Mantras are one of the most important spiritual and mental therapies of Ayurveda.
You may already use a mantra within your meditation practice, maybe something with inner meaning or maybe one of the mantras that are well known such as ‘OM’, pronounced Aum.
A mantra can be a sound, a word or a phrase and its use dates back 3,500 years when Vedic chanting was first recorded.
In yoga and Ayurveda, pranayama is used as a way to control the breath, Yoga asanas control the body, and a mantra controls the mind, bringing energy and strength to our mental wellbeing, generating energy and stillness within. The sounds also provide energetic vibrations in the body.
Mantas are often chanted 108 times, this also matches the number of beads on a mala necklace.
The meaning behind the number 108 is derived from Buddhism and is believed to be broken down in elements to support different parts of the mind, body and soul.
The first 36 is believed to calm the mind, the next 36 supports reprogramming the subconscious mind and the final 36 elevates life force or Prana, our breath, connecting all life forces in harmony.
Just a moment or two of softly chanting will still the mind from the innate chatter that often burdens us.
Here are a few mantras you may like to try:
Om
A well known and important mantra is the word ‘OM’ it serves to energise all things and processes. When ‘OM’ is chanted it can clear the mind, settling you into a state of inner peace and healing.
‘OM’ is also beneficial before sleep to relax the mind and upon waking to promote nourishing wholesome mental activity during the day.
SHRIM
The word ‘SHRIM’ is a mantra for promoting general health increasing the sense of inner harmony.
KRIM
The word ‘KRIM’ gives us positive changes in our thoughts and outlook on life.
AIM
The word ‘AIM’ pronounced Aym, awakens and increases creative and expressive thoughts and functions, restoring the powers of speech and expression. It is also the sacred sound of the Goddess of Wisdom, Sarasvati.
Take time to try, take a breath, find a comfortable quiet space and repeat your chosen manatra, close the eyes and seek solitude for your personal wellness setting.
if you are interested in mala beads and their use whilst chanting, you may like to read my next blog:
Focus on Ayurveda: mala beads
