We generally think of yoga as a physical practice that involves various poses and breathing techniques. Did you know that consciously repeating a word or sound is also a form of yoga? Chanting sacred sound vibrations is called mantra yoga, japa, or mantra meditation. This ancient practice is one of the most powerful ways to clear our minds, focus our concentration, and calm our emotions. This type of yoga is a simple yet effective practice that is easy to learn and only requires a minimum of 15 minutes a day to practice.
What is a Mantra?
A mantra is a word or series of words used to invoke spiritual qualities when chanted aloud or silently. The Sanskrit root word ‘manas’ means mind and ‘tra’ means instrument or tool. It is usually translated as ‘instrument or tool of the mind’ or ‘that which, when reflected upon, brings liberation’.
Mantras are mystical formulas of sacred syllables originally uttered by rishis (seers or sages) in the deepest states of meditation. They are one of the earliest components of yoga and probably the first developed type of meditation. The most popular mantra is Om or Aum and is often used as a core mantra in longer chants. They are usually written in Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and Prakrit. They are believed to have magical powers for healing, protection, and prosperity, but in mantra yoga, they are used primarily for spiritual development.
What is Mantra Yoga?
Mantra yoga is a meditation practice that focuses on chanting sacred syllables, along with mindful breathing and meditative concentration, to calm the mind, nourish spiritual energy, and create a state of enlightenment. The practice of chanting the mantra is considered one of the simplest, yet powerful forms of meditation.
Mantra yoga is the ancient science of sound vibration. It is based on the belief that everything we do is energetic; our thoughts, words, actions, and emotions are all part of a larger energetic field called prana, or life force. As we think or do something, we send a wave of energy out into the world. When we repeat a mantra over and over again, we focus this energy inward, allowing us to access our deeper selves and gain greater control over our minds.
In mantra yoga, the practitioner creates a meditative state by repeating a particular mantra. Chanting these sacred sounds helps the mind focus on the meaning and vibration of the words. As the practitioner’s consciousness revolves around the repetition, utterance, and meaning of the sacred sound, he or she cultivates psychic energy that can be used for spiritual purposes and to connect with the divine.
The Power of Pratyahara
By focusing our attention and focus inward on the repetition of the sound vibrations, we achieve the difficult state of pratyahara. When practitioners focus fully on the sound of the mantra, they become immersed in the experience of being present in the moment. This allows practitioners to enter a deeply meditative state in which they are not paying attention to anything else around them. The ease with which the state of pratyahara is created allows yogis to enter deeper and deeper states of consciousness without being distracted by external stimuli.
Types of Chanting
Mantras can be spoken aloud, whispered softly, or said silently in the mind. Vaikhari Japa is the recitation of a mantra aloud, which is a practice of saying it, deepening concentration, and connecting with the vibration of the words. Upamsu Japa is the soft whispering or humming of the mantra as a way of cultivating peace and harmony. Manasika Japa is inner chanting, that is, chanting only in the mind, and requires a high degree of concentration and attention. According to ancient yogis, chanting silently is 100,000 times more effective than chanting loudly.
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Tips for Practical Yoga
- Concentrate on the sensation resonating in the body of the mantra.
- Notice where the vibrations resonate in your head, chest, and body.
- Let the mantra flow naturally without forcing it.
- Don’t get caught up in thinking about what you should think or how you should say the mantra. Just do your best with pure intention.
- When you feel distracted, gently direct your awareness back to the mantra.
- Start with a simple and short mantra. As you become proficient in the practice, you can become more complex, for example by chanting the Gayatri mantra.
- Initially, practice every day for 3-5 minutes. Then slowly increase the time as you get used to the practice.
- The best time to practice is early morning or evening.
- Pay attention to your breathing and the mantra to increase your focus.
- When you have finished repeating the mantra, take a few minutes to reflect on the meaning of the mantra and its effect on your mind, body, and heart.
Conclusion
Mantras are used for many purposes, including healing, meditation, personal development, and prayer. By linking your breath to the vibration of the sound, repeating the mantra helps you enter a deep meditative state, clears your mind of negative thoughts, and connects you to your higher self and the divine. Chanting these sacred sounds affects the energy channels of the body and calms the mind and spirit. By practicing the mantras, we can learn to access our inner spiritual wisdom, become more conscious in our daily lives, and help ourselves to heal and transform. Awakening our inner awareness, connecting with our higher self, and achieving spiritual enlightenment can be achieved through this practice.