Definition, Types, Benefits and Powers • Yoga Basics

We usually think that yoga is a physical exercise that involves various poses and breathing techniques. Did you know that mindful repetition of a word or sound is also a type of yoga? Mantra yoga, or the silent repetition of sacred sound vibrations, is one of the most powerful ways to clear your mind, focus your concentration, and calm your emotions. This type of yoga is a simple but powerful practice that is easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

What is a mantra

Singing is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition, a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform the mind, body and soul. A mantra is a word or series of words that are chanted out loud or softly to evoke spiritual qualities. "Manas" means "mind" and "tra" means instrument or tool. It is commonly translated as "an instrument or tool for the mind" or "that which, when reflected, gives liberation".

Mantras are unique mystical formulas of sacred syllablesoriginally revealed to the rishis (seers or sages) in the deepest states of meditation. They are one of the earliest components of yoga and possibly the first type of meditation to be developed. The best known mantra is Om or Aum and is often used as a seed mantra in longer chants.

A yoga mantra has three components: Intention, meaning and vibration or sacred sound. Intent is the why of your practice – it's reason, aim, and purpose. Meaning is what your practice is – the definition and meaning of your personal mantra. Sacred sound is the how of your practice – your connection to the vibrational sound and life energy that your practice cultivates.

Mantras can be spoken out loud, whispered softly, or said softly in the head. Vaikhari Japa recites the mantra out loud to practice pronunciation, to deepen concentration and to connect with the vibration of the words. Upamsu Japa whispers or hums the mantra softly to maintain peace and harmony. Manasika Japa is internal chanting or just in the mind and requires a high level of focus and attention. Quiet singing is considered 100,000 times more effective than loud singing.

Affirmations

Affirmations are often confused with yoga mantras – they are similar but significantly different. Acknowledgment is a positive statement in your native language that you repeat to yourself from time to time. Affirmations are a tool that helps us change the way we think, which in turn helps change our actions and behaviors. Affirmations are most commonly used to bring you more wealth, peace, love, etc., or to help you achieve your goals. While mantras can be used for material goals, they are mainly used for spiritual and healing powers. Anyone can make an affirmation, but a mantra can only be made by a meditation master.

The three types of mantras

There are three main types of mantras: Bija (seed), Saguna (with form) and Nirguna (without form). The Bija mantras can be used individually, but is mostly used in Saguna mantras to give them a special "seed" power. The Bija mantras correlate with the seven chakras and the most important Hindu deities.

The Saguna mantras Invoke the forms of each deity or personalized aspect of God. It is said that the recitation of the Saguna mantras evokes the actual form of the respective deity and thus manifests their power.

The Nirguna mantras come from the Vedic texts and are therefore the oldest mantras of the three types. Since these words do not invoke deities or personalized aspects of God, they are very difficult to interpret and have no particular form or meaning. These mantras are meant to identify with all of creation and contain the basic truths of yogic philosophy. It is said that the mind needs to be very strong in order to focus on the abstract nirguna mantras and therefore they are not recommended for beginners.

Function of mantras

Since each mantra evokes a precise power, they can be used for very specific purposes: spiritual power, healing of illnesses and for the attainment of worldly desires. Combined with the intent of the user, they can become even more targeted and powerful. It is believed that mantras are a link between the devotee and the divine.

The mantras are said to increase in strength in direct relation to the number of repetitions. A mantra is fully strengthened by "sitting" in the heart after 125,000 repetitions and achieving what is called mantra siddhi.

Mantra yoga

Mantra yoga is a form of yoga that is supposed to help a person achieve inner peace. While you can chant mantras almost anywhere, anytime, and for any length of time, there are structured ways of chanting and traditional rules. The main practices of mantra yoga are japa, kirtan and community chanting. The meditation technique of mindfully reciting mantras is called Japa. Kirtan is a devotional practice in which mantras are set to music. While a single kirtan can vary, the practice typically involves a leader singing and a group of people repeating their chants. Community chanting is often part of a ceremony or is used to enter or close a yoga practice.

Japa meditation technique

Singing a mantra is considered to be the simplest form of meditation. When you're in a comfortable position with your eyes closed, repeat the word or phrase silently or out loud. Pay careful attention to the speed and rhythm of your chant, correct pronunciation, goal and esoteric meaning of the mantra. Let the mind focus on the mantra, let go of the thoughts and breathe in slowly and deeply. A mala (pearl necklace) can be used to count a series of 108 repetitions of the mantra.

Benefits of mantras

Like prayer and confirmation, repeated use of mantra can have powerful effects on the mind, body, spirit, and emotions. Mentally, Japa meditation increases concentration and improves memory and focus. Physically, Japa meditation lowers the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and activates the relaxation response for healing and rejuvenation. Japa meditation creates confidence and empowerment, reduces stress and balances emotions. Spiritually, mantras are supposed to dissolve bad karma, produce jnana (wisdom) and are considered one of the many yogic ways of self-realization. Daily meditation practice is recommended for most benefits.

Conclusion

Mantras are used for many purposes including healing, meditation, personal growth, and prayer. By connecting your breath with the vibration of sound, repeating a mantra will help you enter a deep meditative state, clear your mind of negative thoughts and connect you with your higher self and the divine. Singing these sacred sounds affects the energy channels in the body and calms the mind and soul. By practicing mantras, we can learn to access the spiritual wisdom within us, become more attentive in our daily life, and help ourselves to heal and transform.