Introduction to Mantra
Mantra is a really big part of what keeps me balanced, and I repeat the same mantra every evening in my meditation, and randomly during the day it just comes to me when I need it. If you are new to mantra I am really excited for you to get into this practice which is a key element of my sadhana. First, some basics:
Mantra is a Sanskrit word that means sacred syllable or sacred word(s).
Mantra practice is the repetition of certain sounds or words to focus and calm the mind or to achieve a specific result. The desired result could be as simple as settling and focusing the mind for meditation practice, opening the heart, or relaxing an irritated mind. Some mantras are practiced for more specific results such as auspicious beginnings in study or a new endeavor, a smooth path for travel, healing, creation of abundance, etc. Mantra practice is another form of mindfulness practice.
Many cultures and traditions have their own versions of mantras. Shamans and indigenous holy men have chanted sacred words for centuries. The sounds chanted are vibrational formulas that can be practiced silently, spoken aloud, or sung. Perhaps the most well-known of all, the word OM is a mantra unto itself, and is said to be the primordial vibration whose frequency created the universe.
"Mantras are sounds with no corresponding outer object. These vibrations create a form, but the form is not external to you. Realizing the meaning of a mantra is a matter of becoming. Through listening to the mantra, the many small and disturbing waves of the mind will become quiet and will be drawn into the harmony of your concentration. Then you will be able to accomplish immense, wonderful things with your life." ~Swami Rama
Using a Mala
A mala is a string of beads used to count to 108 for Mantra practice. Another way to keep count is to use your own hands, described in your manual on page 43 (and in video below). It’s not necessary to count to 108 OR use a mala. It’s perfectly suitable to just repeat a mantra as long as you like and stop when it feels right. 108 is an auspicious and effective number for chanting however, and it is often used in mantra practice.
Why 108?
In Yoga, as well as other traditions, it is auspicious to repeat a mantra 108 times, or in divisions of 108. There are many reasons attributed to this sacred number, which can be explored below. Instead of focusing on the analytical reasons, I like to hold it in the mystery of tradition and have faith in ancient culture and the rishis (seers, or sages). Also, in my experience and upon reflection, I have found that 108 repetitions is enough time to really shift my nervous system and mind into a space of clarity and contemplation. If you want to read about the mysterious, myriad reasons people have given for why 108 is such a sacred member, see page 41 of your manual or click here.
Now, let’s practice!!
In the following video, you can practice along with me to chant the Saraswati Mantra. Saraswati is a goddess in the yoga tradition who represents elegance, clear communication, wisdom, and creativity. She is often worshiped in schools and by artists and musicians. Chanting to Saraswati can help you when starting a new course of study, looking for creative inspiration, or if you need to have a difficult conversation and want to communicate with wisdom and elegance. If you have a mala, I invite you to use it, otherwise just chant along with me. To learn how to count to 108 without a mala necklace, see the following video called How to Use your Hands as a Mala.