The meaning of mantra is “that which protects the mind,”(1) and practicing Sanskrit Mantra Meditation brings in the mind’s purification, transformation and healing(2).
A mantra is the process of repeating a divine word, phrase, or poem(3). The practice of Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation can be seen in Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism, Orthodox Christianity, Sufism and many other religions(1). The practice unites your mind with the sound of a mantra and protects it from negative energy(1).
The ancient rishis discovered these laws of sound alliance between nature and man. Because nature is an objectification of Aum, the Primal Sound or Vibratory Word, man can obtain control over all natural manifestations through the use of certain mantras or chants.
― Paramahansa Yogananda
Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation is especially helpful when you are feeling emotionally fragile, disoriented, or nervous. A mantra holds spiritual power within itself, and when you repeat it, the mantra’s pure energy charges your breath and energy(1).
History/Origins
Every religion identifies the importance of Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation. That is why it has always been used in religious and devotional practices(2). Tantra, Vedanta and Yoga traditions believe that repeating a mantra is the best method to raise spiritual concentration of the human mind(2). Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation has also been praised as the highest form of mystic worship in the Bhagavad Gita(2).
The use of this meditation practice was and is still prevalent in Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity(2). However, Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation is predominant in Hinduism and Buddhism(4).
Om Namah Shivaya (Adoration to Lord Shiva)
Benefits
According to a study(5), Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation has the ability to improve the practitioner’s mental health condition. The study suggests that practicing this meditation can be especially benefitting in settings like educational programs and workplace wellbeing initiatives. However, there is a necessity for further studies to recognize Simple Sanskrit Mantra Meditation’s full potential.
A research article by Jai Paul Dudeja(6) shows that Mantra Meditation can improve our focus, self-esteem and mental capabilities. Regularly practicing this meditation can also successfully strengthen the mind and help fight depression.
References
- Ebury Publishing | The Tibetan Book Of Living And Dying: A Spiritual Classic from One of the Foremost Interpreters of Tibetan Buddhism to the West by Sogyal Rinpoche
- SkyLight Paths Publishing | Meditation and its Practices: A Definitive Guide to Techniques and Traditions of Meditation in Yoga and Vedanta by Swami Adiswarananda
- New World Library | Sacred Sound: Discovering the Myth and Meaning of Mantra and Kirtan by Alanna Kaivalya
- Advaita Ashrama | Meditation and Other Spiritual Disciplines by Swami Swahananda
- European Journal of Integrative Medicine | Volume 23, 2018 | Mantra meditation for mental health in the general population: A systematic review by Julie Lynch, Lucia Prihodova, Padraic Dunne, Aine Carroll, Cathal D Walsh, C Geraldine McMahon and Barry White
- International Journal of Yogic, Human Movement and Sports Sciences | 2018 | Analysis and benefits of chant-less Sohum/Humsa mantra meditation by Jai Paul Dudeja
- Autobiography of a Yogi | Paramahansa Yogananda
