Mantras are “sonar forms of the forces of divinity,” according to Swami Veda Bharati. Mantras have been used for centuries as an aid to focus the mind during meditation as well as to produce changes in the consciousness.
Mantras can be either said aloud or silently offered to the Divine, to the Higher Self, to guardian angels or to patron saints. Similar to prayer, mantra repetitions can be chanted aloud or practiced silently in the mind.
Purpose of Mantra
Before selecting a mantra, make sure you are clear on its purpose. Many choose a mantra for religious reasons, some for personal growth and development, and others for inner peace. What do you wish to achieve? Here are some possible reasons for choosing a mantra:
- Intent to unite with the Divine
- Attain enlightenment
- To honor or praise God
- To meditate on a Deity, or an aspect of the Divine
- To calm yourself from stress in daily life
- A personal mantra can help change your personality for the better
- To quiet your mind from internal chatter
- To chant a prayer for peace or for protection
- To reduce negative energy, or to dispel anger
Christian Prayers for the Rosary
Christians perform many forms of prayer, meditation, and even mantras. Repetition of prayers for the holy rosary is the Christian version of a mantra. The rosary is similar to the Indian prayer beads (or mala), as it is a string of beads used to count the number of prayers, or mantras repeated.
The Global Catholic Network website gives the full text and instructions for performing the rosary, including the Creed of Faith, the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be prayers. The purpose of these Christian mantras is to praise God and meditate on His holiness.
Buddhist Mantras and Chants
The best example of a Buddhist mantra is the widely used Mani Mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum. It is pronounced, “ohm man-ee pad-may hoom.” The literal meaning is “hail to the jewel in the lotus.” Chanting this is said to lead to greater compassion, less suffering, and eventually, enlightenment.
A popular chant among Nichiren Buddhists is Nam-myoho-renge-kyo which means “Devotion to the Sutra of the Lotus Blossom of the Wonderful Law.” This goal of the chant is to bring about a state of Buddhahood through recognition and mindfulness of the ultimate law of karma (we are all connected).
Hindu Mantras
Two common examples of Hindu mantras are Om and So Hum. Om (or Aum) symbolizes the Hindu Trinity and is the primal sound representing the entire Universe. So Hum, according to the Yogic tradition, is translated as “I Am That.” This mantra is said to be the natural sound the breath makes upon inhalation and exhalation, and reveals the true nature of man.
The Gayatri Mantra is nicknamed the “mother of all Vedas,” and means literally, “the savior of the singer.” It is a four-line mantra: Om boor bhuvah svah; tat savitur varaynyam; bhargo dayvasya dheemahi; dhiyo yo nah prachoda-yat; Om (Rig Veda 3.62.10 and Yujur Veda 36.3)
Other examples of religious Hindu mantras include deity-specific worship:
- Vishnu: Om Namo Naaraayanaaya (Adoration to Lord Vishnu)
- Shiva: Om Namah Shivaaya (Adoration to Lord Shiva)
- Shakti: Om Hrim Chandikaayai Namah (Adoration to the Divine Mother, Goddess Chandika)
- Ganesha: Om Sri Ganayshaaya Namah (Adoration to Lord Ganesha)
Many cultures and religions use mantras for help in concentration and to show devotion. Repetition of a mantra, chant or prayer helps to focus the mind on the concepts of the Divine and bring the devotee closer to his/her version of God or the Supreme Being.
Repetitions of a mantra is useful for religious purposes, spiritual growth, personal growth, or to achieve inner peace, profound bliss, and even nirvana.
Sources:
- Mantra: Initiation and Practice by Swami Veda Bharati, Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama Publications, 2003.
- Basics of Buddhism by Pat Allwright, Taplow Press, 1998.
- The Hindu Mind by Bansi Pandit, New Age Books, 2001.
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