sandeyeYoga Styles: Mantra-Yoga
April 3rd 2009 20:31
Mantras, which can also be called mantrams, are single words, syllables, or phrases that are chanted repetitiously with attention. Due to the repetition of the seed sound, a deeper state of high concentration can be realized bringing to light the divinity from within the mantra. The continuous chanting allows for transcendence of the thought and emotion areas of the mind, so allowing for access to other levels.
Mantras often used in Mantra Yoga include Om Mani Padme Hum and Asato Ma Sat Gamayo. The former is a Buddhist chant and the latter Hindu. Many other mantras may also be used, but the majority are from the Sanskrit language. Choosing a personal mantra may be confusing, so many people prefer to take the advice of a guru rather than go it alone. Specific mantras for certain purposes may also be offered in this way. If you are simply wishing to practice alone at home, simple starting mantras such as OM, the name of your God, or So Ham are suitable. The latter can be used in conjunction with breathing, the So corresponding to an inhale and Ham to an exhale.
Initially, mantras are chanted out loud, but with time they may be whisper-chanted. This allows for an easier entry to inner places. The third stage is mental chanting, where no audible sound is released. If thought arises, one should direct the mantra chanting in that direction until all remains calm within and the mantra leads you beyond thought and emotion. Two branches can then be followed. On reaching the inner peace, you can choose to retain mantra repetition as a background focus while resting in the inner peace, or you can drop the mantra once you have arrived and simply rest within the inner divinity.
Mantras often used in Mantra Yoga include Om Mani Padme Hum and Asato Ma Sat Gamayo. The former is a Buddhist chant and the latter Hindu. Many other mantras may also be used, but the majority are from the Sanskrit language. Choosing a personal mantra may be confusing, so many people prefer to take the advice of a guru rather than go it alone. Specific mantras for certain purposes may also be offered in this way. If you are simply wishing to practice alone at home, simple starting mantras such as OM, the name of your God, or So Ham are suitable. The latter can be used in conjunction with breathing, the So corresponding to an inhale and Ham to an exhale.
Initially, mantras are chanted out loud, but with time they may be whisper-chanted. This allows for an easier entry to inner places. The third stage is mental chanting, where no audible sound is released. If thought arises, one should direct the mantra chanting in that direction until all remains calm within and the mantra leads you beyond thought and emotion. Two branches can then be followed. On reaching the inner peace, you can choose to retain mantra repetition as a background focus while resting in the inner peace, or you can drop the mantra once you have arrived and simply rest within the inner divinity.
| 32 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
