A mantra consist of two terms ‘Man’ and ‘tra’. ‘Man’ meaning here ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ vehicle. A mantra is travelling of the mind.

We can use it as a tool to grow our intention. It is the bedding, or fundament for our intentions. Mantras are usually used to get into a (deeper) state of meditation.

The Working of a Mantra

Mantras are written in the ancient sacred Sanskrit language, which is able to make changes in the consciousness. Spoken Sanskrit words have a power of their own. They resonate through and with the body. They can make changes in habits and impulses, but can as well realign the life-energy in the body (prana).

Repeating it in a daily practice is a must to get the benefits of the mantras. The best way to use mantras is by doing it.

The Mantra OM

The most common mantra is the mantra ‘OM’, which means ‘Devine’. It is believed that Om is the sound vibration from which the universe was created. Therefore this mantra is seen as the most powerful of them all. So if you want to become one with all creation, this mantra is for you.

OM Mani Padme Hum

This is the six syllables Tibetan Buddhist mantra. It is explained as the following by the Dalai Lama. ‘Om’, is body, mind and speech in our purest form. When not pure it is our basis for suffering. Body, mind and speech can be transformed into a pleasant body, mind and soul through transformation. You transform it from impurity to purity. ‘Mani’ means altruism, and ‘padme’ means wisdom. ‘Altruism’ and ‘wisdom’ combined is ‘hum’. This is the proper way of purifying our impurity into pure. They are the tools and methods with which to work to obtain a pure body, mind and speech.

The Power of Repetition

You will as well notice that mantras by itself are repeated over and over again. This repetition will be likely to bring you in a certain state of trance. Trance is when the consciousness traverses the primary awareness (Dennis R. Wier). Trance of mantras is induced by the monotonous sounds and repeating the words. It is known as the TLG; Trance Generating Loop.

My Favourite Mantras

Mantras can be chosen for different purposes. For example a mantra for money, a mantra for luck, health and overall wellbeing. You can use them during your Yoga practice, for meditation or just while you are doing daily tasks. It doesn’t matter, but feel what feels good for you.

This is one of my favourite mantras. I play it over and over in a loop until I forget all place and time. This mantra is for the elephant head deity Ganesha. It is the deity for success and remover of all obstacles.

Another one of my favourites is the Ajai Alaj which I sing along from front to end. It gives all these beautiful terms for qualities of yourself and life. Enjoy!

Lyrics and their translation: Ajai Alai – Invincible, Indestructible. Abhai Abai – Fearless, Unchanging. Abhoo Ajoo – Unformed, Unborn. Anaas Akaas – Imperishable, Etheric Aganj Abhanj – Unbreakable, Impenetrable. Alakh Abhakh – Unseen, Unaffected. Akaal Dy-aal – Undying, Merciful Alaykh Abhaykh – Indescribable, Uncostumed. Anaam Akaam – Nameless, Desireless. Agaah Ataah – Unfathomable, Incorruptible. Anaathae Pramaathae – Unmastered, Destroyer. Ajonee Amonee – Beyond birth, Beyond silence. Na Raagay Na Rangay – Beyond love, Beyond color. Na Roopay Na Raykhay – Beyond form, Beyond shape. Akarmang Abharmang – Beyond karma, Beyond doubt. Aganjae Alaykhae – Unconquerable, Indescribable.

Because I started a business of my own and I wanted to have a healthy view on money, I was suggested to listen to the Lakshmi Mantra. Lakshmi is the goddess of Good Luck, wealth and prosperity. Listen to it for yourself and see if it resonates with you.

This mantra is dedicated to Shiva with the mantra Om Namah Shivaaya, which means ‘Devine Shiva I bow to you’. Shiva is the most powerful god, also known as the destroyer. We used to dance on this during our Saturday Satsangs. It gives a special feel for me and good memories. I couldn’t let this mantra out.

I hope this inspired you to listen to and use mantras more often. Hopefully it resonated with you.

You might be interested in the following posts as well:

The Power of Words ~ Affirmations

Fundamentals I: The Yogic Lifestyle

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