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Secrets of Mantra Meditation
Secrets of Mantra Meditation
What is a Mantra?
Mantra is defined as a kind of verbal formula which is often considered sacred and
is used in meditation or prayer as a means to quite and balance the mind. The
word mantra is originally a Sanskrit word that literally means mind-protection. In
ancient times, the Guru or Master used to hand down a mantra to his disciple.
The disciple was required to repeat the mantra over and over again and this
process was known as japa or chant. This technique is popular even today,
though not necessarily as an invocation to God or as part of any ritual, but as a
means of achieving relaxation and calm.
can create any soft sound that calms or you can choose words that are able to
reflect the calmness in you. Peace is one such word that can help establish a
sense of tranquility within.
It is advisable for beginners to start Mantra Meditation by sitting in a comfortable
posture and choosing a place where there is no disturbance. However, sitting
cross-legged is recommended as it does not tire you and at the same time
prevents you from going to sleep, which is quite possible while lying down. Also, an
erect posture helps the mantra reverberate though all the chakras and hit the
center positively.
Mantras are words of power that have the capacity to enhance and empower the
intellect, making us wiser, more sensitive and peaceful. The sense of being
settled down then reflects in the way one leads his/her life.
What is meditation?
Meditation is an art, which deals with the science of finding one's Higher Self. It
must not be confused with any technique used for concentration. The objective of
concentration is to focus all energies towards a single point where as meditation
deals with relaxing the mind so that fewer and fewer thoughts remain. The ultimate
aim of all meditation techniques is to reach a blank state of mind, where deep
relaxation is experienced in both mind and body.
Types of Meditation
There are many types of meditation techniques available such as chakra
meditation, transcendental meditation, mind-centered/heart-centered meditation
and breathing-based meditation. Ancient meditation practices are relevant even
today as the games and the problems of the modern human mind are same as that
of its ancestors.
Mantra Meditation
Mantra meditation is one of the easiest types of meditation where one a word or
thought is repeated over and over again till becomes a rhythm. This creates a kind
of harmony and peace inside as slowly it replaces every other thought present in
the mind. Therefore, this type of meditation is ideal for dealing with stressful
Breathing-based Meditation
Breathing-based meditation entails watching the breath as it goes in and out. The
act of watching focuses the mind towards the rhythm of breathing and slowly the
number of thoughts reduces and a sense of calmness is achieved.