With any meditative practice there is one constant: a single-pointed focus, or drishdi. Often in yoga this is our breath; we come closer to stillness by concentrating our minds fully on our inhalations and exhalations. However, there are many other things we can employ to achieve this level of focus. One of the most powerful is the use of mantras. The use of mantras is an ancient practice that is still widespread throughout various spiritual movements. They not only bring intention into our practice, by using meaningful phrases that the mind can connect with, but also enhance the experience through the incorporation of sound, as they are often spoken or sung out loud.
Mantras are meaningful sounds, words or short phrases which can be used as tools for Sadhana (Sanskrit for “the spiritual work we do on ourselves”). A practice of devotion, taking a Mantra for one’s self is a way to provide inspiration, freedom, help us set goals, and remind us to stay on our path in each present moment. Mantras are also used in meditation to help “tie up the mind”. A practice for quieting the mind is to give it one thing to focus on above all others. Then, when any thought arises, we can steer our mind back to that point of focus and anchor it in something tangible. Our own personal mantra can be an easily remembered and accessible point of focus.
Choosing your mantra
It is helpful to choose a mantra that is meaningful, light, positive, clear and short. Feel free to use any mantra, whether you wrote it yourself, heard it in a song, learned it from the Sutras, or saw it in a dream. The language you choose is often not as important as how you relate to the mantra itself.
You may choose a mantra to represent a specific part of your journey, perhaps there is something that you are currently overcoming, or working hard to achieve, healing, growing, etc. A specific mantra could be taken to help us along, and perhaps it changes in a few months or years when we have encountered a new trail with different circumstances and experiences. I believe that our personal mantra can change over time, evolving with us. And yet, there may be a mantra that will never change for you, constantly by your side forever more, reminding of the most important things that you keep near your heart. What a blessing to know our Selves in this way!
Om Shantih – Peace – Peace – Peace
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