Mantra meditation pushes the mind to focus and concentrate completely on sound, thus clearing away other thoughts, emotions and distractions which divert our energies. We learn to focus and preserve our mental and emotional energies, enabling us to develop a direction and focus in our actions.
We become more aware of the simple aspects of life leading to a transformation in our attitudes towards an uncomplicated and non-competitive life, creating a balance of being physically active and capable with the external actions and maintaining a condition of perpetual clarity and calmness internally.
Mantras (sounds) can be whatever you choose; they don't necessarily need to be Sanskrit Mantras (an ancient language of India used more often in yoga). A mantra is a sound repeated over and over again until it becomes one with you consciousness and frees your mind from its regular state of existence, elevating you to an altered state of awareness; a state that can connect you with your soul and its most deep levels, achieving a state of universal consciousness.
One popular mantra used is "I am" during inhalation, and "at peace" during exhalation. Mantra is often taught using Sanskrit words or phrases, most common of which are:
OM
The sound of the universe; vibration of all living things
So Ham
This is a beautiful and powerful mantra, honoring both the light and the shadow; the integration of opposites; life and death, light and shadow, inhalation and exhalation; the yin and yang.
Sat Nam
Truth
Om Namah Shivaya
Transformation; creation born of change; the phoenix rising.
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Join with the divine will; I surrender to the Almighty.
Aham Brahmasmi
I am the creative force
Tat Tuan Asmi
I am that I am
Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Peace, peace, peace
Common Mantras in English:
I am
I surrender to Your will (God, Goddess, Universe, What IS)
Love
Peace to all
I open to What IS
All is well
Preparation for Mantra Meditation
It is always important to prepare yourself before doing mantra meditation. Getting yourself in the right mind set and creating a spiritual atmosphere will help a lot in the practice of mantra meditation.
* Let a sense of spirituality and enthusiasm for your inner quests fill you.
* If possible, shower and dress in clean, white, loose fitting clothing.
* Pull back long hair and brush the teeth if possible. A comfortable and clean body promotes a clear mind as well.
* Sit in the sacred space you have set aside for your spiritual practice.
* Create a simple altar for you space. Inspirational pictures for you can be used, light a candle, or some incense to keep the air sweet and the atmosphere meditative.
* Surrender your egos. It is about purifying yourself and letting go of preconceived thinking, and opening yourself to boundless, unconditional love -Divine Grace.
* Sit in a comfortable position which allows your spine to be straight and erect.
* Offer a prayer from deep within your heart.
How to practice Mantra Meditation?
If you are using a Mantra that has one syllable, such as OM, begin by concentrating on the rhythm of your breath. Say to yourself OM as you inhale, then as you exhale count. Inhale OM, exhale one, inhale OM, exhale two, and so on till you reach the number ten, and then start over again.
For longer mantras such as the mantra So Hum, begin with deep, relaxed breathing, calming the mind and the body. Connect to the rhythm and absorb the rhythm of breath. On the inhalation, mentally chant So, and on the exhalation, mentally chant Hum. Flow with the silent sound and breath, allowing the sound to become one with your consciousness, visualizing life force energy moving into your body and down your spine when you inhale, and energy flowing up the spine when you exhale.
Enjoy the practice of this mantra technique without feeling pressurized to achieve anything. Enjoy the process and in time your breath and Mantra will become one.
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