Mantra is the repetition of certain sacred words or phrases. If the mantra is repeated many times we often call it japa. Mantra can be used in many ways, but, one of the most effective ways is to choose a certain word like AUM and repeat it 500 times. The repetition doesn’t have to be long, to repeat it 500 times would otherwise take along time. If we repeat it 500 times per day and then each day increase the number by 100, we will gain greater purity in our mind. Mantra also teaches us concentration and focuses our mind to think of only one thing at a time.
“What benefit do we get from repeating a mantra? The first benefit we get is purity. Purity is of utmost importance in our spiritual life. If there is no purity, there is no certainty in the spiritual life.”
– Sri Chinmoy [1]
A Mantra is not just like an ordinary word. Mantras are chosen because they embody a certain special divine significance. If the word is repeatedly soulfully we make this quality part of ourselves. For example, if we chant the mantra Shanti, we can bring great peace into our body. One of the most effective mantras is using the mantra AUM. Aum is said to be the seed sound of the universe. Within AUM are all the different aspects of the Supreme. By repeating AUM we can get the benefit of these different aspects. However, if we wish to gain the benefit of divine power, we should chant AUM powerfully. If we wish to bring more peace into our system we can chant AUM, softly and soulfully.
If we are constantly bothered by thoughts in our meditation, we can mantra as a tool to chase them away. When our mind is full of thoughts it can be difficult to detach ourselves from them. However, when we use the help of mantra we force the mind to think of only one word. It is much easier to concentrate on one word, rather than think of absolutely nothing. When we have repeated the mantra many times then our mind will be more focused and concentrated; this will make our meditation more successful. Mantra is not the highest type of meditation. The absolutely highest type of meditation is done in the strictest of silence. However, we can use mantra as a preparation stage to get us ready for the real meditation.
Some people may be given a certain mantra by a spiritual teacher. By repeating this mantra we can make it part of our existence. Whenever we feel threatened or troubled the mantra will come to the fore. The divine vibrations of the mantra will help us to see off the attack and enable us to regain our equanimity. Even if we are not given a specific mantra we may feel a certain attraction to certain mantras. Repeating them many times will give us great joy and we will be drawn to choose this mantra.
It is definitely worth learning and trying the Gayatri Mantra. This is one of the most ancient and sacred mantras of India. There was a time when its knowledge was restricted to seekers of the highest order. It is said that repeating the Gayatri mantra alone, can lead a seeker to God.
In Sanskrit
Aum bhur bhuvah svah
Tat savitur varenyam
Bhargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yo nah pracodayat.
In English
We meditate on the transcendental glory of the Deity Supreme, who is inside the heart of the earth, inside the life of the sky, and inside the soul of the heaven. May He stimulate and illumine our minds.
The Gayatri mantra is a direct prayer to the omnipresent Supreme.
Gayatri Mantra at Sri Chinmoy Library
[1] Use of Mantra at Sri Chinmoy Library
Photo: Rdyal Water, Lake Districk by Tejvan Pettinger
Namaste
I have read somewhere that above mantra is actually the savitri mantra. Gayatri actually generates a lot of heat. True?
Hey I was thinking about reaching the heavenly worlds by performing this mantra.Is it possible?
When we meditate by chanting AUM Mantra, our mind will be more concentrated and we can enjoy the meditation. this is my experience.