Or instead of “I’ve overcome my fear” say “I am courageous.”
  4. Repeat whatever mantra you have chosen or created for yourself many times over. Many people give up after 20 repeats expecting a miraculous change to suddenly materialize. No, mantras must be repeated thousands of times, even hundreds of thousands of times for their effects to be felt. But start slow. For example, dedicate 30 minutes every day to your mantra.
meditation mantra music

Mantra FAQs

Mantras meaning/ mantras with meaning/ mantra meaning/ Mantras definition

A mantra is a word or phrase repeated by Buddhists and Hindus when they meditate, or to help them feel calm.

Mantras for success

The two most powerful mantras that can help build a successful career are the Gayatri mantra and Maha Mrutyunjaya Mantra. Therefore, chant these mantras 31 times every day and win the blessings of Mother Gayatri and Lord Shiva.

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Gayatri Mantra
Gayatri Mantra
Mrityunjaya Mantra
Mrityunjaya Mantra

Mantras yoga

Mantra yoga is a meditation practice that focuses on chanting sacred syllables along with conscious breathing and a meditative focus to quiet the mind, cultivate spiritual energy, and create states of enlightenment. The practice of chanting a mantra is considered one of the easiest yet most powerful forms of meditation.

Mantras Sanskrit

In India, Sanskrit is considered a divine language—spoken by gods and capable of connecting mere mortals with the transcendent Self. Millions of Indians dutifully recite Sanskrit mantras daily, including what’s possibly the most famous of all, the Gayatri Mantra, found in the venerable Rig Veda.

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Mantras for transcendental meditation

Transcendental Mantras for Males

  1. Ram
  2. Ing
  3. Aing
  4. Shiring
  5. Shiam

Transcendental Mantras for Females

  1. Shiram
  2. Im
  3. Aim
  4. Shirim
  5. Shiama

Note: This set of words are Sanskrit words, which have been assigned by teachers of the tm movement according to the age and gender of the tm student.

Surya namaskar mantra

ॐ मित्राय नमः । ॐ रवये नमः । ॐ सूर्याय नमः । ॐ भानवे नमः ।

Mantras of Shiva

Know the 5 key Shiva mantras-

  1. Shiva Moola Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya.
  2. Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra: Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti-Vardhanam.
  3. Rudra Gayatri Mantra: Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Mahadevaya Dhimahi.
  4. Rudra Mantra: Om Namo Bhagwate Rudraay.
  5. Shiva Stotram: Karpur Gauram Karunavataram.

Mantras of power: Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya mantra is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the most powerful mantra in Hinduism. Repeating this mantra over and over again leads to a transcendental mode or a state of pure concentration.

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21 mantras for meditation

  1. I am bliss
  2. This moment is perfect, whole, and complete.
  3. Nature is conspiring for me.
  4. I do not expect any result.
  5. Recharge, renew, then respond.
  6. The power of intention lies within.
  7. I will follow my bliss.
  8. And, I am as dynamic as my rest.
  9. I am available for energy and creativity.
  10. My nature is to flow.
  11. I am grateful for…
  12. What is true for me today?
  13. My intent is heard by universal intelligence.
  14. Everything and everyone is an extended self.
  15. The answers are sourced within.
  16. I am committed to my personal growth and evolution.
  17. My bliss is judgment free.
  18. My true nature is spirit.
  19. I celebrate my extended self.
  20. My true happiness is sourced from within.
  21. I am.

Mantras and meditation

Mantra is a Sanskrit term, with “man” meaning “mind” and “tra” meaning “release.” Think of a mantra — a word or phrase you repeat during meditation — as a tool to help release your mind. It can make a lot of difference, especially if you have trouble concentrating or getting in the right frame of mind.

Are mantras a form of meditation?

A mantra is a syllable, word, or phrase that is repeated during meditation. Mantras can be spoken, chanted, whispered, or repeated in the mind. Most mantra meditation techniques have two essential components: mindfulness meditation and mantra recitation or chanting.



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