Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. The techniques used for meditation or Dhyan as we call it in India, are such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity. Meditation is a practice that includes mind and body and has been used for increasing calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being. This practice of mind and body focuses on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior.
Numerous religious traditions have been using meditation since ancient periods often as part of the path towards enlightenment and self- realization. The special form of this meditation has been the mantra meditation i.e. mediation with a mantra. One tries to focus on the sounds and vibrations been made by uttering some mantra.
What is Mantra Meditation?
The meditation or focussing we do with a mantra is called mantra meditation. Mantra is a sacred word phrased or a line with immense spiritual power that can lead us to calmness and higher spiritual levels. Mantras can bring about profound benefits when repeated, particularly in meditation. Repeating mantras cultivates a sort of assertion, allowing the mind to concentrate on the sounds being made by the chant of mantra and meaning behind the mantra. While repeating the mantra one’s focus is concentrated on the words and meanings of the mantra and it is retracted from the outer world or things happening around, thus leading to deeper concentrations.
How Mantra Meditation is done?
First of all, it is important to choose a mantra for meditation. One should take care that the mantra should be easily pronounceable and a small one. The best mantra to recite is 'Om' which is the smallest and a complete mantra.
One should fix a time for your meditation. Sit comfortably on a chair or floor as you feel comfortable. On the floor, it is advisable to sit in Sukhasana or a comfortable pose and start chanting the mantra in the way that you can hear it. Keep on concentrating or focussing on the mantra. If your concentration is distracted, it is not a problem, once again bring your focus on the mantra. Keep repeating this. Once you find you have maintained your focus, and then start chanting the mantra without making a sound. Keep on repeating the mantra silently. Try to bring your focus back on the mantra and its meaning every time your focus is distracted.
Benefits of Mantra Meditation
- Increased self-awareness
- Reduced stress
- Improved focus and concentration
- A greater sense of calm
- Increased self-compassion
- A more positive outlook
- Improved mood and well-being
- Reduced anxiety
- Less fatigue
- Improved visual and verbal memory
- Improved control over breath
We all meditate for reasons like relaxation, cultivating compassion, or self-care. Choosing a mantra that reflects your goals can help you focus on what you want to get out of meditation. This can strengthen your commitment to practice and maximize the benefits of meditation.
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