Mantra meditation (also known as kirtan meditation) is a form of mindfulness meditation where you say or sing a mantra or word (chant) repeatedly. This type of meditation can be very beneficial for your mental health and well-being, and it’s a great way to get started with mindfulness meditation if you’re new to it. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of mantra meditation and how to get started with it!
The word mantra comes from the Sanskrit language and means ‘instrument of thought’. Mantras are believed to have a positive influence on the mind, body, and spirit when repeated in meditation. This type of meditation helps to release stress and worries, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and depression, increase self-awareness, balance emotions and find inner peace.
Chakras are energy centers in the body that represent different aspects of ourselves such as our sense of security or creativity. Specific mantras can be used to activate or open each chakra. For instance, repeating “I am safe” while focusing on the root chakra can help to bring a sense of safety into your life. There are one-word chants for each chakra, too. For the red root chakra, the word is “lam” (pronounced lahm). The orange sacral chakra is “vam” (vahm) and the yellow solar plexus chakra is “ram” (rahm). The beautiful emerald green heart chakra (known as Anahata) is “yam” (yahm). The throat chakra color is sky blue and the chant is “ham” (hahm), while Ajna, the indigo blue third eye chakra, is the classic “aum”. When you get to the 7th and final chakra at the top of your head, there is no chant; you are but to listen.
With all these chants, it is important to focus on “m” at the end of “ahm;” feel it resonate through the chakras as you recite them. Envision the resonation massaging your inner organs, nurturing your creativity, giving you strength, opening your heart, appreciating your voice, trusting your intuition, and your connection to all that is.
Chanting can be especially beneficial to people who aren’t able to focus on their breath during medication. Sound meditation is something you can “do” that also relaxes your body with the repetition of sounds. People with obsessive-compulsive disorder often find this type of meditation very helpful.
If you’re new to mantra meditation, there are many online resources where you can find new mantras such as websites and podcasts. A quick search turned up this wonderful website: https://www.artofliving.org/in-en/powerful-chants. You can also explore social media groups or join online communities of other people who chant mantras together. There are usually local groups, as well, to join with and chant.
Mantra meditation is a great way to begin your mindfulness journey and connect to yourself on a deeper level. With its many benefits, it’s worth trying out if you want to experience greater well-being and peace in your life. Good luck with your mantra meditation practice!
