You’ve probably heard the word mantra before. But what you might not know is that this is a spiritual practice and it is as ancient as it is profound.
We’re going to explore what mantras are, the different ways they can be used, and best of all — how you can put them to work in your own life for incredible healing, empowerment, and transformation.
In this article we will explore:
Let’s begin!
So, what is a mantra? Simply put, it’s a word, sound, syllable, or phrase that has a powerful, vibrational resonance.
They’re used in meditation, yoga, and in the spiritual practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
You can use a mantra to concentrate your energy, open your chakras, and develop your psychic awareness.
Some experienced meditation masters explain that these spiritual phrases, once unlocked, can raise your consciousness.
They go further to say, “You came in with these special gifts,” “They’re just waiting to flower. Waiting to manifest through your body and your personality. This practice is so compelling and forceful. You have no idea where it could take you.”
A personal mantra is a statement that motivates and inspires you to be your best self.
With a personal mantra, you affirm the way you want to live your life. And it can help motivate you to complete your goals, both personally and professionally.
It’s been proven that chanting, music, and mantras have a strong impact on our brain.
In fact, according to Deva Premal and Miten, mantras are energetic sound formulas that slow us down and allow us to see everything clearly. They give us perspective.
Dr. Alfred A. Thomas from the Paris School of Medicine claims that chanting calms the body and activates a number of natural bodily functions and processes. It can also help in healing the mind and body from addictions, like smoking or alcohol. What’s more, chanting can strengthen the immune system.
And Dr. Watkins, a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the Imperial College of London, recently found that chanting can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, increase hormone level performance, and decrease anxiety and depression.
Who would have thought that this simple practice could have such power?
Om Shanti is perhaps one of the most well known and accessible mantras used today. If you’ve ever set foot in a yoga class, chances are you’ve heard it.
So, what does Om Shanti mean? Well, there’s actually no direct translation for Om Shanti. That’s because Om isn’t so much as a word as it is a sound, a feeling, and an energetic resonance.
Om is said to be the sound of the universe. This single syllable encompasses the cycle of death and rebirth. Chanting the word Om brings you into energetic alignment with the universe.
So, what about Shanti? Well, Shanti is a Sanskrit word that means, “Peace.” Together, the Om Shanti meaning is meant to convey: Universal Peace.
It’s often used as a greeting in yoga as a way of acknowledging a fellow practitioner and wishing them peace.
The very first mantras were used by Hindus in India over 3,000 years ago. Several hundred years later, after Buddhism began to flourish, mantras began to be incorporated into their spiritual practice too.
Buddhist mantras are based on the holy teachings of the Buddha and the bodhisattvas. Here are three traditional Buddhist mantras you might not have heard of before:
This mantra is used in Tibetan Buddhism. It means, “I now invoke the Universal sound, the jewel, the goal of Enlightenment, love, and compassion, Lotus wisdom, and a pure indivisible unity of wisdom with practice.”
This is a practice of compassion. It’s used to seek and spread empathy for oneself and others.
This means, “I invoke the Universal sound, Buddha-nature and the wise one, wise one of the Shakyans, hail to thee!”
Also called the Shakyamuni Mantra, this mantra is meant to encourage the development of what Buddhists call, Buddha-nature, or the seeking of Enlightenment.
Also called the Buddhist money mantra, it’s used as a prayer to the bodhisattva of earth and abundance, Vasudhara. In Buddhism, Vasudhara is thought to be the embodiment of the feminine spirit and is the counterpart to the Hindu goddess, Lakshmi.
So, how can you put a mantra to use during meditation practice?
Well, meditation mantras are a powerful way to increase your mindfulness during meditation. They serve a focal point for your attention, the same way you might use a candle, a photo, or a statue.
There are quite a few meditation mantras you can access for free. The best part? They act as a form of guided meditation to help you stay grounded and present.
Here are a few to get you started:
“Ham-Sah.” Or, “I am that.” This helps reminds us that we are observers and thus helps detach from our human experiences and suffering.
“Aham Prema.” Or, “I am Divine Love.”
“Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” Or, “Peace of mind, body, and speech.”
“Om Tat Sat.” Or, “All that is.”
So, how do you use a meditation mantra? Once you’ve selected one you’d like to try, find a quiet place to begin your meditation practice.
When you’re ready, set the intention for your meditation. This is where your selected mantra will really shine. Whether you’d like to meditate for better health, more stillness, or just for a moment of peace, set that intention before you begin.
When you’re ready, begin your mantra. You can say it out loud or in your head.
Remember, it’s not a race. You can say it as many or as few times as you’d like. Maybe you’ve got a specific number in mind. Maybe not. Simply repeat your mantra slowly, and with intention.
Think about what your chosen mantra means. Dwell on the individual words. Let the resonance and vibration of each syllable ring.
This form of meditation practice is a powerful one. Even if you’ve never tried it before, you’re bound to experience transformative results. Give it a try.
Now, just because mantras are a 3,000 year-old spiritual practice doesn’t mean they aren’t just as effective today as they were back then!
In fact, mantras have changed over the years to accommodate our modern attitudes and perceptions.
A mantra doesn’t need to be pronounced in Sanskrit to hold power. A mantra just needs to be something that resonates with you on a profound and personal level.
Mantras are often used in meditation as a way to stay focused and centered. But you can use mantras in lots of different ways.
Print one out to put up on your wall. Write one down on the community board at work. Slip a post-it mantra into your friend’s purse for an added dose of inspiration.
Here are 14 modern mantra examples you can try out:
I am enough.
Every day in every way, I am getting stronger.
I am a magnet for health, wealth, and happiness.
I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
In me, I trust.
I am open to the possibilities of the Universe.
Disconnect to reconnect.
I am in an attitude of gratitude.
Inhale the future, exhale the past.
I am the change.
Everything I need is within me.
I can and I will.
I love myself, I believe in myself, I support myself.
And one more for good measure:
Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.
Which mantra was your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!
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