|
EVERY matter - from the tiniest DNA
strand in us to the largest of continents - is in a state of
constant vibration resulting in the emission of subtle
sounds.
The great teachers of ancient times had
the power to listen to the subtlest of these sounds. They
discovered that specific sounds energized specific
portions of the brain thereby awakening extraordinary
powers (Siddhis). They used these sounds to form sacred
words that are called Mantras.
Mantras have a profound impact upon us
due to two reasons:
- The vibration effect of the sound; and
- The effect of the collective emotional energy behind that
word due to constant repetition over time.
Benefits of Mantras
Mantras act upon our bodies by
reprogramming the vibrations of the cells that have somehow
gone askew. They restore the pattern of sounds at the heart
of each and every cell, thus pushing the cells toward
harmonious health.
Mantras affect not only our physical body but also our
subtle body - our emotions, intellect and soul. They
positively affect our aura - the energy shields surrounding
our body.
Energy of a Mantra
We hear any word and have an emotional reaction to it. This
is because we are conditioned by OUR experiences connected
to that word AND the collective emotions that people have
towards that word.
As an example, the word "mother" when
spoken with deliberation, evokes an emotional energy
realignment. Just imagine the power of sounds repeated
billions of times, with great collective devotion and over
centuries!
These sounds form the heart of Mantras
and deeply influence the energy alignment within us.
Mantra Meditation
Repetition of a Mantra is a powerful way
of keeping us in the Present and stilling our "monkey mind",
which is forever jumping uncontrollably from one thought to
another.
The moment we inculcate the practice of
being "intensely" present - with neither any 'baggage' of
the subconscious past nor the remotest anxiety of the future
- we, then, automatically experience great peace, profound
silence and supreme joy!
This, in fact, is the process and goal of meditation and
using mantras is a very effective way to achieve it!
Using Japa Malas for Meditation
Repetition of a mantra is called Japa and
a Japa Mala is a string of beads used to count the
repetition of a mantra.
The act of turning the beads while
recitation of the mantra is extremely effective in keeping
you in the present. Equally important is that it
keeps you 'grounded' as you advance in meditation and helps
you continually gain from the material properties of the
beads.
As you do Japa, you will invariably
encounter wandering thoughts even as you repeat the Mantra
mechanically. In such a case, gently refocus without getting
agitated. The beauty of a Mantra is that EVEN a
mechanical repetition exposes you to the benefits of the
sacred sounds.
There are various Mantras and Japa mala
beads that you can use to make your meditative journey
relatively smooth. These mantras and malas depend upon
your individual mind and body type. They are either
provided by a Guru or can be selected by yourself depending
upon your intuitive sense of what 'feels right' for you -
which is often the best way.
To read more on various mantras and mala
types, Click here
In conclusion, Mantras are one of the
most effective ways to experience supreme bliss and freedom
from the bondage of the uncontrolled mind.
Warm wishes,
Ankita
http://www.healthandyoga.com
|
Print this report