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.