The power of Chanting Mantras : A Guide for all levels

Mantra chanting is an ancestral practice that is found through the centuries in several cultures. If you are just starting yoga or if you have been practising for many years, the power of mantras can enrich your practice, bring inner peace et and improve your concentration. In this article we re going to explore what a mantra is, its benefits for the bosy and the mind, and how you can start integrating thsi powerful practice into your daily routine.

What is a Mantra ?

A mantra is a syllable, a word or a sentence repeated many times, spoken or chanted. Its origin goes back to the ancient India, where mantras were used in spiritual and religious practices to awaken the inner energy .

The term « mantra » in a Sanskrit word that can be divided into two parts : "man", that means "mind", and "tra", that can be translated with "instrument". Following this interpretation, a mantra is litterally an "instrument for the mind", conceived for calming the mind.

Mantras are often sung in Sanskrit, but there are mantras that come from other spirritual traditions like Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most known mantra is "Om", symbol of the vibration of the universe and unity.

Recite a mantra allows us to raise our personal vibrations, to cleanse the mind from distractions and facilitate a deeper connection with ourselves. .

The Benefits of Chanting Mantras for Body and Mind

Chanting mantras has strong benefits for the body and for the mind. This benefits are supported not only by modern science but also by millennia of practice. Here's some advantages of chanting mantras :

1. Stress and anxiety reduction: The repetition of a mantra creates a meditative effect that helps to calm the mind. In fact, several studies have shown that meditation and singing decrease the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

2. Improve concentration: In focusing on a sound or sentence, you train your mind into becoming more attentive, which is especially useful not only in practising yoga but also in our everyday life.

3. Emotional balance: Mantra chanting regulate breathing and heart rate, inducing a feeling of inner peace. This can help you cultivate a feeeling or inner peace and calm your mind.

4. Spiritual connection: Mantra chanting helps channelling the energy and opening the energetic channels in the body, creating a deeper spiritul connection.

   
   

How to Start a Mantra Chanting Practice ?

Starting to integrate mantra chanting in your daily life is is simple accessible to everybody. Here's some tips to get you started:

1. Pick a mantra you can easily relate to If you're just starting you can try something simple and universal like the mantras "Om" ou "So Hum". These mantras are universal and accessible, bearing a powerful transformational energy. You can also explore some more specific mantras as Gayatri Mantra for the spiritual awakening, or the Mantra of Compassion "Om Mani Padme Hum".

2. Choose a specific time of the day to practice Implement your mantra practice into your daily routine, before or after your yoga practice or meditation. Recite a mantra for 5 to 10 minutes per day can already make a big difference.

3. Use a mala to keep the count A mala is a chaplet with 108 beads used to keep count of the repetitions. This will keep you focused on the practice without having to worry about keeping the count.

4. Create an appropriate environment Find a peaceful spot where you can relax without being disturbed. You can also use a candle some incense or specific sounds to enrich your experience.

   
   

Conclusion

Mantra chanting is a practice accessible to everybody, to any level of experience. If you want to improve your concentration skills or just relax or deepen your spiritual connection, mantras can help you achieve your objectives. I encourage you to go and try today the benefits that this practice can offer within your yoga and meditation as well as to your daily life.

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Sara

My name is Sara, yoga teacher, singer and devotional musician. I offer yoga classes and workshops, mantra chanting circles (kirtan) and retreats to create an holistique and unique experience.

Certified Yoga Teacher RYT 500h,ERYT® 200h and Continuing Education Provider YACEP