| Mantra (meditative chanting) is an often misunderstood aspect of the yoga practice. Unfortunately, it still carries a cult-ish stigma in the West. But chanting a mantra can be very soothing. It is a tool used to deepen meditation, to calm the mind and body during times of stress and fear, and to provide a sense of connection to the Divine (whatever that may be to you). To understand mantra, it must be experienced. Several Sanskrit mantras are explained below. Feel free to listen to a mantra (by clicking on the underlined text) and chant along. You will be joining the millions of spirits who have chanted these ancient mantras through the millennia. Chant them silently or aloud throughout your day to reconnect with your spirit. Or make up a mantra of your own that has a special meaning to you. Aum (Om). In yoga, the ultimate mantra is a simple Aum (also spelled Om). It symbolizes Divine creation and the One-ness of the Universe. It is a sacred syllable that represents the primordial sound by which the Universe vibrates. As everything in the Universe is made of energy and that energy is always moving, there is a vibrational hum to that movement which is Aum. When chanting Aum, we are connecting our Self with ALL THAT IS. The Sanksrit symbol for Aum is shown above. Aum Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. Let there be peace, peace, perfect peace. Lokah Samastha Sukhino Bhavantu. May all beings everywhere be happy and free. Baba Nam Kevalam. Love is the essence of all things. Sharanam Ananda Sat Chit Ananda. We seek refuge in the bliss and knowledge of being, the source of all joy. Om Mani Padme Hum. The jewel in the heart of the lotus. (We each have the seed of purity within us, which can grow toward enlightenment using wisdom and intention.) Om Asato Ma Sat Gamaya. Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya. Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya. Lead me from the unreal to the real. Lead me from the darkness into light. Lead me from death to immortality. The Gayatri Mantra: Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi; Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat. Earth, atmosphere, heavens. We meditate on the sacred light of the effulgent source. Let that inspire our thoughts. |
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| The symbol for Aum (Om) |
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| Mantra |