Sacred Sounds: The Power of Mantras
Our exploration of sacred sounds would not be complete without delving into the power of mantras. Popular perceptions of mantras in the West include vague notions such as … it’s something akin to an affirmation, something you repeat to feel better, a style of prayer, or something you do in meditation. Each of these ideas does, in fact, touch on an aspect of mantra, yet each is incomplete: So let’s explore what a mantra is, where they come from, and how they are used.
The origins of mantra takes us back to the earliest written work on understanding how the universe works. These documents, known as The Vedas, are both science and spirituality, woven together. These ancient texts come from India, dating back to 1000 to 500 BCE, and the language used is Sanskrit. Similar to other ancient languages such as Arabic and Hebrew, the words are understood to carry meaning on several levels. The words are built of seed sounds which carry vibrations at the subtle energy level. Therefore when we speak these words or phrases aloud, they are designed to carry both the cognitive as well as subtle energy message or meaning.
Seed sounds resonate within our subtle energy body (see our next blog for more info). Our subtle energy body is made up of nadis, or smaller energy channels, that come together at chakra points, or central points in the body where the energy connects and is then channeled in a central direction (up or down). Mantras are created of sounds which have an impact on these energy centers in our bodies for specific outcomes which are similar in nature across a wide range of people. Stated another way, mantra uses sound to evoke movement of physical and emotional energy through stimulating the nervous system, similar to immersing oneself in music … meaning evolves of it’s own accord through our experience.
To more easily understand how this works, let’s break this down by dissecting the workings of one mantra, Om.
Om is undeniably the most popular mantra known in the West. In addition to being used on it’s own as a mantra, Om is also used as the first word, to begin many mantras or other spiritual practices of Eastern origin.
Om is known in two forms, Om or A.U.M.
Om is the word and AUM is the phonetical spelling. Om refers to both the Atman (or the soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality or divine truth), and as such is equated with cosmic sound. Many of the ancient sacred texts suggest reciting Om in order to awaken spiritual enlightenment, or to connect with Divine Presence. Energetically, Om is the seed sound for the sixth chakra (or third eye). Om is considered the first mantra, and the sound of the origin of creation!
The phonetical spelling of Om, AUM is also known as the sum total of all that is, both as symbolic of waking (A), dreaming (U), sleeping (M), and the silence that follows is known as the bliss state or supreme consciousness. These are understood to be the four states of consciousness; as well as being understood linguistically as the sum total of all the sounds that can emanate from the human throat.
One of the beauties of mantra is how they work on us almost magically. We can think about the words or feel the vibration of the words / syllables, or hold the awareness of both aspects. In the end, the overall experience turns out to be the same. Meaning, it doesn’t so much matter if you have an intellectual understanding of the words you are chanting, it is the energy of the chant that is doing the work of its own accord, with or without your conscious awareness.
Mantras are used to connect with the Divine as well as for healing effects on all levels - physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Returning to Om as our example, given the meaning of Om, it is used to connect with one’s Higher Self as well as a sense of Oneness with all that is. Om is also used to begin spiritual rituals by establishing this connection. Therefore, if you are working on being more spiritually present, or connected with your soul, Om is a perfect mantra to use regularly. Mantras work very well paired with a meditation practice, and are of their own accord, a type of meditation.
Keeping it simple, a good place to start would be to create an open state of mind to the experience and set an intention to begin a practice. Next, find a place you can sit comfortably uninterrupted, and choose a consistent time of day, if at all possible. If you already have a meditation practice, you can begin by simply adding the recitation of Om to begin and end your practice. If you are not currently meditating, and you want to explore using mantras as a mini-meditation, do the same thing described, then prior to vocalizing the mantra, spend a few minutes dropping into your mind, relaxing your body and turning down the conscious thoughts. When you’re ready, gently vocalize the AUM sound on an exhale, inhale, repeat two more times with your exhale. Take a few more breaths with your eyes closed, feeling the sensations of your body, subtle energy, mind and emotions.
Enjoy your exploration of using mantra. The Sanskrit language is a powerful energetic system, there is truly much more than meets the eye with mantra practice. It’s magic is best discovered through experience, let your curiosity guide you!
Namaste,
Blessings on your journey!
Lynn and Cheryl