Mantra Meditation: the Healing Power of Repetition

A Mantra is a positive message that, when repeated, helps to heal the mind. Read about the healing effect of these ancient phrases here.

What is a mantra exactly and what is the power of mantras? Mantras are sounds, words, sentences, or even poems that are said to have a healing effect on body and mind. Repeating positive affirmations is an age-old tradition in Buddhism and Hinduism to cleanse the mind of negativity. In these traditions, the well-known Ohm sound is said to even have a calming effect on the nervous system. Find out in this blog which other mantra texts there are and how to form a personal mantra practice!

 Mantra Meaning

The word Mantra comes from Sanskrit. It is a combination of the words Manasah and Tra. In Sanskrit, Man roughly translates to “thoughts”  and Tra  to “protection”, meaning “Mantra” literally translates to something like “that which protects our thoughts”. This is one of many interpretations, as no one knows the exact meaning of the word.

Some Mantra Examples

Mantras come in many forms, from ancient texts to Personal Affirmations. There are also some very popular mantras that are so widely spread that you could find them on spiritual jewelry, clothing, or even temples or interiors. Do you ever wonder, “Which mantra is right for me?” Then below you will find four well known mantras, each of which is a message of positivity and love. Perfect for a beginner to try out!

The Basic Mantra –  Ohm

We have all heard of the Ohm, Aum, or Om sound. This primal sound represents the beginning of everything! According to Hinduism, the Ohm has a vibrational frequency that takes you into a deeper layer of consciousness. That is why the Om is often chanted before another prayer as a basic mantra, to start from this deeper part of yourself. Read more about the many layers of this Cosmic Spiritual Sound Here.

Om Mani Padme Hum Mantra

Tibetan Buddhists describe this mantra as “I honor the pearl in the lotus flower.” When you recite this mantra, you would summon the keeper of the lotus. This is a being who strives for enlightenment and represents the compassion of all Buddhas. Therefore, by chanting the text you would experience relief from the negativity within yourself. Find out more about this world wide Beloved Mantra Here.

Om Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri represents peace and wisdom for all. When you use this mantra, you are asking for clearing of the mind. That would have an effect on your body, emotions and bring you back to your own core. To try this out, say, sing, or think of the following verse:

Om Bhur Bhuva Svaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhimahic

Dhiyo Yo Naha Prachodayat

Ohm Namah Shivaya Mantra

The Om Namah Shivaya is a greeting to Shiva, the Hindu god of transformation and destruction. Chanting the Namah Shivaya seems to have a strong effect on your self-confidence because it involves the deity within yourself. Here you let go of everything for a while and you go back to your true self. Who are you? And what do you want? Let go of what is holding you back in life. Learn more about the power of  Ohm Namah Shivaya here!

How to Form a Personal Mantra

Mostly mantras come from Hinduism and Buddhism, eastern religions with both Similarities as Well as Differences. However, instead of mantras that are thousands of years old, you can also make your own mantra in your most comfortable language. Are there certain moments in the day when you could use a positive boost? Then stop for a moment. Put your hands on your stomach – according to Buddhists, this is your center – and ask yourself the following questions:

• What do you feel?
• What thoughts make you feel this?
• How would you actually like to feel?
• What thought could contribute to this?
• Can I make this a short, powerful sentence?

Keep the sentence positive, realistic, and focus on one thought. So don’t say something like ‘I never want to feel stress again’, but ‘I let it go’ or ‘I can handle it’. The nice thing about our minds is that pessimism can indeed be transformed into optimism. For example, dwelling on an affirmation like “I’m worth it” can reduce self-doubt.

More Powerful Sounds for the Mind

Not only the sounds and vibrations of an Ohm would have a healing effect, but also those of a Singing Bowl and Tuning Forks work mind-expanding for many people. Moreover, you can use the powerful sounds as Meditation Music, or read Hindu and Buddhist Words of Wisdom out loud. While you’re at it, use a Mala as a handy tool while meditating to Count Mantras. Meditation isn’t just sitting on cushions, for the outdoorsy types, check out Walking Meditation! However you choose to Meditate, you’ll find help at Spiru.

What’s Your Favorite Mantra?