What is a mantra and why is it chanted over and over again?
According to the New American Oxford Dictionary, a Mantra is simply a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation and is originally found in Hinduism or Buddhism.
That being said, Mantra Meditation is the simple act of choosing a mantra and repeating it over and over again. If you meditate in a classroom-type setting, then your leader (or teacher) will give you a mantra for your practice. If you choose to engage in this type of meditation at home, then simply choose your own meditation.
It’s important to note that the sound and flow of the mantra you chant must appeal to you, both in sound and meaning.
Why is it important for the mantra to sound nice to the ear?
Mantras are chosen not just for their words, but also for the tones and frequencies at which they vibrate. It is said that the vibrational energy produced by the mantra activates the body and mind on a cellular level. The 7 chakras found throughout the body are also said to be stimulated by certain mantras. This in turn affects our energy field commonly known as our aura.
This type of meditation is one of the oldest forms of meditation and is practiced by Tibetan Monks on a daily basis. Mantras are also used in Transcendental Meditation.
One of the most common types of Mantra Meditation is Japa Mantra Meditation. Japa meditation uses a string of 108 beads and each bead is rotated every time a mantra is repeated.
