Mantras: Om to Gurus
All words, as thoughts and as speech, have vibratory expressions. The mind, through conceiving of the sound, and then if manifesting through voice, carry a frequency and meaning that is perceivable to others, and to the larger Universe.
Words of love, carry the highest and most beneficial vibrations. The word ‘love’ is one of the most potent and magical mantras a person can hold, as its resonance is correspondent to the good of the Universe.
Often, we conceive of meditation as trying to quiet the mind to nothingness. However, there are many types of meditations that use tools to focus, but not silence the mind. One of these meditation tools is mantras.
Mantras are traditionally sounds or words strung together to hold in the single focus of the mind, clearing away other mindless chatter. Mantras can be in Vedic, like in the yogi’s practice, or have evolved into English phrases of beneficence.
One of the most powerful Vedic words is ‘OM’ which is representative of the vibration of the Universe, made into sound. Yogis will begin an asana led class with a long-held chanting of OM, which clears the space and manifests to goodness in the heart and mind, preparing for the calm stillness required to yoke the breath and body.
In the magical world, spells traditionally rhyme, as sounds that reflect each other correspond to each others’ frequencies, promoting the power of the statement. This is why songs and raps are so charged with the locked in emotions of the word weaver. Yogic mantras are strung together with a similar charge, allowing the speaker to tap into ancient syllables that promote life and longevity.
Typically, one repeats a mantra for as long as they can hold focus, and if they do lose focus, they pick up the mantra again and continue for the duration of the meditation. Whether in one’s mind or aloud, the mantra is the sole attention.
It is simple to find Vedic mantras in yogic texts and sites. It is also simple to conceive of one’s own English mantra depending on what you’re seeking. An expensive guru is not necessary to find one’s own mantra, you will know it upon saying it.
Following is one suggestion of a yogic meditation using a mantra.
1. Sit in meditative pose, cross-legged, and close your eyes.
2. Breathe deeply in and out a few times to steady the mind.
3. Breathe in deeply, on the release, sing/chant OM
4. Continue breathing and singing for as long as focus allows.
5. While chanting, imagine a white glowing light emanating from your heart center. -Practice beginning 1-5 minutes, gradually increasing your practice time per day.