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Everything about mantras and mantra chanting you can find here!
Introduction by Lex van Someren
"Since I released my first CD (The Northern Light) in 1993, it has always been my focus to touch the listener's heart and soul with music and my soul singing, thus enabling deep spiritual experiences. My being and my essence are imbued with a deeply mystical experience of consciousness. From my inner space of the soul, the music and the singing emerge. I have always felt that it is my task and calling in this life to touch and inspire a lot of people in our western cultural area, who are not yet on a spiritual path, with music and performance art that conveys a deep soulful and spiritual message, without being pushy and without coming across as too "spiritual" or "esoteric". That is why I mostly use musical elements, instruments and sounds that are easily accessible to people in western culture. In addition, I prefer a high musical quality standard. For me, the highest level of consciousness towards perfection in music is the path of attention to and the love for detail.
I am focussed on divine love made audible and visible in every detail.
When I was asked to compose a first mantra CD in 1999, it was quickly clear to me that I should create mantra music in just the sense described above - sacred chants that through their interesting musical arrangements can be understood, accepted and sung along by a broad, non-spiritually oriented audience.
This is how the first mantra CD "AUM" came into being. In the meantime, together with my musical partner, Frank Steiner, I have produced and published 14 mantra CDs. I feel very connected with many singers who are on the road with mantras, kirtans and bhajans worldwide, although in these concerts and mantra interpretations there is in most cases a clear difference in the musical design as well as the arrangements, as described in the continuation of this article. However, the essence, focus and dedication are the same: to create music, chants and concerts that invite people of all ages and walks of life to a holistic inner experience of love, grace and devotion."
The connection of traditional and European mantra music
with Lex van Someren
- by Bohdan Shved and Dr. Sonja Stanger
The traditional way of mantra chanting is aimed at focusing the mind through many repetitions of simple texts and phrases, to let it come to rest and thus to center the person. This is comparable to a kind of spiral into the deepest interior, the heart space, to which the mantra chanting, depending on the duration and intensity, is able to lead.
It is exactly this simplicity as well as the repetitions that contain our daytime consciousness, so that we are no longer distracted by anything on the outside. Since our incessant, often uncontrollable and unwanted thoughts are like an elephant's trunk that is constantly in motion as long as it is not given a task, we often feel at the mercy of this flood of thoughts. Mantras are a wonderful way to break out of the mind's wandering and calm the mind, just as the elephant keeper does with the elephant trunk staff. But this immediate effect of the mantras is only one aspect. It is also essential that, with regular practice, an inner calm can set in, which will support and strengthen us in all situations of life.
From the music tradition we Europeans know mostly mantras from the oriental or Asian area as meditative music, which are characterized in particular by continuous, monotonously sung recitations. European music, on the other hand, developed over many centuries through variety and creative outward expression. The so-called variation form of western music is aimed at adding more and more finesses by repeating successive variations of a theme in order to further develop the facture - the basic construction of the composition, so to speak - so that it never remains exactly the same in its progress. In the process, a theme is usually changed melodically, harmonically, rhythmically or dynamically.
If one compares these two originally almost contrary historical paths of a composition of the mantra music, inevitably an obvious contradiction arises. However, this contradiction is only apparent, since these two movements inward and outward (as upward and downward) can nevertheless be connected and led into a unity.
The way that Lex van Someren and his arranger Frank Steiner go in creating mantra music is exactly the one that connects these two directions. On the one hand, we Europeans hear with our trained musician's ear that a constant development happens in the composition of the mantra from one repetition to the next. In parallel, through the many repetitions, the feeling of inner return, of deep calm and centeredness arises, as well as through the musical development in the mantra song, an alignment and uprightness within - like a pillar, firmly connected to the earth. This corresponds to a feeling that can also be achieved through traditional Indian and Oriental mantra chanting.
How are these two experiences possible at the same time?
Obviously, this experience is in the eye of the beholder or the listener. If someone is completely immersed in this music and sings along, he experiences the way inward. The viewer from the outside, who listens to this music-making rather as a concert and possibly does not become absorbed in the singing at all, also experiences through the level of the constant musical development of the mantra an inspiring alignment that connects the inside and the outside with each other.
This makes Lex van Someren's mantra music a deeply fulfilling and sublime experience.
The unique possibility to experience both musical ways at the same time with mantras is a great gift - something very special - and thus quasi double pleasure, which can lead to ecstatic heights of consciousness. The perfect and precisely thought-out use of musical stylistic means from the most diverse cultural and musical genres puts the listeners and sing-alongs in an even higher vibration than the mere repetition of a mantra in classical kirtan can achieve.
A space of silence
This process is further enhanced in the concerts as well as the mantra chanting evenings by the space of silence between the individual mantras, so that over an entire evening the vibration is permanently raised without any interruption. This opens an infinitely large space of consciousness, which Lex also calls "soul space". That space is the decisive factor regarding the possible depth of the meditative state that can be achieved with or through mantras and mantra music. This special effect of mantras in combination with pure silence can also be found in rudiments with other mantra, kirtan and bhajan singers, however, at Lex van Someren's concerts special emphasis is placed on not interrupting this uplifting sacred vibration by explanations, moderation or narrations.
Likewise, this effect can be used with Lex van Someren's music in meditation and inner work as well as in the context of yoga classes, healing treatments, massages, relaxation exercises, therapies and much more.
Lex' mantra compositions and arrangements, as well as the concerts, thus represent a combination of simplicity and highest musical standards, of purity and variations, of bhakti and centering in the innermost, of deepest devotion and highest opening of consciousness.
What are Mantras?
In its original form, mantras are spoken, thought, or chanted verses or sequences of syllables. They can also be composed of one or more words. The syllabic mantra gets its spiritual power and effect through the specific sound and through the content of the words, which is always directed towards the highest divine consciousness. With the help of repetitions of the sound syllables vibrations are generated, which bring body, mind and soul in harmony.
Sanskrit is probably the oldest language in the world and is also called the language of the gods (Devanagari). From here originate the original sounds that trigger energetic vibrations when chanting or speaking, even in silence.
The so-called Sanskrit mantra is masculine, should therefore be called the Sanskrit mantra. In German, however, the term has been adapted to the neuter gender.
"Man-tra" is composed of two parts. The first part "man" stands for thinking, the second part "tra" for freeing, protecting. From this translation already the goal of a Mantra verse results. It should help to free oneself from conscious and conditioned thinking and to dive instead into wholesome as well as joyful, deeply spiritual and harmonious experiences. In this respect, affirmations, affirmations, mottos, prayers or beliefs as mantras.
The sound level on which the word syllables are rendered plays a major role in their helpful effect. Mantra texts can be thought as well as recited aloud (japa) or sung (chanting). The verses are also used in meditation.
Where is the origin of mantra?
Before mantra syllables developed from the primal sounds of Sanskrit, peoples in Tibet, India and Mongolia were already drawing mystical powers and energies from steady chants and the rhythmic sound of drums. In both Hinduism and Buddhism, mantra chants played a central role thousands of years ago. They served to connect with the divine and universal. The sacred sound vibrations were received by rishis (wise seers) and passed on to their disciples. Thus, the former mantra texts have survived from generation to generation and still exist today in their basic form. In Germany, they became popular in the seventies and have since established themselves as a fixture in the German spiritual scene.
What effects do mantras have on body, mind & soul?
Mantras can be compared well with the structure of a rope. From a word, song or a single vibration, a thin thread is created. This thread does not yet have any load-bearing capacity and would immediately break if pulled. If thousands of these threads are connected by repeating the word during mantra chanting or recitation, gradually more stable connections are formed. Mantra verses applied over weeks or months thus form powerful rope connections that are difficult to undo.
You benefit on all levels of your psychological and physical existence. Through mantra chanting or mantra speaking, you firmly anchor core messages in your subconscious. Your body relaxes, your soul opens, your mental powers expand. The energy centers within you, also called chakras, are activated so that energy can flow freely. You are able to get rid of negative feelings and thoughts and replace them with positive ones, feeling more stable and liberated inside. You will feel that you can realize your wishes and goals more easily. Calmness, peace, happiness and a deep compassion for yourself and others can also be achieved through mantras. Dive away from everyday life and surrender to the cosmic energy that flows through you during mantra meditation. This lasts longer and has a more lasting effect, the more regularly you use the mantra.
Mantra types and their traditional meaning
The multitude of mantras is hard to estimate. Sometimes there is talk of about 70 million different mantra verses. While Sanskrit is considered the original mantra language, there are now texts in Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Greek and also Panjabi. Each mantra syllable has its own meaning, effect and sound.
Classically, the mantra theory is divided into six aspects:
1.Rishi
These are the seven Hindu sages or seers to whom the original mantra was revealed in search of the essential questions of life. They meditated through prayers and chants, thus reaching a higher level of consciousness. There they received the answers to their questions, which they passed on to their students:
- Who am I?
- Where do I come from?
- Where am I going?
2. matra
The unmistakable sound of the mantra, which, unlike language, does not change. So mantra sounds are the same today as they were thousands of years ago, and then in this moment of now they are filled with energy again and brought to life by thinking, speaking, singing, whispering.
3. bija
...is the essence or seed that leads to enlightenment and higher vibration through the seed mantras. The most meaningful seed syllable in Hinduism is "Om".
4. ishta devata
...describes the way in which the mantra verse leads to the higher reality towards the divine.
5. shakti
...this is the energy that is evoked by the mantra sound.
6. kilaka
...translated means the plug. It is considered to seal the mantra energy and conserve it for a later time when it is needed.
There is a difference between Nigurna mantras (without form mantras) and Saguna mantras (with form mantras). While Nigurna mantras refer exclusively to the pure self, Saguna mantras are also called Ishta mantras or deity mantras.
Two traditional representatives of nigurna mantras are "Om" and "Soham."
Saguna mantras refer to different deities and combine either male or female aspects. Mostly the double syllable Namah is integrated and means "reverence to", "bowing" or "greeting to".
Male deity mantras and their short meanings:
Shiva - Om Namah Shivaya - Love Mantra, Goodness Mantra // Vishnu - Om Namo Narayanaya - Power Mantra for Justice and Mercy // Ram - Om Sri Ramayah Namah - Joy Mantra // Krishna - Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya - Light Mantra for Serenity // Ganesha - Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha - Wisdom Mantra for Higher Knowledge // Hanuman - Om Shri Hanumate Namaha - Faith Mantra for Selfless Service
Female deity mantras and their short meanings:
Durga - Om Sri Durgayai Namah - protective mantra for motherhood // Saraswati - Om Aim Saraswatayi Namah - art mantra that enhances creativity // Lakshmi - Om Sri Maha Lakshmyai Namah - abundance mantra for wealth and beauty // Kali - Om Sri Mahakalikayai Namah - devotional mantra.
What does the mantra OM mean?
Om is the primordial mantra, the primordial seed syllable in general. It means cosmic sound and belongs to the Nigurna mantras. Therefore, it refers only to itself, to nothing else. Through its repetition, energy begins to flow in the body from the bottom up. Warmth, harmony and absolute inner peace spread.
Actually, the mantra syllable consists of the three letters A, U and M, which form a trinity, and even a fourth part, the silence that follows. There are several translations or meanings for the sequence of letters. The best known of them is probably that the A stands for the past, the U for the present and the M accordingly for the future. The silence after the sounds symbolizes eternity. A freer interpretation for AUM is: Everything that was, is and will be.
Would you like to try out the effect of Om for yourself?
Place your right hand on your heart (heart chakra) and your left hand on the highest point of your head (crown chakra). Now chant the letters A U M or Om slowly one after the other in a medium tone. Do you feel the vibration, the vibration radiating upward within you? Now you know why this powerful primordial mantra is part of so many mantra verses.
What do the mantra syllables Soham and Satnam symbolize?
Soham or So Ham is also a double syllable mantra from the group of Nigurna mantras. The translation for this is "I am that (Self)." You can associate Soham with the breath. Breathe in on "So" and out slowly on "ham". This will make it easier for you to focus on the present moment and feel complete, just as you are.
Satnam or Sat Nam is a powerful Kundalini mantra for finding truth. While Sat expresses being, Nam represents truth. Chanted, the syllables "Sat Nam - I am Truth" have a particularly strong effect on your inner, genuine, unadulterated being.
Both mantras can not only be used in long repetitive sequences, but you can also call them to mind again and again during the day. However, you should not be distracted at this moment, but be with yourself with full attention.
The Meaning of the Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra is also called the "Mother of the Vedas" (sacred scripture) and is the most significant prayer in Hinduism. It does not address any deity, but the light, the sun deep within ourselves. In the Gayatri Mantra, which consists of no less than 24 syllables, enlightenment is asked for. Since this is essential for Hindus, many followers of Hinduism speak these verses daily.
Is there a connection between mantra and yoga?
Yes, because both have the same goal. Physical, mental and spiritual components should open up and blockages should be released. Therefore, it is not surprising that both harmonize with each other in a wonderful way. This knowledge already goes back to a long tradition. The yoga mantra is a fundamental part of the centuries-old yoga practice. While the exercises are performed in a concentrated and calm manner, the thought, spoken or chanted mantra further enhances their effect. With this connection, it is easy to switch off everyday life, feel the energetic vibration and free the heart and brain.
Traditionally, the yoga class begins and ends with the ancient mantra "Om". On the one hand, this provides access to the spiritual experiences that yoga holds in store, and at the same time shows gratitude for the traditions of ancient meditation gurus.
Learning to chant mantras: how to do it?
One way to practice and repeat a mantra is to chant it. This is also called chanting. By chanting the mantra syllables in a steady, repetitive melody, their relaxing and liberating effect increases. Your body becomes calm and focused. If the effect doesn't happen right away at the first try, give yourself the time your body and soul need to get used to the sound. Give yourself to the mantra chanting. You will certainly experience success quite soon, but it takes quite a while for this to be sustainable and not dissipate right away. The longer you use the mantra exercise, the deeper and more lasting the effect will be. For beginners and advanced students, it is also recommended to chant mantras together in a course to consciously experience the unity, connectedness and harmony of body, mind and soul.
What does mantra meditation mean?
Mantra meditation is about letting go of everything we hold on to that prevents us from realizing our full potential as a human being. As you meditate, energies flow through your body without interference and activate your chakras. Meditators use a variety of methods to reach a state of total relaxation.
One person finds it helpful to listen to nature sounds such as the sound of the sea. Another swears by guided meditation sessions that focus on visualizations. If a recited or chanted mantra is embedded in a meditation, it is called mantra meditation. The relaxation deepens many times over due to the uniform, prayer-like way of speaking and singing. Here, too, "Om" is a central element when it comes to transforming oneself to the higher spheres of superconsciousness (Higher Consciousness). In addition, all seven chakras (energy centers) in the body are addressed.
How does a mantra chant help me in meditation practice and how do I apply it?
If you have been having a hard time concentrating and not letting your mind wander while meditating, then mantra meditation may be just what you need. The mantra gives your mind a chance to stay engaged, but at the same time stay in the here and now and not drift off. This allows you to dive deep into meditation and perceive the energy field that surrounds you.
Choose a mantra text for yourself. This can either be a traditional Sanskrit mantra or you can choose your own personal mantra that you have discovered for yourself. Choose a place where you feel comfortable and where you are undisturbed. You can do the meditation lying down or sitting. However, the best position is the so-called cross-legged position with crossed legs and a straight back. Breathe in and out slowly. Observe your breath, but do not control it. It must be able to flow freely.
Once you feel calm and focused, begin your meditation mantra. Chant or speak it, if you like, you can just think it or mumble it softly to yourself. The "how" is secondary. The only thing that is important and crucial is that you focus your full attention on the here and now. Finally, breathe in and out consciously once more and end the meditation with a thank you to all that is in your life. In this way, you will return to your everyday life refreshed, strengthened and full of energy.
The secrets of primal sounds and mystical energies
A detailed explanation about mantras
Mantras remind us of our soul's original intention and give our soul a focus amidst the distractions of the outer world. They have a vibration of empowerment, reminding our soul of its fundamental self, purity, prosperity and grace. And so mantras give us protection against low vibrations within and without.
Chanting (singing, reciting) creates specific thought (energy) patterns in the mind that are positive, calming and supportive. The consciousness is purified so that we can recognize our true self. The mantras also have a relaxing and/or energizing effect on the physical level (organs, cells). In addition, toxins can be eliminated or even neutralized, and they also have a relaxing effect on the nervous system. On the emotional level, the vibrations of the mantras ensure that anger, greed, hatred and jealousy are dissolved and love, joy and peace can take the freed space.
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the recitation of mantras is common during meditation and prayer, and in yoga also during exercise practice.
Mantra CDs
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