There are words that cause a certain power and a special effect on people. Such is the case of mantras or chants for meditation, which are linguistic formulas that have been used since time immemorial in different cultures with the purpose of increasing concentration and maintaining focus at the time of meditation. In addition, mantras serve as chants that attract peace and inner balance in human beings.
Now, how should mantras be used? o What meaning does mantras have? In this Psychology-online article you will find all the information you need, since we will explain to you thatWhat are mantras and what are they for?. Also, you will see some examples of mantras and even the recommendations to choose which is the most powerful mantra of all for you, so that you can calm your mind and meditate calmly.
What are mantras?
The mantras are words, phrases or syllables that are sung with a melodic and sequential rhythm. Its purpose is to cause a positive effect on a spiritual, psychological and emotional level in the person who recites them. Also, in some cultures they are used to invoke a deity during meditation.
What meaning does mantras have? Etymologically, mantra is a word that comes from Sanskrit. It is formed by the union of 2 words: “man” (mind) and “tra”. By joining both words the meaning of “liberation” is acquired. From there derives its importance as sound elements that can affect the environment around us in a positive or even negative way.
Buddhist mantras
For religions such as Buddhism or Hinduism, mantras are considered sacred words. Its main purpose is to generate a certain self-control of thoughts in order to be able to effectively connect with the internal “I” to seek balance. If your goal is this, perhaps our article on .
In some cases, mantras are phrases that are understood, but in other situations they are not understandable. However, according to Buddhism, its foundation is based on the existence of universal waves that can create a connection between the universe and the interior of the person who meditates. Furthermore, from a scientific point of view, mantras generate certain vibrations that affect the rib cage and brain waves, which leads to a state of sedation and tranquility.
What are mantras for?
The power of mantras is in the fixation and repetition of phrases, syllables or words to relax the mind and body, in such a way that the chants recited lead to a complete state of meditation. Likewise, there is a belief that mantras help eliminate or block negative thoughts to achieve good health. inner balancesince they focus emotions, stabilize them and generate a great spiritual impact.
From a psychological point of view, meditation mantras serve to internalize and reaffirm concepts. In this way, certain behaviors and some erroneous personal beliefs can be modified.
Coupled with this, there are lots of benefits and uses given to positive mantras. Among the main ones we can mention the following:
- They reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- They improve concentration and memory.
- They lower blood pressure.
- They relax the body and mind.
- They are adjuvants to relieve certain pain.
- They serve to enhance creativity.
- They fill the spirit with energy.
- They awaken consciousness.
- They calm the mind and strengthen it.
healing mantra
For some religions, powerful mantras are also perfect for communicating with some spiritual entities, as well as for fighting certain “negative forces.” In this sense, according to Hinduism, mantras are used to heal past wounds and achieve peace with the “inner self”.
In fact, the first appearances of mantras for meditation are reflected in the ancient religious text Rigveda, in which they were defined as words of worship, reverence and prayer. For Buddhism, mantras are also a connection portal with higher entities and a way to rise above consciousness towards pure states of concentration.
Likewise, mantra and yoga are closely linked, since mantras for meditation are used to channel all the energy through the “asanas” or postures, since the chants serve to connect the body and mind with a feeling of well-being and peace. For more information, see our article.
What are the types of mantras and their meaning with examples
If you are wondering what type of mantras exist, you should know that there are different mantras, which depend on the religion and culture from which they come. Some of them have ancestral use. The powerful and well-known mantras are the Buddhist and Hindu mantras. In these religions, meditation has a very deep meaning, which is why these songs are very present in their culture.
If you want to know what meaning mantras have, we now explain it to you in the following list of mantras, which are very appropriate for healing and balancing the body and mind in meditation. If you are interested in knowing more about this topic, read our post. This knowledge will also help you know how mantras should be used:
- Mantra “Om ah hum”: This powerful mantra means “I am that” or “I am what I am.” It is one of the simplest songs to start meditation and has a powerful meaning.
- Mantra “Om”: This is a mantra for meditation that is almost universally used. Its sound is related to the sound or vibration that creation naturally emits, and its objective is to unite the meditator with the universe that surrounds him.
- Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”: Whoever recites this positive mantra connects with peace, freedom and internal balance.
- Mantra “Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha”: With this powerful mantra, fears and insecurities are released. Its purpose is to free the soul from pain and ensure that the blessings received are lasting.
- Mantra “Om mani padme hum”: This is the mantra to meditate on compassion. It translates as “the jewel that the lotus has,” and is used to heal the soul and be more compassionate with the world around us.
- Mantra “Om namah shivaya”: This positive mantra is of Hindu origin. It is pronounced to call well-being, joy and happiness.
How to choose my mantra
You may want to know how mantras should be used. To do this, you have to understand that mantras are used as energy magnets that interconnect with the universe to attract what you want. That is why the main thing is to sing them out loud so that the vibrations have the desired effect. Likewise, according to ancient beliefs, it is necessary that the powerful mantra be repeated about 108 times daily for a period of at least 21 days. This is why choosing a suitable mantra is essential.
What is the most powerful mantra of all for you?
The ideal is that represent your wishes and may the choice be according to what your thoughts and heart dictate. For example, you can opt for more traditional mantras or form one with some information relevant to you, such as your birthday, a month of the year, or something that identifies you. In fact, even the words “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” “I love you” are very useful as personal positive mantras.
Another excellent alternative is to look in a poem or book that you like, that phrase that focuses your energy. Even if it is to your liking, you can simply use the “om” and there is no problem. The important thing is that you feel very comfortable with the mantra to meditate that you chose, so that it has the effect you are expecting.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- Blofed, J (2007). Holy words of power. Edaf Publishing. Madrid Spain. https://books.google.co.ve/books?hl=es&lr=&id=yE64aZM-UsAC&oi=fnd&pg=PA17&dq=mantras&ots=dK64mQY3tn&sig=5BsxUTMFxlpzIKGPRJJLMhGeUAc#v=onepage&q=mantras&f=false
- Hurtado, B (2021). Enactive awareness and emotion in Tibetan Buddhist mantra meditation. Official magazine of the Pontifical University of Chile. http://resonancias.uc.cl/es/N%C2%BA-35/conciencia-y-emocion-enactivas-en-la-meditacion-con-mantras-del-budismo-tibetano.html
- Naranjo, Claudio. 1992. Meditation psychology. Buenos Aires: Die