The
Power of Mantra
A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud or silently
to invoke spiritual qualities. Chanting is used as a spiritual
tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition.
In the yogic tradition a mantra is a Sanskrit word that
has special powers to transform mind, body and spirit. Translated,
mantra means, “that which when reflected upon gives
liberation.” Mantras are unique mystical formulas
of sacred syllables, which were originally revealed to the
Rishis (seers or sages) in the deepest states of meditation.
Mantras were one of the earliest components of yoga and
are quite possibly the first type of meditation that was
developed.
There are three main types of mantras, Bija (seed), Saguna
(with form), and Nirguna (without form). The Bija mantras
can be used individually, but are most often incorporated
into Saguna mantras to invest them with a special “seed”
power. The Bija mantras correlate to the 7 chakras and to
the main Hindu deities. The Saguna mantras invoke the forms
of the individual deities or personalized aspects of God.
It is said that the recitation of the Saguna mantras gives
rise to the actual form of the particular deity, thus manifesting
its power.
The Nirguna mantras originate from the Vedic texts and are
thus the oldest mantras of the three types. As no deities
or personalized aspects of God are invoked with these mantras,
they are very difficult to interpret and are considered
to not have a specific form or meaning to them. These mantras
are said to have their identification with all the creation,
and contain the fundamental truths in yogic philosophy.
It is said that the mind must be very strong to be able
to concentrate on the abstract Nirguna mantras, and thus
they are not recommended for beginning students .
As each mantra invokes a precise power, they can be used
for very specific purposes: spiritual development, the healing
of diseases, and for the attainment of worldly desires.
When combined with the user’s intention, mantras can
become even more targeted and empowered. The mantras are
said to increase in power in direct relationship to the
number of times repeated. A mantra is fully empowered by
becoming “seated” in the heart after 125,000
repetitions, achieving what is called Mantra Siddhi.
The practice of chanting a mantra is considered the easiest
form of meditation. Sitting in a comfortable position, with
the eyes closed, the mantra is repeated silently or aloud.
Pay careful attention to the speed and rhythm of your chanting,
the correct pronunciation, aim, and esoteric meaning of
the mantra. Allow the mind to be focused on the mantra,
letting the thoughts go and maintaining a slow and deep
breath. A Mala (string of beads) can be used to count series
of 108 repetitions of the mantra.
Like prayer and affirmation the repetitious use of mantra
can have powerful effects on the mind, body, spirit and
emotions. Mentally, mantra meditation increases concentration,
and improves memory and focus. Physically, mantra meditation
lowers the heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and activates
the relaxation response to allow healing and rejuvenation
to occur. Mantra meditation builds self-confidence and self-empowerment,
reduces stress and balances the emotions. Spiritually, mantras
are said to dissolve one’s bad karma, produce jnana
(wisdom) and are considered one of the many yogic paths
towards self-realization.
