What’s Your Mantra?

Using a mantra is a powerful way of invoking spiritual energies to change something in your life. Perhaps you want a sense of peace, or to atone for a wrong you’ve committed, or to open up your spiritual nature. Whatever you desire, a mantra may be the key to achieving your new state of mind.

The practice of repeating a mantra is older than recorded history and came from the ancient Hindu empire in India. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, it’s somewhat like a prayer – it’s a repetition of charged spiritual words combined with a set intention. Traditionally, these words were chosen by a guru to catalyze spiritual development and change in you.

Today, many people choose their own mantra to help them with the change they seek. How would you start? First, consider your intention. Common themes for mantra meditation are: commitment, enlightenment, creativity, appeasement, increase and atonement.

Then, work with a spiritual tradition that makes you feel comfortable. You can work with the name of your God, one of the saints, a mystic, one of the angels or divinities, gods, goddesses or devas. You should feel drawn to a couple of names, then check to see what they symbolize. If the divinity and your intention synchronize, then you’re ready for the next step.

If it’s a name that’s unfamiliar to you, or you’ve never heard it aloud, do a little Internet research on the pronunciation. Then, sit with your back supported and relax. Repeat the mantra in rhythm with your breath. You should quickly feel a lightening and expansiveness. Yet, soon your mind will wander, each time gently bring your focus back to the mantra. Over time, your ability to concentrate will grow.

As you progress, it’s important to remember that your spiritual needs will shift in response to the currents of your life. It’s always a good idea to shift your mantra when your life or your intentions for your life change.

The practice of mantra is thought to take the power invested in the name of the divinity and confer some of that energy into the practitioner with each repetition. The Tibetan Buddhists believe that reciting a mantra conveys entire spiritual teachings in the syllables of the name of the divinity – the more repetitions, the more power is held in the practitioner, and the greater the connection to the Divine.

After even a few sessions of mantra practice you should notice a lightening in your spirit and an increase in your energy and ability to concentrate. Soon, you should also see and feel results related to your intention.