Mantras and their impact on our mind

The word "mantra" is Sanskrit and it means sacred syllable(s) or sacred word(s). Across the literature, mantras are descibed as vibrational formulas that are recited silently within spoken, or sung outwardly. They make a precise sound, a frequency that conveys a directive into our sub-consciousness. Mantras are invoked towards he delivery of very specific results and are repeated a certain number of times. Some mantras may be prayer while others can be powerful and invoke commands or demands.

For thousands of years, yogis have stressed the value of chanting mantra. Modern neuroscience is now beginning to discover the relationship between the way words are used and the impact on the functioning of the mind. When we hear, speak, chant or even think a mantra, the frontal lobes of our brain “light up” and the nerve endings fire up. There is increased flow of oxygen and blood. These frontal lobes are responsible for thought, learning, perception, and emotion.

The power of 108

Traditionally, most mantras are recited or chanted 108 times. That is why a japa mala (prayer beads), have 108 beads. Countless explanations have been given to provide significance to the number 108. There are 54 letters in the Sanskrit alphabet.
The chakras, our energy centers, are the intersections of energy lines, and there are said to be a total of 108 energy lines converging to form the heart chakra. In Vedic astrology there are 12 constellations, and 9 arc segments called namshas or chandrakalas. 9 times 12 equals 108. Chandra is moon, and kalas are the divisions within a whole. In 108, 1 stands for God or higher Truth, 0 stands for emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 stands for infinity or eternity.

OM

Om is the sound of the universe. It's the first, original vibration, representing the birth, death and re-birth process. Chanting the sound OM brings us into harmonic resonance with the universe – this is a scientific fact! OM is said to vibrate at 432 Hertz, which is the natural musical pitch of the Universe, as opposed to 440 Hertz, which is the frequency of most modern music. OM is an idyllic way to begin and end a mediation practice, and also helps you relax your mind.

Om Namah Shivaya

I bow to Shiva, the supreme deity of transformation who represents the truest, highest self. I interpret it as “I honor the divinity within myself”. This is a great mantra to help build self-confidence, reminding us that we are all made up of divine energy and should treat ourselves accordingly.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

 “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.” This mantra is a powerful way to dedicate yourself to living a life of non-harming and being of service to the greater good. This mantra encourages cooperation, compassion and living in harmony with the environment, animals and our fellow human beings.

Shanti Mantra

Om Saha Naavavatu, Saha Nau Bhunaktu, Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai, Tejasvi Naavadheetamastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om. “May the Lord protect and bless us. May he nourish us, gives us strength to work together for the good of humanity.” May our learning be brilliant and purposeful. May we never turn against one another. It is a perfect mantra to start a new day, or even a new business with. It unites the participants and sets a tone of non-competitiveness, unity, and working together towards a common goal.

Mantra: Om Gum Ganapatayei Namah

 “I bow to the elephant-faced deity Ganesh who is capable of removing all obstacles. I pray for blessings and protection.” In Hindu teachings, Ganesh is known as the god of wisdom and success and the destroyer of obstacles. This is my favorite mantra, which I always draw on when I’m facing a big challenge in life and especially when I’m traveling.

Gayatri Mantra

“Om Bhur Bhuvah Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yonah Prachodayat”. The Gayatri Mantra is one of the best known in the Sanskrit tradition and has layers of Depth and Meaning. It is a mantra of healing on physical, mental, and spiritual planes. It aids in releasing negative karma and sin. It is a chant of forgiveness, and transcendence. It encourages Spiritual Awakening and Enlightenment. See and be the light.

Moola Mantra for enlightenment

"Om Sat-Chit-Ananda Parabrahma, Purushothama Paramatma, Sri Bhagavathi Sametha, Sri Bhagavathe Namaha." Chanting the ancient and sacred Moola Mantra is a great devotional act and of great benefit to the seeker of Truth and Enlightenment. This mantra contains enormous potential power; it has the ability to raise your level of consciousness, thus benefiting all of mankind. Chant this mantra with meaning and intent. Allow the wellspring of love that arises within you to flow out into the world. This mantra will fill you with love, peace, and joy.

The science of Sound

On the physically level the science of Sound works with the movement of the tongue in the mouth. There are 84 meridian points located. While pronouncing the Mantra, the movement of the tongue stimulates these meridian points which in turn stimulate the hypothalamus to secrete neurotransmission fluids. As these different chemical liquids are secreted to different parts of the brain, messages are transmitted throughout as well. Simultaneously, these Mantra sound vibrations are also received by the ear & are turned into electrical signals which move towards the Brain.

The signs of Mantra, re-entering the subtle body of the person chanting it, are in the different types of Vibrations of Emotions that can move one to tears, lift his spirits up, bring back beautiful memories, make him deliriously happy, or rouse violent emotions, sensations of energy flowing from the head to the base or goose bumps too. The mantra may be chanted out aloud, or repeated silently. There is a lot of hidden shakti here. Explore it!

OM SHANTI SHANTI SHANTIH