Mantras are words of power. When verbalized or internalized, they become vibrations of power. The person repeating these mantras eventually feel these vibrations flowing through the body, resulting in a peaceful state of mind which is critical for the beginning of true prayer or the communion with God.
To allow oneself to get to this state of mind requires internal focus, concentration and minimal distractions from external sources, or the ability to block out or separate out these external distractions. For this reason, music accompanying mantras during meditation or true prayer is frowned upon, since the music lends another type of sound vibration to the total experience and makes it harder to let the vibrations of the mantras themselves ‘flow’. Instead, the person sometimes finds him/her self getting caught in the rhythm of the music instead of the vibrations of the mantras.
Mantras are truly great. They are ancient and they work extremely powerfully. The word “mantra” is derived from two Sanskrit words. The first is “manas” or “mind,” which provides the “man” syllable. The second syllable is drawn from the Sanskrit word “trai” meaning to “protect” or to “free from.” Therefore, the word mantra in its most literal sense means, “to free from the mind.” Mantra is, at its core, a tool used by the mind that eventually frees one from internal and external distractions of the mind.
The journey from mantra to freedom of mind is a truly phenomenal one. As the vibrations from the mantras flow through the body, the mind expands, deepens and widens and eventually finds oneness with the essence of its cosmic existence and experiences calm and peace. On its journey, the mind begins to understand much about the source and essence of the vibration of all things.
As noted above, Mantras eventually quiet the mind. The subconscious mind is a collective consciousness of all the thoughts that exist throughout the physical and deeper Ayurveda retreat in rishikesh subconscious level, encompassing all that really makes one who he is at the moment. The dedicated use of mantra can go deep into the subconscious thoughts stored in the mind and transform the mind into a true sanctuary of peace.
All words produce an actual physical vibration. Over time, if we know what the effect of that vibration is, then the word may come to have meaning associated with the effect of saying that word with its vibrations. This is one level of energy basis for words.
Another level is the intent behind the sound. If the actual physical vibration is coupled with a mental intention, the vibration then contains an additional mental component that influences the result of saying that particular word. The sound is the carrier wave and the intent is overlaid upon the waveform, just as a colored lens influences the appearance and effect of a white light.
One way to say a mantra is simply to verbalize it repeatedly.
Then the higher level is when one repeats the mantra quietly while only moving the tongue.
The yet higher level is to repeat it mentally without moving any muscle in the body including the tongue.
The chanting of mantras is an ancient method of allowing ones mind to find and experience peace and calm and the more time spent perfecting the use of mantras, one finds a certain power and discipline which allows them to control all facets of their lives.
Since anything in our lives that is worth having, from wealth, health, a bank account and other assets to love and satisfying our personal desired, requires a measure of discipline, then it makes sense to practice our mantras and meditation which instills discipline in our minds.
In another western explanation, a mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of “creating transformation” within oneself. Its use and type varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra.
Mantras originated in the ancient Vedic tradition of India, an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within Buddhism, Sikhism, and Jainism. The use of mantras is now widespread throughout various spiritual movements which are based on, or off-shoots of these earlier Eastern traditions and religions. The Om syllable which is believed to be the “Sound of the Universe” is considered a mantra in its own right in the Vedanta beliefs.
Mantras! Words of power! Vibrations of power!
