Is Mantra Meditation For Beginners?

Is Mantra Meditation For Beginners?

Many of us seek to begin meditation because we feel stressed. Overloaded with life’s challenges or need some kind of outlet to destress and renew.  This article on Meditation and Stress Relief may also be of interest to you.

In this article, I want to explore Mantra Meditation. What it is, how to prepare, and how to prepare for Mantra Mediation if you are a beginner.

 

Mantra meditation can be a very powerful technique.

Mantra Meditation is a form of meditation that uses sound to open the heart and mind. This is the Meditation Technique of Devotion, a deeply spiritual and sacred practice for a lot of meditators; however, a person doesnít need to be ìreligiousî to experience the gifts that Mantra Meditation can offer.

Mantra meditation allows your mind to focus and concentrate more completely on sound. Clear away other thoughts, emotions, and distractions that divert our energy. We are able to learn and preserve our mental and emotional energy. Therefore enabling us to develop a direction and focus in our actions.

We become more aware of the simple aspects of life. Transforming our previous attitudes towards an uncomplicated and non-competitive life. Creating a balance of being physically active and capable with external actions, and maintaining a condition of perpetual meditation internally.

Mantras (sounds) can be whatever you choose; they don’t even need to be Sanskrit Mantras (an ancient language of India used more often in yoga). A mantra is a sound repeated over and over again until it becomes one into your consciousness.

As a result, it frees your mind from its regular doing. Elevating you to an altered state of awareness; a state that can connect you with your soul and its most deep level. Achieving a state of universal consciousness.

With mantra mediation, you can use whatever sound you like. Such as saying “I Am” during inhalation and “At Peace” during exhalation.

Mantra Meditation is often taught using Sanskrit words or phrases.

Some Common Mantra Meditations

OM

The sound of the universe; vibration of all living things

So’ham

This is a beautiful and powerful mantra, honoring both the light and the shadow; the integration of opposites; life and death, light and shadow, inhalation and exhalation; the yin and yang.

Om Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya is a very significant mantra in Hinduism. This mantra invokes the aspects of Shiva and is said to be a powerful prayer. Om represents the universe, Namaha represents the individual self, and Shivaya represents the divine.

Sat Nam

One of the most popular seed mantras is the one known as “Sat Nam.”  This mantra invokes the wisdom that says within the seed is contained all the knowledge of the fully grown tree.  When you repeatedly plant this seed within your consciousness, your soul awakens and you are given your destiny.

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya is an important mantra for spiritual liberation.  Repeating it regularly is said to free the practitioner from the cycle of rebirth and help connect us with the divine.

Aham Brahmasmi

The Sanskrit mantra Aham Brahmasmi is from the Advaita tradition, and typically translated to “I am Brahman”. This is one of the four principle Mahavakyas, or “Great Sayings” from the ancient Hindu text, The Upanishads.

Tat Tuan Asmi

Tat Tvam Asi is a common Sanskrit mantra. Used to express the relationship between the individual and the universe.

Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Peace, Peace, Peace

 

Below is an excellent video explaining Mantra Mediation from Sadhguru.

Mantra Meditation Beginners Preparation

It is always important to prepare yourself before doing mantra meditation. Get yourself in the right mindset and set a spiritual atmosphere. This will help a lot in the practice of mantra meditation as beginners.

• Let a sense of spirituality and enthusiasm for your inner quests fill you.
• If possible, shower and dress in clean, white, loose-fitting clothing.
• Pull back long hair and brush your teeth if possible. A comfortable and clean body promotes a clear mind as well.
• Sit in the sacred space you have set aside for your spiritual practice.
• Create a simple altar for your space. Inspirational pictures can be used. Light a candle or some incense to keep the air sweet and the atmosphere meditative.
• Surrender your egos. It is about purifying yourself and letting go of preconceived thinking. Open yourself up to boundless, unconditional love and Divine Grace.
• Sit in a comfortable position that allows your spine to be straight and erect.
• Offer a prayer from deep within your heart.

How to do Mantra Meditation As A Beginner

If you are doing a Mantra Meditation as a beginner I recommend starting with a Mantra that has one syllable, such as OM.  Begin by concentrating on the rhythm of your breath. Say to yourself OM as you inhale, then as you exhale count. Inhale OM, exhale one, inhale OM, exhale two, and so on until the number ten, and then start over again.

For longer Mantras, as you progress, begin with deep, relaxed breathing, calming the mind and the body. Deeply connect to the rhythm and absorb the rhythm of the breath. On the inhalation and exhalation,  flow with the silent sound and breath. Allow the sound to become one with your consciousness. Visualize life force energy moving into your body and down your spine when you inhale, and energy flowing up the spine when you exhale.

Enjoy the practice of this mantra technique without requiring yourself to achieve anything. Enjoy the process and in time your breath and Mantra will become one.