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 God. The Saguna
mantras invoke the personalized
aspects of God. It is said that the recitation of the Saguna mantras
gives rise to the actual form of the Spirit, 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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