“Mantra is a very good way to go back to the source of thought, which is pure consciousness.” Deepak Chopra
What is Mantra meditation?
Repeating a word, phrase or sound in order to deepen a meditation experience is called “Mantra” in some traditions. The word mantra is sometimes translated as ‘mind protection’ and sometimes as ‘mind instrument.’ Its purpose is to change your mental state.
In the book Meditation for Dummies, Stephan Bodian says: “When you repeat a mantra – aloud, under your breath, or mentally – you resonate with a particular spiritual frequency and with the power and blessings of that sound.”
Virtually all religions and meditation techniques have a mantra. Christians use the ‘Our Father’ prayer or the prayer of the heart (‘Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.’) Sufi meditators repeat the phrase ‘There is nothing but God.’ Hindus use one of the many praises or names for God. Jews recite God’s name, the word Shalom or the Hebrew syllables that make up God’s name. Buddhists intone sacred invocations, like the OM pictured here.
Deepak Chopra teaches his students to use the mantra “so-hum” which, he says, is the natural sound of your breathing: “so” as you inhale, and “hum” as the air leaves your lungs. Chopra says: “The ancient wisdom tradition of Vedanta examined the various sounds produced in nature, the fundamental vibrations of the world around us. They are said to have heard these vibration sounds when deep in meditation. Reciting a mantra creates a mental vibration which ultimately takes you to the field of pure consciousness from which the vibration arises in nature.”
People usually practice mantra within a formal meditation setting or practice session. And sometimes a meditation teacher prescribes a specific mantra to suit your circumstances. But you can experiment with mantra practices any time, and on your own. You should know the meaning of the sound that you use, so pick something that inspires you. And then, as Stephen Bodian advises: “Sit quietly and repeat the words again and again, allowing your mind to rest on the sound and the feelings evoked. When your mind wanders, just come back to your mantra.”
Some practitioners of mantra also manipulate a rosary, mala, or prayer beads while chanting, ticking off one bead for each recitation. But beads are only necessary if you are counting the mantras, and lots of people use the mantra but not the rosary.
Books Available from Amazon
Meditation for Dummies, by Stephen Bodian ($14) Bodian is a therapist and meditator who was also the editor of Yoga Journal magazine for ten years. His book covers all the basics and provides detailed instructions for a handful of meditation techniques, including mantra.
The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire, by Deepak Chopra ($17), a NY Times bestseller for many weeks, this meditation book is also available in audio formats: Cassette ($17) and CD ($20). Chopra offers practical meditation advice, backed with a theory of the mind that supports and inspires meditation.
Links
Stephen Bodian has a site www.meditationsource.com which includes his biography and information about his meditation teaching, writings and therapy practice.
The Chopra Center for Wellness www.chopra.com offers meditation classes and has information about speaking and teaching tours of Deepak Chopra. They conduct public retreats, and also train people who offer their methods in other parts of the country. Check with them for more details.
