Mantra Meditation is a type of meditation in which a specific word, sound or phrase (mantra) is repeated continuously to calm and focus the mind. This type of meditation can help a person achieve mental and physical relaxation and find inner peace. Mantra is a word that usually has a spiritual, spiritual or healing meaning, but the mantra used during meditation can also be a simple word or sound. This type of meditation is derived from the Vedic tradition in India and is used as part of many different spiritual practices.
Benefits of Mantra Meditation:
- Mental peace: Mantra repetition calms the mind and improves focus.
- Emotional balance: Reduces stress, anxiety and fears. By calming the mind, it provides emotional balance.
- Increased awareness: Makes you aware of your thoughts and feelings.
- Concentration and focus: The ability to keep your mind on a single point is gained.
- Spiritual growth: Mantras with a spiritual meaning can make one aware of a higher consciousness.
How to Practice Mantra Meditation?
1. Choose a Quiet and Comfortable Environment:
- It is important to choose a quiet, comfortable and uninterrupted environment for meditation. Noises from the outside world can make it difficult to focus. If possible, choose a cozy place, such as a room or nature area.
2. Choose a Suitable Position:
- Choose a comfortable sitting position for mantra meditation. It is usually preferable to sit cross-legged or upright in a chair. Make sure your spine is straight and comfortable. Your hands can be on your knees or hugging them comfortably.
3. Close your eyes:
- Get away from distractions by closing your eyes. You can increase focus internally to prevent distractions in your mind.
4. Focus on Your Breathing:
- At first, relax by taking a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply and slowly, hold for a few seconds and then slowly exhale. This step will prepare the body and mind for meditation.
5. Choose and repeat your mantra:
- Now choose a mantra. This mantra can be a word, a sound or a spiritual concept that has personal meaning. One commonly used mantra is **“Om ‘**, but other mantras such as ’so-ham”, “shanti”, “peace” or “bismillah” can also be used.
- During the repetition of your mantra, focus on achieving inner peace by focusing on the depth and rhythm of the sound. Repeat your mantra slowly and internalize its meaning.
- You can repeat your mantra aloud or silently. Audible repetitions can be especially helpful in the beginning. Use these sound repetitions to focus your mind on the “mantra”.
6. Give Your Mental Attention to Your Mantra:
- As you repeat your mantra, give your full attention to the sound, rhythm and meaning of the word. If other thoughts arise in your mind, become aware of them, but don’t get caught up in them and go back to your mantra.
- If thoughts come, dismiss them by saying “it’s just a thought” and focus on repeating the mantra again. This increases mental focus and improves the effectiveness of the meditation.
7. End Meditation Slowly:
- To end your meditation after a while, slowly reduce the repetitions of your mantra. Refocus on your breathing and relax your body by taking a few deep breaths.
- Then, gently open your eyes and transition, focusing on the end of the meditation. You may feel an emotional calmness and mental clarity.
8. Emotional Peace After Meditation:
- After the meditation is over, it is a good idea to be quiet for a few minutes. Accept your mind and body in this peaceful state. If you find it difficult to make the transition to everyday life, a few minutes of silence can be helpful.
Tricks of Mantra Meditation:
- Constant Practice: Regular practice is important to see the effects of meditation. Meditating for at least 10-15 minutes a day is a good place to start. It may be beneficial to increase the time over time.
- Focus: It is normal for the mind to be constantly distracted. When starting meditation, consider yourself as an “observer”. Just observe thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations, don’t get caught up in them.
- Meaning of the Mantra: Knowing the meaning of your chosen mantra can help you benefit more from its spiritual power. Spiritual mantras, in particular, can create a deeper awareness.
- Be Patient: At first the mind may often wander during meditation, but over time the ability to focus increases. Patience is important to see the benefits of meditation.