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.
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