Mantrams (or mantra) are the simplest meditation tools available. They are a set
of syllables that form a sound vibration, rather like a vibrational pattern or blueprint.
An example of a mantram is Om or Aum. (It is more correct to use Aum) There are
many different mantrams.
The great advantage of mantrams is their usability. You can use a mantram in
seated meditation, or, during normal activity, like during daily work. Mantrams
work because they -
- quieten, relax and still the mind by making it one-pointed.
- Focus the mind by reducing distractions.
- connect us to deeper parts of the mind; our higher inspiration etc.
- release compulsive thought patterns by breaking them down.
If you adopt the use of a mantram you will discover for yourself many other
benefits suited to your own circumstances. Its always best to choose one
mantram and use it for life. Let your intuition choose your mantram for you.
Common mantrams are -
- Rama, rama, rama (means - "joy, joy, joy")
- Aum namah Shivaya (means - "please end my separateness from Source")
- Aum mani padme hum (means - "please purify my consciousness )
- So hum (means - "I am Source")
A wonderful resource for further mantram info, is The Mantram Handbook
by Eknath Easwaran. His Blue Mountain Meditation Center is worth an online visit.
Over the years I have found a mantram acts as an almost infallible spiritual guide.
Residing within each mantram is a vibrational pattern that changes the state of
the mind. If ever there was a magical formula in sound, it would be a mantram.
You can be creative with mantrams too, develop your own short form for
emergencies, sing them out loud, repeat them quietly inside. For an experiment
select a single problem you have and work at it with a mantram. Keep throwing
the mantram at the problem and sit back an watch what happens!
A Simple Mantram Meditation
A beautiful way to use a mantram is in seated meditation. It's so simple. Sit quietly
and let your self relax. Let your breathing slow down. Watch all of that. Then
begin to observe your thoughts. Don't try to control them, stay with the fun of
observing your mind at play. Then very gently draw the mind into a conscious focus
by clearly saying your mantram. You only need to do this once or twice. Let the
mantram really sink in as best you can when you do it. It sounds dazzlingly easy,
and it is, but it also amazingly powerful. Try it for few days and see how it can
change the quality of your meditation and the state of your mind.
Bliss, Wendy xx
