So, I do not often practice this type of meditation, but it is a super useful tool for beginners who struggle to clear their minds. This particular meditation is useful, as a mantra is a great way to center yourself and be more focused. A Mantra is a syllable or a short word without a specific meaning – that’s the important part. Each mantra does have a meaning, but it is more complex and tend to be vaguely general meanings that are different for each user. A mantra is used repeatedly in order to focus the mind. A mantra is not an affirmation, as an affirmation is used to convince yourself of something. Mantras stem from Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist traditions.
OM
Some people call Mantra meditation “om meditation” because generally the mantra “om” is used for this type meditation. However, this is just one of the mantras that can be used and there are many others. Some teachers insist that the choice of word you use and its pronunciation is very important due to the “vibrational energy” that is associated with the sound and meaning. Then there are others who say that the mantra itself is just a tool to focus the mind and that the chosen word is irrelevant. This is dependent on your belief system and practice.
Words of Wisdom
Mantra meditation is a good technique for beginners because people usually find it easier to focus on a repetitive sound rather than their breathing. This is specifically because a mantra is a word and the mind perceives thoughts in words. It is especially useful if you tend to overthink or if your mind is full of thoughts, because the mantra meditation requires constant attention.
How to Practice Mantra Meditation
Step 1: Choose an environment conducive to mediation that is quiet, cool and where you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Step 2: Sit on a cushion, the floor, or a chair, with your hands on your knees, facing up or down. Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears. Ensure that your back is supported if necessary.
Step 3: Choose a mantra or word that resonates with you, but that is not too meaningful – I will list some well-known mantras in the next section.
Step 4: Repeat this mantra in your mind, silently over and over again throughout the whole practice. The mantra can also be whispered softly and lightly if you need an aid for concentration.
Step 5: The practice can also be combined with being aware of the breath or by coordinating your breath and the mantra.
Step 6: You can continue with this for any period of time or for a set number of repetitions, traditionally 108 or 1008 repetitions are done and mala beads can be used for counting.
Step 7: Allow the practice to deepen and the mantra may continue seemingly by itself or even disappear and leave you in a state of deep inner peace.
Guidelines for Mantra Meditation
- Repeating the mantra creates a mental vibration that in turn allows you to reach deeper levels of awareness than other types of meditation.
- Repeating a mantra can help you to disconnect from all the thoughts in your mind, so that you can slip into the gap between thoughts.
- The mantra is a tool, essentially an ancient power word that subtly supports your meditation practice.
- Below are a few well-known Hindu mantras, Om is used more often because it creates a deep vibration, making it easier for the mind to concentrate on it.
- Each one represents a chakra as well – although there are 7 main chakras and these are just some of them.
Comments (17)
JoJo Tabares
February 26, 2017 at 10:41 pm
I’m not good at sitting still. I’m taking time to meditate in prayer.
Daniella
February 27, 2017 at 9:52 am
A lot of people have that problem, the solution can sometimes be found in a movement meditation (I will be doing an article on that soon). Prayer is also a great meditation all on its own!
Raj Kumar saini
September 13, 2018 at 8:09 am
Grateful giving great tips on yoga.
Dalal
February 27, 2017 at 6:33 pm
Great article, I pinned it!
Daniella
February 28, 2017 at 8:24 am
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed!
Cait Weingartner
February 28, 2017 at 9:25 am
I’m finding these posts very helpful in developing the habit of incorporating daily meditation sessions into my routine. Thank you!
Daniella
March 1, 2017 at 8:45 am
I’m so glad that they are helping you develop your daily practice! Keep it up and you will soon notice the benefits.
Laneic Lavalle
March 18, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Interesting! I had no idea that the chanting had any meaning besides helping you stay in that moment. Learned something new today!
Daniella
March 19, 2017 at 9:43 am
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it.
sharon
April 3, 2017 at 1:59 pm
Let me kmow of New post, enjoy learning something new.
Daniella
April 4, 2017 at 8:38 am
Thanks Sharon! You are welcome to sign up to receive my weekly blog posts. If you sign up via my Mindfulness Meditation post you will also receive a free meditation guide.
Maheswari
April 14, 2017 at 6:10 pm
Among 7 chakras, is it good to chant mantras only for 4 chakras as u said OM ,YAM,LAM,RAM ? then what about the remaining 3 chakras ? Answer plz
Daniella
April 17, 2017 at 11:00 am
Hi Maheswari, the mantra’s I listed in this post were for the chakras I know most people struggle with. However, when clearing your chakras it is good to work on them all. Please use the following as reference: Root Chakra = Lam, Sacral Chakra = Vam, Solar Plexus Chakra = Ram, Heart Chakra = Yam, Throat Chakra = Ham and for both the Third Eye and Crown Chakra = Om. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions.
shannon
May 1, 2017 at 6:08 pm
I have a hard time quieting my mind and sitting still thanks for sharing. I will work on this.
Daniella
May 4, 2017 at 8:43 am
It takes a bit of time, but the more you do it the easier it becomes. Let the thoughts enter your mind, but when you breathe out, let them go. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Candy
May 1, 2017 at 6:17 pm
Love this post. I’ve started trying mantra meditation and it’s working wonders for my monkey mind! Lol
Daniella
May 4, 2017 at 8:44 am
I’m so glad it helps! I have found Mantra meditation to be the best for people with very active minds.
Comments are closed