Meditating With Tibetan Mantras

Most people have difficulty concentrating. Meditation can greatly help, provided we don't give up too soon... Indeed, it is often difficult to pay attention only to our breathing, which discourages many people from this spiritual activity. As a result, they never learn how to direct their attention. This is where Tibetan mantras come into play: by reciting a sound over and over again, the mind of the speaker is focused on it: this makes meditation easier, and even more fun, and therefore makes it easier to stick to it in the long run. This article will teach you what mantras are, and how to take advantage of them.

 

What is a mantra?

It is a vowel, a sound, a word repeated during mediation to improve concentration. It therefore allows you to be fully in the present moment. Indeed, the fact of pronouncing a sound makes it possible to be entirely concentrated on it, and thus avoid the mind to disperse. It is generally accepted that mantras filter negative thoughts and actions, and therefore allow positive thoughts to fill the mind of the person repeating them. This provides a feeling of well-being, of fullness.

Origin of mantras

Mantras date back to the Vedas, which are very ancient sacred texts. The term mantra comes from Sanskrit. It comes from the verbal root "man" which refers to thought, mind and "tra", which can be interpreted as "that which protects". The mantra is therefore an instrument that protects the mind from external disturbances, which preserves the mind. Tibetan mantras are used in different religions and philosophies: they are not reserved for Buddhists! It is possible to use them for simple meditative purposes. Mantras are traditionally repeated 108 times, the same number as the beads on the Buddhist Malas. A Mala is used in the following way: place it in one of your hands, and bring a bead towards you at each repetition of the mantra. The circuit of repetitions ends once you have reached the large pearl.

 

 

 

How do they work?

The functioning of Tibetan mantras is based on vibrational effects, which are created by the repetition of syllables. Pythagoras was one of the first to research the effects of sounds on the psyche and spiritual states. Their effectiveness is due to the fact that when an individual utters a sound, his attention is naturally directed towards it, which favors the entry into a meditative state: this effect can also be achieved with the help of Zen music or Tibetan bowls. In addition, reciting a mantra helps to induce its resonance in both body and mind. Then, once it has been repeated quite a number of times, reciting it again will not be necessary, because the mantra will be recited within you.

 

What do these sounds look like when recited over and over again?

There are different types of mantras, each with a different purpose. Indeed, some are intended to generate positivity, others to generate health, happiness, love or self-love. Here are some examples that you can use to meditate, as you begin to gradually integrate them into your meditation routine. Here are 5 examples of mantras in Sanskrit

1- Om Saha navavatu

Saha nau bhunaktu Saha viryam karavavahay Which means: "May we be protected together, be nourished together and join forces for the good of humanity." It is ideal to start a day or to accompany the beginning of a new project such as the resumption of sport or the creation of a company for example.

2- Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

It means "May all beings of all worlds become happy and free." Meditating with this mantra can be done anywhere and in any situation in life, anywhere, at any time.

3- Sita/Ram

Sita and Rama are two members of a couple very popular in Hindu mythology, they symbolize unconditional love. It is therefore possible to repeat it to feel filled with love.

4- Om mani padme hum

This is the national mantra of Tibet. Each syllable represents one of the six transcendental virtues: generosity, ethics, tolerance, perseverance, concentration, discernment.

5- Om neti neti

Literally "Not that, not that". It's about detaching yourself from your ego, about finding out who you really are by starting to define what you are not: I am not that or that.

 

Learning how to pronounce mantras in Sanskrit is essential because it is the sound vibration that takes effect.

Quotes from philosophers and writers can also be used. In this way, it is then easy to understand what is being said, although the effect of mantras is mainly based on sound resonance effects, and not on their comprehension: a mantra is felt more than it is understood. By using phrases, it can be more difficult to find a rhythm to sing them in, but it is still possible and can even be a mini challenge. Here are 3 philosophical phrases you could use:

One can only see well with the heart, the essential is invisible to the eyes... (Saint-Exupéry)
True happiness does not depend on any being, on any external object. It depends only on us. (Dalai Lama)
The more we feel the need to act, the more we must strive for reflection. The more we are tempted by the comfort of meditation, the more we need to take action. (Albert Jacquard)

You now have the power to choose what suits you best!

 

What are their benefits?

Different mantras can provide different benefits. The "OM" which is, according to the Hindus, the sound at the origin of the universe allows to let go, to be in a state of peace, tranquility. More generally, mantras improve concentration in daily life, and can lead to emotional relief, a great sense of relaxation, a decrease or even an elimination of stress: we can say that mantras cleanse, purify our mind. Moreover, their use can lead to an increase in vitality and thus to experiencing more joy in daily life: it allows us to live the present moment to the fullest.

 

How to meditate with mantras?

Now that you know what mantras are, how they work, have a few examples in mind, and know what their benefits can be, here are a few tips to help you get the most out of using them.

Choose a mantra

First of all, you need to know which Tibetan mantra you are going to use today. To do this, ask yourself: what do I need? To answer this question, just listen to yourself and you will naturally see what you need. You may need confidence, concentration, love, peace, etc. If you are a beginner, the famous mantra "Om mani padme hum" previously mentioned is perfect: it is adapted to many situations, and rather easy to remember.

Finding a suitable place

Make sure that you will not be disturbed and that you will not bother anyone. If you are, for example, in your apartment and other people are there: you can simply ask them if they don't mind: they will usually be understanding!

 

 

Define when you are going to stop

In order to be able to let go completely, it is preferable that you do not have to worry about the time or the number of times you have recited the chosen mantra. There are several possibilities to do this:

• Use a Mala. A Mala will help you to stay in the present moment: it allows you to avoid having to think about how many recitations you have done while refocusing your attention if you have started thinking about something else. It is preferable to have one, but if you don't have one, don't panic, you can use the alternatives listed below!

• Use a timer. If you have a schedule to keep, using a timer will allow you to concentrate fully on the sound of the mantra, without having to constantly look at what time it is, for fear of being late.

• Do not use anything. If you have all the time in the world, you can afford the luxury of reciting your mantra until it resonates sufficiently within you. Even if you have a Mala, it can sometimes be interesting to vary and listen to your desires, by doing without the Mala from time to time for example.

 

What to remember :

- A mantra is a sound, word, or phrase repeated loop to improve concentration while meditating.
- Their functioning is based on the resonance of sound.
- They can be formulas in Sanskrit or simple philosophical phrases.
- They bring many benefits to the body and mind, they allow to be happier.
- Settling in a quiet place, using a Mala, a timer are all tools that can maximize the benefits.

There, you now know the mantras and are able to incorporate them into your meditations!