Reciting mantras, repeating God's name and meditating are widespread practices throughout the world and in many religions. Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and other cults or religious practices use sound to seek a connection with deities. Reciting mantras is a mystical experience, because the body - through sound, chanting and meditation - becomes a "temple" and a divine instrument. To play them properly, you need to develop the right mindset, choose the one that's right for you, and practice.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Developing the Right Mindset
Step 1. Understand the power of sound
We all use words to express ourselves and satisfy our needs, saying an average of 15,000 words aloud every day. Mantra is a sound, syllable, word or phrase that you can use for many purposes. Some use it to maintain focus during meditation, allow meanings to reach their subconscious, have a spiritual experience, achieve a goal, or try to change themselves for the better.
Step 2. Find a quiet place
You have to stay in a place where there are few distractions; the bedroom where you can close the door and window is perfect. Minimize sources of disturbance - such as cell phone calls or notifications, television - by turning off all electronic devices so you can fully concentrate on the mantra.
- You can light some incense or candles to help you get into the right frame of mind and focus.
- Take some time each day to recite the mantras; devote at least half an hour without interruption.
Step 3. Understand the intention of the mantra
Intentions are all thoughts and emotional impulses that initiate any action; whether you decide to go to the store, say hello to a friend, say a word or go to work, all these activities start with an intention. Think about why you want to recite a mantra - is it for peace, health, success, or a spiritual connection? Define the purpose of your concentration session and focus on it.
Step 4. Find a comfortable position
Many choose to sit, but you can also find other comfortable positions. If you have an elastic body and used to assume different positions, you can put yourself in that of the lotus; Since the comfort level determines the ability to relax and focus on the mantra, you should not force yourself into an uncomfortable or distracting position.
- It is important to keep your back naturally erect, but not too stiff, and also avoid sagging.
- Many people choose the cross-legged meditation posture; if it is difficult for you to maintain, make it easier by leaning your back against a wall or by using a blanket or towel rolled up under your ankles.
- Another option is to sit with your back straight in a chair; in this case, place your feet firmly on the ground, so that they are in line with your knees, and press your thighs onto the seat; keep your spine straight and your chest lifted.
Step 5. Relax
Free your mind and don't worry about the past or the future; just focus on what's going on in the present moment. Focus on your feet, legs, back, arms, hands, neck, face and head, paying attention to tension and relaxing your muscles as if you were floating in water. You can also imagine that you are somewhere that makes you happy - a beach, an old memory or a place of fantasy.
Step 6. Breathe properly
This is an important detail during practice, which allows you to have greater control over the quality of the sound and to better maintain the rhythm; the aim is to sit peacefully, close your eyes and focus on your breath. During deep breathing, the abdomen should rise as you inhale and slowly descend as you exhale.
Inhale slowly through the nose; mentally count to ten and hold your breath for another ten seconds, then exhale for the same duration. Do this for at least three minutes; this phase helps prepare you for the mantra
Step 7. Consider taking lessons or joining a group
A whole session with people reciting a mantra aloud can be a very powerful and engaging experience. An instructor can guide you in breathing and in the correct emission of sounds, as well as helping you to reach the right state of mind; during the practice it is possible to sing, dance, use musical instruments, percussion, clap hands or rattles.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Mantra
Step 1. Learn about the different types of mantras
Think about your "intention" and what you want to achieve by reciting them. Ask yourself several questions, such as what is your concept of god or divinity? Maybe you want to deepen the spiritual connection or achieve a goal; the type of mantra you choose should reflect your purpose and how you want to relate to the divine figure.
Step 2. Consider a mantra in which God's name is chanted
Many religions name their deity, which you can use for your mantra. For example, the Jewish religion recites the secret names Yahweh, Adonai and Elohim; Hindu yogis can use the name of Siva, Visnu, Brahma or others; some Christian communities recite or chant the name of Jesus or Mary.
- Reciting mantras or religious songs can truly be a mystical and mysterious experience; sings with deep feelings and in full faith, letting the transcendental beauty and qualities described in the words enter the soul.
- By reciting the words of mantras, prayers or devout songs, the person becomes the transcendental vibration of the sound that is repeated and transforms into pure love and joy.
Step 3. Engage in pronunciation
If you are not a native speaker of the mantra language, do some practice of the correct vocalization of the words before starting; this way, you avoid mistakes from distracting you while singing. However, know that it is not necessary to be perfect, as the most important aspect is what you feel in your heart.
Step 4. Use a rosary or japa mala
A sacred object, such as a japa mala (an Indian rosary made of 108 wooden beads) or a Christian rosary (a kind of pearl necklace used in the Catholic religion), can help you focus your thoughts and conclude each recited mantra. Each time you say one, run your thumb over a japa mala bead or, if you are a Christian, repeat the prayer following the rosary.
Don't let other people handle your sacred instrument - it's just for you
Step 5. Try a Sanskrit mantra
There are many in Sanskrit or Hindu language that are often used for this purpose; the best known is the "Om" sound, which represents the original vibration of the universe and is often used at the beginning of a mantra session.
- "Om Namah Shivaya": expresses the action of bowing before the supreme divinity of transformation, Shiva, and the greatest being. This mantra can help you gain the highest spiritual connection and build self-confidence.
- "Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu": is dedicated to happiness and friendship between all beings; pronouncing this mantra makes thoughts, words and actions useful, promotes non-violence and allows one to be at the service of a greater good.
- This mantra: "Shanti Mantra, Om Saha Naavavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Veeryam Karava Vahai, Tejasvi Aavadheetamastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om" can be translated as: "May the Lord protect and bless us, may he nourish us, give us the strength to work together for the good of humanity, may our knowledge be brilliant and proactive, we can never get to put ourselves against each other ".
- "Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha": is addressed to Ganesh, the god of wisdom, success and the destruction of obstacles, to bless and protect.
- The mantra "Hare Krishna" is intended to enhance awareness, free man from the cycle of birth and death and achieve full contentment. Here are the words: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare".
- "Baba Nam Kevalam": is used by the Ananda Marga organization for the purpose of spreading infinite love and filling you with happiness, peace and love.
- "Om Mani Padme Hum": is a very famous Buddhist mantra that is used to achieve enlightenment.
- For people who feel more comfortable with a female deity, "Om Shree Matre Namah" is aimed at the Divine Mother.
- If you want world peace, you can recite "Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu" to wish it to all living beings.
Step 6. Use other mantras
You should always choose the one you are most comfortable with and that has the most meaning for you. If Sanskrit, the gods and the Hindu language are not for you, opt for a mantra that is in line with your creed; if you prefer to act in Italian, do it.
- For example, you can use a sentence from the gospel or the Bible that is particularly meaningful. Proof: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
- "Om Christave Namah": it is dedicated to Jesus Christ and, if you feel comfortable with the Christian religion, it could be for you.
Part 3 of 3: Acting
Step 1. Visualize the divinity
Take a moment to reflect on your image of God; it could be a specific figure of any religion. To find inspiration you can do some research, look at images and statues dedicated to the divinity; you can also imagine it however you like and in the way that is most meaningful to you.
Step 2. Take a deep breath and repeat "Om" three times
Focus on the sound and vibrations you feel in your throat; exhale slowly making sure you are relaxed and comfortable.
Step 3. Hold your sacred object in your hand
You can decide to say a rosary or to use a japa mala; in this second case, hold the beads with your right hand between your thumb and middle finger; if you've opted for an item with a large bead or tassel, move your fingers to the left of this item.
You should return to the different bead or tassel after 108 repetitions; at this point, you can decide to go back so as not to go beyond the designated point
Step 4. Repeat the mantra
Make sounds slowly, clearly and with a confident voice; try to feel the breath and voice coming from the navel instead of the head. If you are using a japa mala, you must say the mantra 108 times; if you do not want to or cannot, repeat it as many times as you wish or until you realize that you have obtained the maximum benefit from the meditation session.
Step 5. Respect the body's signals
If you are nervous, your voice may tremble when singing; pay attention to understand if the sound is very low or too high. You have to try to bring the concentration back to yourself, calm down to regain control over emotions and voice thanks to better breathing; if your throat is contracted or you are tense, you need to relax even more.
Step 6. Meditate for a few minutes
After repeating the mantra, sit quietly and focus on your breathing; let your thoughts flow, bringing your mind back to breathing each time. Know that thoughts are just meaningless distractions, don't let them trigger an emotional reaction in you. This is the time you dedicate to being quiet and still after reciting the mantra.
Step 7. Meditate on love
Reciting mantras, singing a hymn of praise, a bhakti song or a Hindu devotional song are all means of praying and worshiping the deity. The powerful mantras, the maha one and the votive songs of all the religions of the world have only one purpose: to increase love in people's hearts and on Earth. Sing them freely throughout the day.
