Mantra
In Sanskrit, the word Mantra is composed to two Sanskrit words, Man meaning "mind" and Tra meaning "vehicle" or "instrument." Therefore, this practice is a tool to transport the mind from a state of activity to one of stillness and silence.
This practice consist of a single letter, a syllable or string of syllables, a word, or a whole sentence like a prayer or affirmation. Typically the sounds, syllables, or vibrations that do not necessarily have a meaning so their value lies in their vibrational quality.
During this practice, it is common for a Mala to be used which turns the practice into Japa practice.
"With the syllable Aum as their sole support, the wise person attains that which is peaceful, unageing, deathless, fearless - the Supreme."
- Atharva Veda and Prasna Upanishad
Mantra Practices
Biji Mantras
In Sanskrit, Bija means "seed." These Mantras are one syllable sounds that activate certain energy when spoken out loud because of the vibrations created within the body.
OM
Chanting this Mantra aids the practitioner to accept the Higher Self while allowing the unrestricted flow of Prana throughout the body. Chanting this Mantra also acts as a gathering Mantra, gathering the internal Prana in the body for preparatory movement of Prana throughout the body.
Krim
Pronunciation Kreem - Chanting this Mantra assist the lower three Chakras to awaken through the stimulating vibrations made by producing the Mantra. Preforming this chant also aids in purification of the body.
Shrim
Pronunciation Shreem - Associated with Ajna Chakra and promotes a healthy body and spirit.
Hrim
Pronunciation Hreem - Associated with Anahata Chakra and holds the powers of healing and creativity.
Hum
Pronunciation Hoom - Chanting the Hum Mantra begins the disruption of negative thoughts and feelings while invoking positive Prana meaning "life force energy" into the body.
Bija Chakra Mantras
These Mantras are known to activate the Chakras. When chanting each Mantra, visualize the Chakra being energized.
Shakti Mantras
All of the following Mantras start with Om and finish with Namaha, if needed, you can chant multiple Shakti Mantras, such as Om Aim Hrim Klim Namaha. These Mantras are in a category called Shakti Mantras which consists of several different chants, these Mantras use the great feminine energy known as Shakti that is within all of us as well around us.
OM Mantra
Om Namah Shivaya
This is one of the most used Mantras and is a salutation to Shiva which is one of the three main deities in Hunduism. This Mantra is also known as the five syllable Mantra, this is because the five syllables represent the five elements that help to make the human body.
Meaning
I bow to Shiva
Gayatri Mantra
OM
Bhur buvaha svaha, tat savitur varenyam,
Bhargo devasya dheemahi,
Dhiyo yo nah prachodayath.
Meaning
Ganesha Mantra
OM Gum Ganapatayei Namaha.
Meaning
Peace Mantra
Om
Sarvesham Swasti Bhavatu,
Sarvesham Shanji Bhavatu,
Sarvesham Poornam Bhavatu,
Sarvesham Mangalam Bhavatu.
Meaning