Mantras and Chanting

Our lives can become busy and days can go by so fast, it is easy to overlook the soul need for nurturing and inner peace. A way to do this is by giving ourselves the gift of being still and connecting with divine source through mantras and chanting.

Mantras and chants are a pathway to inner peace. Mantras are words or phrases repeated over and over in order to awaken into divine consciousness. At the most basic level, mantra repetition has been proven to promote inner peace, resilience, health and well-being, regardless of spiritual belief.

Further study of mantras (in particular Sanskrit mantras) reveals a complex spiritual and scientific history, whereby sacred sound formulas were developed thousands of years ago by the yogis of India. These mantras are regarded as words of power, capable of creating transformation in many areas of our lives and opening us into our own sacred selves, calling us home.

By chanting mantras we can turn off for a while and simply just be. The mantras and chants help to deepen the silence of meditation.

The most beneficial way to participate is to chant and sing along. It is often said that the power of the mantra is in the repetition and in allowing the vibrations of your voice to resonate throughout your body. If your mind wanders, bring your awareness to the sound of the mantra and also to the silence and stillness between the sounds. Open your heart and your mind and notice the joy of sharing sacred sound space with others.

Singing and chanting mantras is one of many forms of meditation practice, and is widely acknowledged as one of the most joyous. Meditation is an essential life tool that helps us disengage with the ‘monkey mind’ and find inner stillness, peace and wisdom. In order to grow and be the best possible expression of ourselves, we need to be able to observe ourselves, others and our world from a place of clarity.

Meditation helps us see our true nature more clearly and thus become aware of our natural love, kindness and compassion for others. Meditation takes us to a place where we know ourselves as pure creativity with limitless potential. It is here, in this place where meditation becomes a spiritual experience where one is aware of the divinity within.

There are many studies that outline the benefits of vocalising and singing. Singing releases ‘bliss chemicals’ in the body and it is no secret that it makes you feel great! However there is also evidence that singing in a group has its own unique benefits, creating connection and unity.

By chanting regularly we also work with the breath, creating more awareness around our breathing, and strengthening the lungs. The repetition of the mantra and the beauty of the music assist us in calming and quieting in ourselves, letting go of any ‘interference’, and stepping into pure presence.

Mantras and chanting and kirtan are becoming more well-known in the western world, and many have adopted the practice to suit their own individual needs, ranging from enjoyment and relaxation, to a deep spiritual practice. Perhaps something that has been forgotten by those who have found themselves disillusioned with religion, is the ‘letting go’ associated with devotion. We invite people to re-experiment with surrender in mantra singing in a way that works for you.

Mantras can become your best friend. You can use them whenever and wherever you need them. You can try a regular mantra practice by finding a mantra that resonates with you and chanting it 108 times for 21 days – in the morning before you start your day or in the evening before you go to sleep.

Why 108? Traditionally, mantras are chanted 108 times. It is said we have 108 major energy channels (nadis) in our bodies and by chanting a mantra 108 times it vibrates in all these channels and balances them. In a way, the mantra can become a part of you and always be with you. You can use a set a mala (a set of 108 beads) to count on or there are many cd’s available for this practice.

On our CD Mantra Immersion we have the mantras ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ which is sung 108 times and also the Gayatri mantra which is recorded 9 times (you can put it on repeat for 12 times to do 108).

Anyone can chant mantras. No experience is necessary and it is available to everyone.