What is mantra meditation? Mantra meditation is thousands of years old
What is mantra meditation? Mantra meditation is one of the oldest and most effective meditation practices that has been practiced for thousands of years in Eastern spirituality. It is a technique based on the repetition of a word or phrase known as a mantra. The mantra is repeated over and over again to calm the mind and bring it into a state of deep relaxation and concentration. Mantra meditation is a great way to reduce stress, calm the mind and improve well-being. At the same time, mantra meditation is also suitable for advanced practitioners.
How does mantra meditation work?
Mantra meditation works by using a mantra that is repeated over and over again. When you repeat the mantra, you focus on it and let go of all other thoughts and emotions. By focusing on the mantra, you can calm your mind and achieve the state of deep relaxation and concentration. The state of deep relaxation allows you to let go of the stress and worries of daily life and clear your mind.
The Gunnas
In yoga, our state of mind is divided into three characteristics.
- Sattva: Sattva stands for purity, clarity and harmony. It is the quality of balance, knowledge, truth, goodness and spirituality. A mind in a sattvic state is calm, peaceful and serene. Sattva is associated with virtues such as wisdom, patience and love.
- Rajas: Rajas stands for activity, dynamism and passion. It is the quality of movement, energy and change. A mind in a rajasic state is active, restless and ambitious. Rajas is associated with ambition, desire and passion.
- Tamas: Tamas stands for inertia, darkness and sluggishness. It is the quality of inertia, ignorance and resistance. A mind in a tamasic state is sluggish, lazy and confused. Tamas is associated with inertia, ignorance and negativity.
Mantra meditation is a way of moving beyond rajas to sattva. It is therefore particularly suitable for practitioners with poor concentration or practitioners who prefer a more energetic meditation.
How do I choose a mantra?
A mantra should be something that is personally meaningful to you. It can be a word or phrase that evokes positive associations and that you associate with calmness and peace. Some of the commonly used mantras are Om, So-Hum and Aham Prema, but you can also choose a personal mantra that is meaningful to you. Nowadays you can find mantras on Youtube. However, you should inform yourself very well beforehand about the source of the mantra and its effect. In the best case, such a mantra is given from teacher to student.
How do I start with mantra meditation?
To begin mantra meditation, first find a quiet and comfortable place where you can meditate undisturbed. Sit down comfortably, close your eyes and breathe in and out deeply. Concentrate on your breathing and let go of all thoughts and emotions. Then start to repeat your mantra in your mind. Repeat the mantra over and over again while concentrating on the sound and vibrations of the mantra. If your mind wanders, simply gently bring it back to the mantra.
What are the benefits of mantra meditation?
Mantra meditation offers many benefits for the mind and body. Here are some of the benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Mantra meditation can help to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and enabling deep relaxation.
- Improves concentration and clarity of mind: By focusing on the mantra, you can calm the mind and improve clarity of thought.
- Improves sleep: Mantra meditation can help improve sleep by calming and relaxing the mind.
Here are some steps you can follow to meditate with a mantra:
- Find a quiet and peaceful place where you can meditate undisturbed.
- Sit down comfortably and close your eyes.
- Start with a few deep breaths to calm your mind and body.
- Select a mantra that you would like to use.
- Begin to repeat the mantra gently, either aloud or in your mind.
- Concentrate on the sound and vibration of the mantra and let go of other thoughts and distractions.
- If you notice that you are getting distracted, simply return gently to your mantra.
- Meditate for a certain amount of time that is comfortable for you – five minutes, ten minutes or longer.
- End the meditation by breathing in and out slowly and deeply and opening your eyes.
Mantra meditation belongs to a tradition
Mantra meditation is an energetic method through which a strong concentration can be built up. The quality of the mantra and the personal relationship to the mantra are of crucial importance. Especially in the teacher, student relationship and the spiritual connection to a Deity.
