Intro to Mantras

                                                  Introduction to Mantras  ‘the mystic sound’

                                                                                                   

Building awareness and reaching into the depths with vibrations and chanting.

Every element in the universe is in a constant state of vibration. Although our human senses can perceive only a small fraction of this infinite range of vibrations, this is an ocean of vibrations that we cannnot perceive with our five senses, but we should realize that they affect us and our health. 

Human health and consciousness are dependent on unheard universal vibrations in unexpected ways. When we commune with nature, watching the ocean’s waves or gazing at the stars,  we absorb this radiations and have a positive feeling. 

In yogic practices, the growth of our awareness progresses with the help of these positive vibrations.  There are various effective techniques used in yoga which benefit healing, concentration and meditation. Vibrations generated through chanting are fundamental instruments for altering the psyche.  Mantra is defined as a sound or series of sounds having physical, psychic, or spiritual potency when recited in a certain manner.

Additional benefits:

1. purifies the impure mental body and brings energy up to the throat chakra
2. keeps us focussed in the present moment
3. uses the power of words and belief
4. silences the mind so that inner guidance can switch om
5. cleans the negative thoughts out of the mind and creates space for more positve thoughts
6. proven to streangthen the immune system
7. stimulation of the thalamus and the hypothalamus

Vibrations for healing:

Bhramari Chanting – in Sanskrit means female bee

Benefits: 

-       recommended when recovering from an illness or operation to speed up healing.

-       works at the deepest level where only vibrations can reach, so should be practiced by everyone in order to benefit from its relaxation and deep healing effects.

-       soothes the nervous system, promoting inner balance and harmony

-       reduces  tension, thereby reducing high blood pressure, insomnia, anger and anxiety

-       strengthens the throat and tonsils by impoving ciruculation and voice

-       massages and balances the thyroid gland

-       improves memory, concentration, and meditative state

Technique:

-       sit with straight spine and hands placed on the lap. Lips are closed and teeth are separated.  

-       tip of the tongue lightly touches the roof of the mouth.

-       take a deep breath and exhaling slowly make a low humming sound, feeling the vibrations in the head.

-        allow the inhalations to start automatically. Inhaling deeply and repeat 3 times

OM chanting

‘OM’ is the symbol or verbal expression of creation and is present with some variations in all faiths. It is not given any specific definition but is thought to be a cosmic or primordal sound. (exp. ‘amen’ and ‘amin’)

Benefits:

-       generates certain vibrations that have a deep and profound effect

-       increased concentration and memory

-       reduced levels of fatigue

Technique: 

-       inhale deeply, then start exhalation with the chant of ‘O’, slowly tapering it into ‘M…’

-       continuing until exhalation is complete

-       abdominal wall goes inward gradually as one chants, slowly expelling air from the chest