Mantras

Mantras

The word, mantra, is often translated as Manas (mind) and tra (tool): “tool for the mind.” 

Mantra is a sound vibration through which we mindfully focus our thoughts, our feelings and highest intention. Over time that vibration sinks deeper and deeper into your consciousness, helping you to eventually feel its presence as shakti – a powerful, subtle force working inside each of us that carries us into a deeper state of awareness. By chanting a mantra over and over again, the mind becomes focused on the mantra at hand. Because the mind is inherently scattered, it needs an object of meditation; an object of attention. That is what the mantra is. Practitioners of yoga often used a Sanskrit word or set of words as a mantra, which hold within them profound, spiritual meaning. Mantras can be thought of as good vibes for the mind, body and spirit.

Some mantras invoke a particular Indian deity, for example Shiva, Lakshmi, Durga or Saraswati. Each deity has its own special powers, and one deity is uniquely different from another. When we repeat a mantra of a certain deity, we invoke the qualities and blessings of that particular deity. Mantras also protect and heal our minds. Mantras can be done individually or in a group, silently or aloud.

How do Mantras Work?

The simple yet effective act of repeating a mantra over and over again---whether you’re doing it out loud, or in your mind’s eye---actually shifts your brain state. Even repeating a mantra a few times can relax and uplift the mind. When you repeat a mantra in a focused way, you’re offering a healing vibration to your mind. And because we are vibrational beings, this healing not only positively impacts the mind, it also influences and even changes one’s state of being. The quieting of the mind that happens during mantra repetition allows for the space between our thoughts to come to the forefront, and when this happens, we get to reside in the consciousness – a state of simple beingness. The yogis would say this state of beingness is where the true Self resides.

How to use a Mantra in Meditation 

Using a mantra in seated meditation is simple and fun. All you need is your mantra of choice and perhaps a set of mala beads. Those are the pretty prayer beads you see meditators fingering as they chant, similar to rosary beads. This practice of mantra repetition is called Japa. The purpose of mala beads are to help you keep track of your number of repetitions. There are 108 beads on a mala as this is a sacred number. To practice mantra in meditation, find a comfortable position, either in a chair or on the floor, in which you can remain relatively still. Close your eyes and focus on your breath for a few moments. Take a few long, deep breaths and then relax your breathing. Next, start your mantra, either aloud or in your mind’s eye. Don’t worry if your mind gets distracted or starts to drift away, it’s all part of the process. Just reroute your thoughts and consciousness back to your mantra. Consistency is key. You enliven your mantra through regular practice over a period of time. The friction of the syllables inside your consciousness, the focus on bringing yourself back to the mantra again and especially the attention you give to the felt sense of the mantra’s resonance inside your awareness will eventually open the energy in the mantra and it will stop being just words and become a living energy that you’ll feel shifting your inner state.

Popular Sanskrit Mantras 

The following are some of the most well-known and beloved ancient mantras. Their sounds hold significant spiritual meaning and have been used by meditators throughout the ages and across the globe for thousands of years.

Om Mani Padme Hum 

Probably the most popular mantra chanted in Buddhism, Om Mani Padme Hum invokes feelings of profound inner peace when you sit with it over a period of time. 

In this famous Buddhist mantra, Om signifies the creation of the universe. Chanting Om by itself has a profound effect in and of itself. It’s no wonder we chant Om to close a yoga practice. When we break down this particular mantra, each seed sound holds its own meaning. Here’s what the sounds, beyond Om, signify: Ma signifies morality, which is one of the core messages of Buddhist teachings. Ni is said to help cultivate detachment from egoic desires. Pad holds the power of perseverance, which every spiritual warrior needs. Me instills discipline and is said to eliminate possessiveness. Hum offers up deep wisdom while destroying hatred.

Om

Om begins many popular Buddhist and Hindu mantras such as Om Shanti, Om Namah Shivaya, Om Dum Durgayei Namaha, Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha and Om Mani Padme Hum. But chanting Om by itself is an ideal mantra for beginners, and every bit as powerful as mantras that contain multiple sounds and syllables. Chanting the mantra, Om, which is believed to be the original vibration---the sound that was made when the Universe came into existence--is said to bring you into harmonic alignment with the Universe. Whenever you need to slow your thoughts, or slow down in general, chant Om 108 times using a set of mala prayer beads (if you have them) to keep track of your repetitions.

Om Shanti

Perhaps you first heard the mantra, Om Shanti, from the Madonna song of the same name. It’s one of the most popular mantras out there, and yogis believe that by chanting Om Shanti, you open and balance your throat chakra. This helps you speak your truth and express yourself in a clear, communicative way. It’s also believed that by chanting the mantra, you can better detach from your ego and the many attachments the ego clings to. In essence, though, Om Shanti is the mantra of peace. When we chant it, we are invoking peace and residing in a state of peace that purifies mind, body and soul.

Sat Nam 

If you’re familiar with Kundalini yoga or if you’ve ever taken a Kundalini class, you’ve probably heard or chanted the mantra, Sat Nam. Roughly translated as “Truth is my name,” kundalini yogis believe that every time we chant Sat Nam, we’re accessing our intuition and inner knowing. In doing so, we come to know ourselves and what we’re here to do in this lifetime.

Om Namah Shivaya 

Om Namah Shivayah is a mantra dedicated to Shiva. Shiva is the number one mythical god of the yogic pantheon. Standing for transformation and transmutation, this mantra is believed to take our fears and transform them into trust. It allows us to really get grounded in ourselves and in the present moment. As such, it’s the perfect mantra for beginners. When chanting this mantra, it’s like a prayer to Shiva, asking him to help transmute our fears and uncertainties into stability and deep trust in the greater good and the divine plan. If we break down this mantra into each seed sound, it translates as the following: Om is the sound vibration of creation. Namah is another word for bowing. Shivaya is another name for Shiva. In chanting Om Namah Shivayah, it’s as if you are bowing humbly to your own inner knowing, while also invoking Lord Shiva’s profound sense of confidence and inner knowing.

Om Dum Durgayei Namaha 

This is a powerful mantra that invokes the goddess Durga. She’s a fiery warrioress, who wields a sword whilst riding a tiger. She helps us slay our fears. This mantra also helps restore our third chakra, manipura, the place of power. It’s a mantra to boost our self-confidence; to burn through all our mental and emotional blocks and fears. As you chant this mantra, imagine you’re like Durga, using your sword to cut through your fears and limits.

Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

This is the mantra that calls in Ganesha, the Hindu elephant god. He is one of the most popular deities because his M.O. is good luck. When you want a dose of luck in your own life, Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha is your good luck charm mantra. It’s also a powerful prayer for blessings and protection in your life. As the remover of obstacles, chanting this elephant god’s mantra also helps you break through any obstacles that might be obstructing your path. And if you’re in a phase of your life when you need blessings for new beginnings, this is the mantra for you. If you’re serious about the power of this mantra, you’ll want to chant Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha 108 times every day---ideally, for 40 days. Enjoy the ritual of it and add a mini statue of Ganesha to your bedside table or prayer altar (if you have one) as a friendly reminder to stick to the practice.

So Ham

Soham or Sohum (सो ऽहम् so 'ham or so 'Hum) is a Hindu mantra, meaning "I am He/That" in Sanskrit.

In Vedic philosophy it means identifying oneself with the universe or ultimate reality.

The mantra is also inverted from so 'ham (the sandhi of saḥ + aham) to ham + sa. The combination of so 'haṃ haṃsaḥ has also been interpreted as "I myself am the Swan", where the swan symbolizes the Atman.

When used for meditation, "Sohum" acts as a natural mantra to control one's breathing pattern, to help achieve deep breath, and to gain concentration.

Sooooo... is the sound of inhalation, and is remembered in the mind along with that inhalation. Hummmm... is the sound of exhalation, and is remembered in the mind along with that exhalation.

Soham is also considered a mantra in Tantrism and Kriya Yoga, known also as Ajapa mantra, Ajapa Gayatri, Hamsa Gayatri, Hamsa mantra, prana mantra, Shri Paraprasada mantra, paramatma-mantra, and as such used notably on its own, in the meditation practice ajapa japa and in the kriya practice shabda sanchalana.

Choosing Your Own Mantra 

Choosing the mantra that works best for you takes trial and error. The mantra that resonates in this moment, may not make sense for you in the next. Your needs are constantly changing, so don’t get stuck in a mantra rut. There’s no need to get tied to one particular mantra, thinking that’s the mantra that’s best for you. The key here is to drop into your intuition and figure out what it is you need in this particular moment. While sticking to one mantra for 40 days can be effective, it’s not mandatory. At the end of the day, your spiritual journey is unique to your life---no one else’s. And your mantra practice will reflect this authenticity.

A Modern Mantra

Another thing to note is that a mantra doesn’t always have to be in Sanskrit. You can use modern-day mantras in your mother tongue.  As you become more experienced with various mantras, you might find that you like to mix and match. Use both traditional Sanskrit mantras with modern mantras and words, such as “Love”. Some people use their own name as a mantra! All are equally beneficial.

Get Creative 

Make a monthly theme for your mantra practice. You may wish to invoke the Goddess Durga around New Year’s, making the theme letting go of limits and slaying through old fears. You may want to mix and match with Durga and Ganesha around this time, as the elephant god represents new beginnings. Alternating between these two deities’ mantras, while bringing in a modern one of your own might work for say, the month of January. Some mantras are really pretty when set to music. Artists Deva Premal and Miten have beautiful albums dedicated to the art of mantra and music. You might find that you prefer listening to their music as you close your eyes and chant along. Deva Premal is famous for her rendition of the Gayatri mantra. You can listen to this one on YouTube for hours at a time. Use it as background music as you work and the healing sounds will surely soak into your subconscious mind. As you can see, you don’t have to stick with any one-size-fits-all formula. You are a modern yogi, which means restricting yourself to just the ancient mantras won’t always work for you. You’ll want to mix it up and get creative, and you should! Mantra meditation should be fun! Be creative and find what suits you. Let the mantra practice deepen your own sense of self and self-knowing. After all, that’s what yoga is all about!

For more on Mantras: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra