MANTRAS

Mantras: What Are They and How Do They Help?

Mantras are often used as affirmations and as part of meditation practice and are a personal soft chanting of sacred mantras on meditation beads which brings forth the ancient yogic tradition of spiritual sound as an illuminating path to self discovery. A famous quote from The Vedas, the sacred text of Ancient India, says that ‘Speech is the essence of humanity.’

Everything that we say, and even the words that we think, are an expression of our ideas which have the power to turn into reality.  This means that the words you choose to say out loud, or even your thoughts, have tremendous power in what happens in your life. 

Mainstream Vedic practices claim that practicing positive, life-supporting mantras is necessary for spiritual advancement.  If you’re feeling sad, depressed or anxious, repeating a positive mantra may just help lift your spirits and raise your energy level. 

How Mantras Are Connected to Your Energy Levels

Saying words out loud affects the energy vibrations around you, which is probably why singing and chanting can have an effect on your state of mind and well-being.  Saying specific words repeatedly can have a very powerful effect on your physical body.  When you focus your thoughts and words, and use the power of intent to deliver your message, it can have a lasting effect on your actions – and your life.

According to SanskritMantra.com, “Mantras start a powerful vibration which corresponds to both a specific energy frequency and a state of consciousness in seed form.  Over time, the mantra process begins to override all of the other smaller vibrations, which eventually become absorbed by the mantra.”

This process is powerful enough to cause lasting change inside your body, and in your mind.  You’ll begin to tune into a different energy level depending on the types of mantras – or thoughts, and words – you repeat on a regular basis.

Are Mantras Real?

Mantras have been used for thousands of years in Ancient Indian medicine and therapies, and certain mantras have been associated with historical people and sages who wrote powerful speeches.  Repeating these mantras during meditation practice, or simply learning about different scripts and speeches, can be the beginning of your own spiritual awakening.
Continuous practice of mantras also help to quiet the mind; this is necessary for spiritual advancement and healing, and occurs at the subconscious level.  The simple act of closing your eyes and repeating a mantra can create significant energy vibrations, which in turn help to create a sense of peace, tranquility and serenity.

Practice These Mantras

Mantras can have a positive effect on your well-being. Try reciting the following mantras in a comfortable seated position

OM:  Tthis is often used in yoga practice to focus the mind and to begin meditation practice.  It is the ‘sound of infinity and immortality’.

OM TARA:  Tara is the representation of female energy; this mantra can evoke strength, healing and compassion.

SHRI HARI SHARNAM MAMAHA:  Sharnam means shelter in Sanskrit, and this mantra can help reduce anxiety and stress levels.

OM NAMO LAKSHMI: Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess of prosperity and abundance; if you want more wealth in your life, this is the mantra for you.

RAM:  This is the Hindu name for God, and represents virtue, truth and righteousness.

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Sabah Karimi writes on health, wellness and lifestyle for DivaVillage.