Mantra meditation benefits:
Mantra meditation has multiple benefits on various aspects of our lives. Meditating on sacred Vedic mantras can bring us spiritual healing, peace of mind as well as a basic self-awareness. When we meditate on mantra or chant on prayer beads, we come more in tune with the world around us. As a result, we gain a sense of distinguishing between right and wrong, for example, what food should we eat and what effect it leaves on our health. When we are aware of these basic decisions, we can better our life.
- Spiritual wellbeing: It is a given that the first thought that crosses our mind when we think of meditation is spiritualism. In a sense, that’s true. Meditation has been a means to spiritual awakening since ancient times. To make a better and woke human being, we have to maintain a balance among our mind, body, and spirit. However, we often overlook our spiritual needs and only focus on our physical health. We almost always do not care so much about our mental and spiritual health. Incorporating mantra meditation into our daily schedule will help us become a better person and achieve a well-balanced personality.
- Connection with the higher self: Our higher self or our subconscious is the deeper states of mind which connects us to love, wisdom and knowledge of universe to that of our inner soul. When we are in line with our higher self, it shows us the bigger picture so that we could cure our mental and physical ailments that were caused by traumas of past. In a sense, our higher self holds the key to the mysteries of the universe. When we connect with our higher self more deeply, we connect with the universe outside, which makes us more aware of the forces that rule the universe and our lives.
- Mental wellbeing: Not just mantra meditation, any kind of meditation practice helps us in achieving mental wellbeing. Mind is always restless, and it is full of anxieties, fear, and negative energy. In order to keep it in control, we must master the art of achieving the peace of mind. When we meditate on a scared mantra, it calms our mind and enhances our concentration. When mind is calm and not agitated, it discards all the negativity and helps us attain peace.
- Mindfulness: When we meet with negative energies, they make us violent and restless. Meditation along with chanting help in reducing these negative energies that affect us inside out. When we are at peace with ourself, we exude more positive energy. When we do mantra meditation, it forces our mind to hear on a specific sound vibration, which in turn, helps improve our mindfulness and productivity.
Also read: Breathing Meditation vs. Mantra Meditation: Which Is Better?
Beginner Mantras for meditation:
If you’re a beginner in mantra meditation, then you’ll need to have a mantra with which you can begin your chanting. There are a wide range of mantras and chants as Hindus and Buddhists practices mantra meditation as a religious practice.
Mantra meditation is often done by chanting (japa) or repeating a same mantra on prayer beads or singing as kirtan in the praise of the almighty. The religious beliefs are, this chanting or singing can lead a soul to salvation. Often the practitioners identify these mantras or chants as same as the God himself (known and Nama Kirtan). So, by repeating the holy name time and again, we surrender ourselves to the supreme personality of Godhead, and can thus feel closer to him or meet salvation.
Some basic and widely used mantras are:
- OM: Worldwide used, the most basic mantra of the Hindu religion is pronounced as Aum. Om or Aum means ‘it is’ or ‘will be’ or ‘to become’. Aum is the primal sound, which usually comes before all other mantras. Scientific studies have shown that the frequency of Om matches the natural frequency of the earth. Therefore, meditating with this basic Om sound can make you feel connected with the cosmos.
- Shiv Mantra: Lord Shiva himself is a meditation practitioner. He is the God of destruction, but without destructing the old, new life cannot be created. So, Shiva represents the eternal circle of life and so is his mantra. This simple chant includes three words: Om Namah Shivaya (I bow to Shiva). By chanting this mantra, one surrenders unto the supreme lord without whom the circle of life remains unfinished.
- Hare Krishna Mahamantra: Hare Krishna maha (great) mantra was popularized by Sri Chaitanya Mahamantra and the Gaudiya Vaishnavas of Bengal. Later the legacy carried on by the Hare Krishna movement which was established by ISKCON and its founder HDG Srila Prabhupada. Vaishnavas worship Krishna who is the supreme personality of Godhead and the protector/preserver of the universe. Vaishnavas use this mantra or hymn in chanting, or in kirtan (a form of song that is sung to please the supreme lord along with various musical instruments and dancing).
The Hare Krishna maha mantra is:
“Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
Conclusion
Mantras are a powerful tool to reach spiritual awakening and attaining peace of mind. Mantras are powerful sounds, hymns, or words, when are repeated as a form of meditation, are sure to change your life for the better.
Although mantras are customary in the Hindu and Buddhist traditions, spiritual healers and holistic health experts these days are also recommending to incorporate them into meditation practices.
The aim of mantra meditation is to combine spiritual practice with meditation to achieve a tuneful balance between mind, body, and soul.
Related read: How To Awaken Your Intuition With Chakra Meditation?