Mantras are powerful sounds or words that help us gain focus and concentration. Repeating Mantras will enhance our meditation practice.
Practitioners also believe that using Mantras will unite us to a higher power, change our state of mind and elevate our awareness.
Some examples of Mantras and Their Meanings
OM - Chanting OM is thought to match the natural frequency and means “it is, will be, or to become.”
OM NAMAH SHIVAYA - Is one of the most powerful Hindu Mantras and means “I bow to the highest self.”
I AM THAT I AM - Reaffirms the conscious presence of God that is everything.
OM MANI PADME HUM - Is a mantra used by Tibetan Buddhists to achieve the ultimate state of compassion and means “Hail the Jewel in the Lotus”
OM - is the primal sound of the Universe
MA - strips us down from our needs
NI - releases passion and desire
PAD - frees us from ignorance and prejudice
ME - releases us from possessiveness
HUM - liberates us from hatred
In the beginning, it may seem strange to repeat these phrases but the key is to relax and just start by repeating them a few times. The more we repeat them and concentrate on them, the further we will dive inside our consciousness. If you are having difficulty, instead of keeping count of how many times you repeated the phrase, a better idea may be to aim for a certain amount of time that is spent per period of practice.
There is no right or wrong way - the best way is your own way! Develop your own traditions, habits and practices to create a routine that works best for you!