Mantras

What is a mantra?
A mantra is a religious or mystical syllable or poem, typically from the Sanskrit language. Their use varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra. They are primarily used as spiritual conduits, words or vibrations that instill one-pointed concentration in the devotee.
Through the repetition of a mantra or seed sound, a higher state of deep concentration(dharana) can be reached. According to Ramana Maharishi, repetition of mantras(japa), with attention directed to the sourse of the sound, completely engages the mind. The source is not the vocal chords alone, but also the idea of the sound is in the mind, whose source is self. Thus the practise of mantra repetition is a means of getting in touch with our self. A fast speed sometimes creates a continuous vibration and when it is done in groups it creates a good effect, because the mind works in synchronization with the beat cycle and has no time to fantasize. An increase in the speed of chanting increases the speed of mind, heartbeat and respiration.

Sthira sukham asanam This is probably one of my personal favorites and it helps me a lot when met by a difficulty or a challenge in my yoga practise as well as in my every day life. It means "The connection to the earth should be steady and joyful."

Lokha samasta sukhino bhavantu om shanti, shanti, shanti, om It means "May peace and happiness prevail. Peace, peace, peace.". May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from afflictions, may all see auspiciousness everywhere, may non be sorrowful, may the spring of happiness prevail, may peace continue to prevail in the world. Let us remain without desire and be selfless.

Shubham astu sarvajagatam It means "May all the world be pure."

Svasti prajabhyam paripalayantham nyaye margena mahim maheesah gobrahmanebhya shubamasthu nityam lokah samastha sukhino bhavanthu. It means "May there be well being to the people, may the kings rule the earth along the right path, may the cattle and the Brahmins have well being forever, may all the beings in all the worlds become happy. Peace, peace and peace be everywhere."

Guru mantra: Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur devo maheshvara, Gurur sakshaat, Para Brahma, Tasmai shri guruvey namah We use this mantra in most of the yoga classes I go to. Usually in the beginning of the practise, it's invocation to give appreciation and thanks to all the teachers. It means "The guru is Brahma(the God of creation), The guru is Vishnu(the God of sustenance), the gutu is Shiva(the god of annihilation). My salutation to such a guru, who is verily the supreme God."

Gayatri mantra: Aum bhoor bhuwan swaha, Tat savitur varenyam, Bhargo devasaya dheemahi, Dhiyo yo naha prachodayat I quite like this mantra, I like the way it sounds. We use it usually at the end of the class. It means: May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path. Oh God! Thou art the giver of life, remover of pain and sorrow, the bestower of happiness. Oh! Creator of the Universe, may we receive thy supreme sin - destroying light. May thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

Peace mantra: Aum saha navavatu, saha nau bhunaktu, saha veeryam karvaavaha, tejasvi naa vadhita mastu, maa vid vishaa vahai, aum shaantih, shaantih It means: Let us together (saha) be protected (na vavatu) and let us together be nourished (bhunaktu) by God's blessings. Let us togetherjoin our mental forces in strength (veeryam) for the benefit of humanity (karvaa vahai). Let our efforts at learning be luminious (tejasvi) and filled with joy, and endowed with the force of purpose (vadhita mastu). Let us never (maa) be poisoned (vishaa) with the seeds of hatred for anyone. Let there be peace and serenity (shaantin) in all the three universes.

Om Mani Padma Hum (mantra of Avalokiteshvara; the Sanskrit form)
Om Mani Peme Hung (mantra of Chenrezig; the Tibetan form) It's actually a buddhist mantra but I felt I like to include it here as well, I think it's amazing and I also had some personal experience with it. The Mani mantra is the most widely used of all Buddhist mantras, and open to anyone who feels inspired to practice it - it does not require prior initiation by a lama (meditation master). Tibetan Buddhists believe that saying the mantra (prayer), Om Mani Padme Hum, out loud or silently to oneself, invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion. Viewing the written form of the mantra is said to have the same effect - it is often carved into stones, and placed where people can see them. It is said that all the teachings of the Buddha are contained in this mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum can not really be translated into a simple phrase or sentence. Even though I've seen a translation of it: Hail the jewel on the lotus flower.

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