The Origins of Vedic Mantras
The Sanskrit word “mantra” is composed out of Man = mind of the body, or brain. And “tra” = which means to transfer or transport. The word mantra can also be understood and translated as derived from two words “manas” meaning the cognitive linear thinking mind and “train” meaning to protect or free from.
Thus Mantras are traditionally used and defined as an instrument or tool that aids in becoming free of the constrains of the mind through transporting the limited mind. Their main purpose is to cultivate awareness, elevated connection and intention. Mantra is the science of sound vibration, and through the repetition of sacred sounds it brings the shakti and universal power into one’s being, opening and connecting to universal consciousness.
Many of the sacred Sanskrit mantras are thousands of years old, created by sages and partitioners of Buddhism and Hinduism, dating back to Vedic times. Mantras are derived from the Sanskrit alphabet which is linked to the matrix of our subtle body, thus when we repeat and chant Vedic mantras we are in essence, awakening our full potential as divine beings.
Each mantra has a specific vibration frequency, which resonates with a specific energy of nature. When we pronounce the mantra internally, under breath or vocal, we activate the resonance with that specific energy, bringing the energy into our system and activating certain points in our kundalini through the help of these sounds.
The universe is in a constant state of vibration in which everything came to be manifested from the unmanifest, from the silence. Everything in existence came from primordial sound, everything that came to creation came through sound and we will return back home to sound. Thus, the repetitive chanting of the sacred sounds contained within a mantra, create energy within and help us to connect and commune with the divine energies of the universe. The use Vedic mantras for mantra meditation are considered to be a complete and unlimited power by itself, in which the mantras awaken within us specific cosmic energies.
To enjoy the fruits of mantra practice, we must let go of the need for the mind to intellectualize the usefulness of chanting Vedic mantras, through understanding the undefinable and indescribable nature of these mantras, which are oftentimes beyond our consciousness due to the constrains of the ego.
How To Chant a Vedic Mantra
There are two important things to consider when one is learning how to chant. One is your voice projection and pronunciation during the practice and the physical body.
To begin your Mantra meditation practice, find a quiet space, sitting in a seated, comfortable position where the spine is upright and the seat bones are planted evenly on the ground. It is important remember that the vibrations of the mantra chanting can be felt throughout the entirety of the body, and has a significant effect on the chakra centres, so the straighter the spine the more easily and fluidity the energy can flow through the sushumna channel which runs from the base of the spine to the crown.
Once you are in a comfortable position, bring your chosen mantra to mind and begin chanting the mantra in a repetitive and steady manner. The mantra can be chanted out loud, silently with the lips and tongue still moving and Chandra the mantra silently in the mind. The silent mantra is often said to be most effective as it requires a far greater level of attention, focus, concentration.
If you find your focus and attention has wandered or drifted from the repetition of the mantra, simply notice that your attention has drifted and gently bring it back to repeating your chosen mantra.
It is important in mantra meditation to chant with awareness of the meaning and effect of the mantra, and to chant the mantra with faith and focus. When you are ready to complete the chanting of the mantra, let go of the mantra and bring your attention back to the physical sensations in the body or the breath.
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