You’ve probably heard mantras, possibly in a yoga class or in devotional music. Maybe ones such as Om Mani Padme Hum or Om Namah Shivaya.
But, what is a mantra exactly? And how are they beneficial to our health?
Mantras are the repetition of sacred words or phrases that have a deeper meaning or significance. All of the wisdom traditions have some form of mantra.
Mantras can be a way of focusing a sound within ourselves. Sound is a form of vibration and everything within the universe vibrates. Many wisdom traditions and creation myths share how the universe began with a sound – through speaking or singing.
As you come to resonate at the same frequency as the mantra, over time, the mantra gains its own strength and momentum. At this point, you shift from chanting the mantra to the mantra having an effect upon you. This is the space in which a mantra can be deeply transformative.
Some say that mantras connect us to a universal archetypal energy field far greater than ourselves that reflects the nature and meaning of that mantra. We then vibrate with a higher level of consciousness that purifies the body and mind. These fields have been strengthened over many, many years by those who have repeated the mantra in the past, and they have tremendous potential for our healing and development. So, it’s important in choosing a mantra that you do so consciously, whether it’s for spiritual practice or healing.
Several mantras are used specifically for their healing properties. By connecting with the energetic level of the mantra, the area of the body that is holding stress, disease, or illness can experience a release and be filled with positive, healing energies.
Some mantras are specific to chakras, the energy centers in the body. These help to balance the chakras so that your energies will flow more smoothly and allow you to be your best possible self in the world.
I’ll share some guidance on how to use a mantra.
- Take a few deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth fully. Focus on your breathing and let go of all other thoughts and distractions.
- Set your intention for doing the mantra. Remind yourself of the meaning and why you chose that mantra.
- Begin saying the mantra, either aloud or internally. Some people find it helpful to coordinate the mantra with the breath. Explore and see what works for you.
- Stay connected to the meaning of the mantra as you repeat it. You may find that, with repeated practice, you experience the mantra in new and deeper ways and the meaning of it may shift some.
- If your mantra is associated with a deity, then visualize the deity and the attributes of the deity.
- If the mantra is specific for healing or balancing a chakra, then place your awareness on that part of your body. You can visualize the associated color, if desired.
- Once you have repeated the mantra for a period of time, slowly let the mantra reach a whisper until it finally stops. Experience the silence and peaceful emptiness that resonates within you and touches the primordial wisdom within the universe.
Mantras can be used anytime and anywhere when said internally. When you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed with your emotions or your thoughts, using a mantra can calm and center you. Bringing you to a place of groundedness and peace.
Not sure what mantra to choose to get started? A good place to start is with OM. Read about this mantra in my post here. Then explore guided mantra chanting for the 7 chakras in my Free Healing Library.
Ready to dive in and bring this transformative practice into your spiritual practice? Check out my recently released program, How to Bring Life to Your Chakras: 7 Healing Mantras.
