A GUIDE TO MANTRAS:

Finding the One That

Speaks to You
I don’t know about you, but I’ve searched far and wide for a meditation style that actually
transported me into otherworldly realms of consciousness. What I found through years of
searching and seeking was a form of contemplation known as Vedic meditation. Also called
mantra meditation, this meditation style, which involves the chanting of Sanskrit mantras,
has proven to be a powerful mental tool of transcendence.

In this mantra guide, we’re going to explore the ins and outs of the healing practice of
mantra. We’ll understand the aim of mantras, how to use them in our daily life, as well as
look at some of the most popular mantras and their meanings. We’ll also learn how to
create and choose our own mantras---a custom-made practice that’s unique to our needs.

What is a Mantra?
The word, mantra, is often translated as Manas (mind) and tra (tool): “tool for the mind.”
According to musical artist Girish, “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,” says Sally Kempton, meditation teacher and author of Meditation for
the Love of it.

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.

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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.

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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,” says Kempton. “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

I remember my first experience ever witnessing a mantra. I was at a Buddhist monastery
in Hong Kong where a recorded Om Mani Padme Hum filled the sacred space with healing
vibrations. 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. During
that Asian adventure, I used to listen to a tape of the mantra whenever travel-related stress
frazzled my nervous system.

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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.

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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.

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 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.

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.

I’ve found that I‘m drawn to different mantras at different times in my life. Sometimes, I’ll
chant one for a month or more. Other times, a mantra works for me for a few days, or a
week and then it’s time to move on. 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.

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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. For example, I love the mantra “Everything is
in right order,” or “Everything is in divine order.” Whenever I repeat these words out loud or in
my mind’s eye, I immediately feel a load taken off my shoulders. That feeling of surrendering
to a divine plan that’s greater than me is downright relaxing and even empowering. It also
helps me get through tough times in my life when things haven’t gone according to my hope
or plan. As you become more experienced with various mantras, you might find that you
like to mix and match. Using both traditional Sanskrit mantras with modern mantras has
always worked well for me. Both 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!

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Author
Aimee Hughes
Aimee is an advanced yogi (21 years) and mindfulness expert. After
earning her B.A. in French from Tulane University and then Doctor of
Naturopathy (ND) credentials from Clayton College, she has gone
on to pen more than 500 holistic health and spirituality articles for a
number of worldwide publications, including Gaia TV, DOYOUYOGA,
“The South African Journal of Natural Medicine,” “OnFitness”
magazine, “Longevity Times,” Yogapedia.com and more. Aimee has
also authored a self-published vegan cookbook titled, “The Sexy
Vegan Kitchen: Culinary Adventures in Love & Sex.”

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