Mantra is a religious or mystical syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Mantras are primarily used as spiritual medium, words or vibrations that inculcate concentration in the devotee. Mantras are also integrated in religious rituals to remove obstacles, avoid danger, reduce foes, or accumulate wealth.
Mantra - The Word:
The word "Mantra" has been derived from Sanskrit. Mantra contains two words - "man" which means "to think" (also in manas "mind") and suffix "tra" which means "tool", hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought". A mantra is a powerful word or phrase that may or may not have meaning in the same way as a sentence. Mantras can only be experienced, there is no proper term to define them and phrase them. That is why; they get passed from generation to generation.
What is Mantra:
Mantras are single or strung together syllables. It is important to pronounce the mantra properly with an understanding of its meaning. Improper pronunciation of Mantra can inflict losses. So, one should be careful while chanting mantra. Mantras are energy-based sounds. The Indian metaphysical tradition explains that the body is composed of the combination of five elements and the first of them is sound. Studies in sound symbolism suggest that vocal sounds have meaning whether we are aware of it or not. And certainly there can be multiple layers of symbolism associated with each sound. One's subconscious mind can find its solution through meditation and recitation of mantras. A mantra, when repeated constantly during meditation, first loudly and then through silent and mental chanting, changes the consciousness.
The Basic Mantra – Aum:
In Hindu Mythology, the most basic mantra is Aum, which is known as the "pranava mantra", the source of all mantras. Aum is regarded to be the most fundamental and powerful mantra. Aum represents the first manifestation of Brahman, the Supreme reality. Thus, Aum is prefixed and suffixed to all Hindu prayers. Verses (Sloka) from holy Hindu texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Durga Saptashati or Chandi are considered powerful enough to be repeated to great effect, and therefore have attained the status of a mantra. As per the Vedic practices, most ancient techniques and classical Hinduism, mantra is symbolized as a requisite for spiritual advancement and high attainment.
Mantra Power:
Mantras are powerful sounds and when chanted with devotion produce enormous effects. Mantras are well-off in their meanings and their meaning can be meditated while chanting. As the mind concentrates more and more on mantra and its meaning, it conditions the mind and takes up to the higher states and forms the path to salvation - the eternal bliss.
Mantras Are Energy-Based Sounds:
Sound is the foremost content of the creation. Mantras are divine sounds. Saying any word produces an actual physical vibration. Over time, if we know what the effect of that vibration is, then the word may come to have meaning associated with the effect of saying that vibration or word. Mantras appear really powerful when this sound effect reaches the mind and the surroundings.
Mantras Create
Thought-Energy Waves: Mantra, when chanted sincerely produces a state where the organism vibrates at the rate completely in tune with the energy and spiritual state, represented by and contained within the mantra.
Mantra Have Fire-Like Energy:
Mantras have fire like energy which can bring a positive and beneficial result, or it can produce an energy meltdown when misused or practiced without some guidance. There are certain mantra formulas which are so exact, so specific and so powerful that they must be learned and practiced under careful supervision by a qualified guru.
Mantras Eventually Quiet the Mind:
At a deep level, subconscious mind is a collective consciousness of all the forms of primitive consciousnesses which exist throughout the physical and subtle bodies. Sincere use of mantra can excavate into subconscious crystallized thoughts stored in the organs and glands and transform these bodily parts into repositories of peace.
Mantra Chanting:
Chanting of mantra was a concept of the Vedic saints that includes mantras as one of the main forms of worship, whose end is seen as salvation.
Vedic Puja and Vedic Sacrifice:
The Vedic Puja and Vedic Sacrifice offered to the Almighty must be done with a sincere heart. The Supreme Being answers all the questions and doubts of the devotee, sooner or later. One must understand that the ultimate purpose of life is the realization of divine.
