What are mantras, what are they for and what is their meaning

Mantras are words or phrases that seek to generate spiritual and psychological impact in the person who sings them. The main purpose of mantras is to alter consciousness, centering thoughts and emotions to improve self-control of the inner “I”. These sounds may or may not be understandable, but they are always based on the belief that certain universal sound waves can positively or negatively affect human beings and their environment. Understanding the above, we can affirm that mantras seek connection with a higher being or “something” within humans.

Mantras are widely used in various cultures and religions, the main exponents of which are the Hindu and Buddhist religions. It should be noted that the best known mantras are the Buddhist and Vedic, the latter considered the oldest Sanskrit texts.

Although the universal rule to recite a mantra says that it must begin with “Om” or “Aum”, words that mean the origin of the universe, this is not necessarily strict, since the mantra itself seeks to tune in to the inner self, the Which, according to Hindu belief, can find different forms according to the spirit of the person.

One of the best known mantras goes like this: “Om mani padme hum”, which means “the lotus that resides in me.” This saying consists of 6 syllables and each of them has the function of clear the mind of bad thoughts and rid the body of toxins.

In yoga, mantras are used to channel spiritual energies through postures and hymns originally from Buddhist religions, mainly. Its application is based on the vibrations generated by continuously repeated phrases and the sense of well-being that they generate in the mind and body.

The main purpose of mantras, as we have seen, is relax the body and mind and induce meditation through a chant. It is believed that through the repetition of mantras one can cast off bad thoughts and rise to a state of absolute meditation to achieve spiritual maturity. But that’s not all, because purposes and benefits of mantras there are many more:

• Improve concentration.
• Relax your mind and body.
• According to religious beliefs, it also serves to fight evil spirits, heal the soul of past hurts and be at peace with the innermost “I”.
• Furthermore, in the Hindu tradition, mantras are used to communicate with spiritual entities and ask them for strength, courage and courage.

Hindu mantras have different applications according to their gods, so that each chant refers to one of them, for example:

• The mantra of Shakti, the universal goddess, is recited to gain vitality.
• The mantra of Parvati, the goddess of love, is chanted to attract good luck in relationships.
• The mantra of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, is repeated to call out material and spiritual wealth.
• The mantra of Durga, the goddess of war, is said to generate internal force.
• The mantra of Sarawasti, the goddess of wisdom, is chanted to gain insight, good speech, and knowledge.

To put any of these mantras into practice, check out this other article on How to Meditate with Mantras.

As we have seen, each mantra has a different meaning depending on the religion from which it comes. However, below we show you what the most popular mantras mean of the world, those that serve almost any purpose that concerns the spiritual and internal healing:

• The mantra “Om” means, for believers, the natural sound of the universe and serves to unite deeply with it.
• The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, one of the best known in Buddhism, means “the jewel of the lotus” and works to be more compassionate, heal emotional wounds and cleanse the soul of negative energies.
• The mantra “Om Tare Tutare Ture Soha” acts as a liberator of fears and insecurities. In this case, “tare” means liberation from suffering, “tuttare” refers to escape from fears, “ture” means freedom from physical and psychological illnesses and “Soha” is a word used for blessings. are durable.
• The mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” gives the person who recites it peace and freedom.

It is important to note that in Hinduism, the word mantra is found for the first time in the Rig-veda, one of the oldest texts of the religion, and expresses that it is a method or “instrument of thought”. Mantras are also attributed other functions, such as prayer and worship.

In Buddhism, on the other hand, mantras mean “enlightenment” referring to the encounter with the inner “I”. In this religion, mantras are also understood as the ability to rise above consciousness to a more divine thought form.

In psychology, and for those people who are not religious but do have a deeper spiritual connection to the universe, mantras are used as a figure of speech. This means that mantras are repetitions that serve to strengthen thought and achieve inner peace. Don’t you know how to learn to meditate? In this other unCOMO article you will find all the information you should know.

It is said that the entire universe is connected by sound waves and that sound waves positively or negatively affect the areas to which they are directed. This is because these waves work like a magnet to attract what you want, so it is important to recite these songs out loud.

Once a mantra is recited or chanted, the sound turns into vibrations and these are waves that travel through the universe and attract what is being desired with the saying. Sound itself is believed to carry the power of desire through the mantra.

According to the ancient tradition, for a mantra to take effect it is necessary to repeat it 108 times a day for 21 days, as this way the energy can completely penetrate the universe. In addition, the mantra should be pronounced loudly and rhythmically, with absolute concentration on what you want to achieve and in a place free from sound disturbances that can deter the waves emitted by the mantra.

For those who are not believers, the mantra is still a very effective method to focus and free yourself from anxieties and frustrations. Reciting the mantras requires concentration and tranquility, which is why it is a key instrument to overcome emotional problems, be more present and get in touch with the “I” of each one.

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