Drops of Oneness

Have you tried to meditate but can’t sit still, or your mind is always wandering? Are you a person of action who needs to do something instead of just sitting constantly? If you are, then this technique will do wonders for you. 

What are Chanting and Mantras?

For a person who likes constant motion, the mind requires a different form of meditation. For thousands of years, Realized Masters and Enlightened beings have recommended chanting and mantras as a form of meditation. What is chanting, and how does it bring inner peace and calm?

“Mantra” is a Sanskrit word derived from Maan, which means mind. So mantras are related to the mind. Mantras are verbalized words filled with positive energy and they help reduce negative energy, thoughts, and stress.

Mantra is the repeated sound of words, phrases, or syllables to concentrate in meditation or regular devotional worship. It is believed that mantra grants practitioners many kinds of boons. Some mantras have a systematic, grammatical, and meaning, while others are just words with sense. The first mantra revealed by the ancient Vedic Realized Masters from the space of Oneness is “Om.”

The Difference Between Chanting and Mantra

They believed that “Om” was the primordial mantra. Chanting OM regularly is a form of meditation based on mantra. Mantra helps us focus our minds, and we use it as a technique to keep our minds busy and focused so we can become more centered. The vibration of each mantra is aligned with the resonant vibration of the universal energy field. It helps change our mental state, overcome anxiety, calm the mind, uplift our mood, control pain, and many other things. Most mantras are melody and music-based, and thus help you feel good, lighter, peaceful, and grateful when you chant them. 

Most Mantras are in Vedic culture in Sanskrit, Pali, and other south Asian languages in Vedic culture.  Mantras are found in Hinduism, Buddhism, Janism, and Sikhism. In sanskrit the sound and form of words are connected. During mantra chanting, the correct sound of the mantra is more important than knowing the meaning. Meanings are based on the mind. Only sound and terms are related. Some mantras don’t even have a specific meaning. For example, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s TM mantra doesn’t have a particular meaning. Still, they are mighty and help a lot during the spiritual journey. 

Three Types of Mantra

Bija mantra – A bija mantra is a core mantra and has great spiritual powers. These mantras are considered seed versions of certain Deities. For example, OM is for Parabraham. A bija mantra can fulfill all desires for devotees, and it also provides a protective shield around them.

Sagun Mantra – Sagun mantras are called Deity mantras because they always focus on some form of Divine. Sagun mantras are repeated as a part of meditation, pranayam or different yoga asanas. Beej mantras are also sometimes part of Sagun Mantra. For example, Om namah Shivay is a Sagun mantra.

Nirgun Mantra – Nirgun mantra does not associate with a specific deity object or idol. They are potent, and can help you connect with the cosmos. For example, Soham, or Tat Twam Asmi are nirgun mantras that can transform and take the devotee towards supreme consciousness.

Now the question is, why do we need to chant the mantra?  Many people want to know the benefits before doing any new thing. There are many positive effects on the human body and mind when we chant a mantra

When the chanting is going on, concentration becomes easier because it’s hard for the mind to think other thoughts. Chanting creates positive energy and helps us get rid of negative energy. It also helps reduce stress. Therefore, it can help in managing blood pressure. Even mental awareness increases because you get practice in keeping an eye on your thinking patterns.

When you chant the mantra, you feel so relaxed that your breathing slows down, and you feel comfortable. If you are a spiritual seeker, then it takes you deeper and helps you connect with the cosmos. 

If you are doing Sagun Mantra chanting, it allows you to communicate with your deity. Nirgun mantra helps you in self-realization. Mantra chanting can also activate different chakras in the body and help you fulfill your desires. 

The mantra chanting requires concentration. We need to try to fix our mind on the source. Mantra has powerful words, and with the proper attention, it radiates energy. This energy is capable of transforming the mental state by changing thought processes. It helps you to gain spiritual powers.

Chanting Techniques

The question always arises about how to properly chant mantras. There are three main ways of chanting.

Vachika Japa – In Vachika Japa, the mantra is pronounced loud so others can hear it; when many people do this kind of chanting together, it creates a very sacred atmosphere. All the participants benefit from this kind of chanting.

Upamsu Japa – The mantra is chanted like a whispering voice in Upamsu Japa. Very little sound is produced. So, it helps concentrate the mind on the object or deity of the mantra. 

Manasa Japa – Manasa Japa is the highest and most effective form of Chanting. In this type of chanting, no sound is produced. You cannot hear it with your ears. Manasa Japa requires a lot of practice to be able to do it without having the mind wander. With regular practice, devotion, sincerity, discipline, and Divine Grace, it becomes easy to do Manasa Japa.

Some people write mantras instead of chanting them, that is also one kind of mantra chanting. They write the name of God or mantra. It helps them concentrate their minds. 

It is up to each person to discover which ways are most suitable for them. Anything done with the right intensity and devotion works like magic in transforming the mind and body. Please try it. If you would like to explore a chanting and mantras, consider attending the introductory series highlighted on our events page at TrueInnerMastery.com/events.