Mantram

 

A mantra is a sacred word, sound or phrase, often in Sanskrit. The word mantra is derived from two Sanskrit roots; manas meaning ‘mind’ and tra meaning ‘tool’. As such, mantras are considered to be “tools of thought,” used as a means of harnessing and focusing the mind on Vishnu. 

A mantra can be understood as any sound, word or phrase that alters consciousness through meaning, tone, rhythm, or physical vibration. When chanted with devotion, certain utterances are thought to create powerful vibrations within the body and mind, enabling deep states of meditation.Traditionally, mantras are believed to have spiritual and psychological powers, each with its own particular intention and meaning behind it.

Mantras can either be recited in repetitions or chanted with melody. Repetition of a mantra can be used to evoke higher states of consciousness, to harness the power of intentions, to manifest positive affirmations and to enter deeper states of awareness.

Many of the mantras commonly used in yoga today are believed to have been composed by the sages, saints and practitioners of early Hinduism. The use, structure, function and importance of a mantra varies according to tradition. However, each mantra is believed to have a distinct meaning, unique vibrational frequency and distinctive healing effects.

When chanting a mantra, the individual begins to vibrate within the frequency of that mantra, not only spiritually, but on a physical, molecular level. When chanting mantras aloud, the vibrations and movements of the tongue stimulate some of the key glands of the endocrine system, which is responsible for governing and regulating hormones in the body. Additionally, the soothing and harmonious combination of sound, breath and rhythm – an inevitable outcome of mantra chanting – has a profound impact on the parasympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as the “rest and digest” system. This, in turn, slows the heart rate and triggers the body’s healing response.

By focusing on the repetition of a specific set of words or sounds, mantra chanting can also act as an object of concentration, helping to bring the mind into the present moment. As such, mantras are commonly used to still the mind for meditation, particularly for japa meditation, much in the same way that some practitioners concentrate on the breath. Meditative states can be used to connect to the Divine within, and mantras are an effective way to maintain that connection.

Mantras become the interface for mankind interacting with his spiritual world. Virtually all spiritual traditions see sound as a key component of practice and connection to the divine or sacred. The most important mantra of all, Om, is completely non-denominational and non-religious in the sense that it’s basic symbolism is creation itself.

Link: https://youtu.be/4XNUjnGqldw

Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya
Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya
Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih

Lead me from the unreal to the real 
Lead from the darkness to the light
Lead me from death to immortality
Let there be peace, peace, peace 

This mantra speaks to the basic unadorned project of yoga, which is the transformation of the individual and their environment . The desire to be led from the unreal to the real refers to the unreal or real perception of the self. In this world of false perception, he continues, “we are plagued either by self-aggrandizement or false humility, so coming into a realistic view of the Self, shifts us from the inability to powerfully fulfill ourselves and those around us. We are fixated with materialism; we are incapable of accessing our strengths because of our perceived misfortunes, instead of seeing ourselves as beings of potential.” The last verse on being led from death to immortality is the direction that all spiritual practice points towards. The three layers of this transformation—the self, the communal, and the transcendent—articulate the ever-expanding possibility of yoga and lead us to fully embody the light of self-awareness and then spread illumination to our communities and beyond.

Om Sahana Vavatu 

Om Sahana Vavatu (Sanskrit: ॐ सह नाववतु) is the name of an ancient Sanskrit mantra, commonly recited as a devotional prayer before sacred Hindu scriptures are studied. Originally found in the Krishna Yajurveda Taittiriya Upanishad (2.2.2), it is often chanted at the start of a school class or at the beginning of a yoga practice.

The name of this mantra is derived from several Sanskrit terms. Om is considered to be the primal sound of the universe and a symbol of universal consciousness or the Divine. Saha means "together," nau, means "both" and avatu can be translated as "may he protect."As such, this mantra calls upon protection from divine universal consciousness. Additionally, it is considered to be a shanti mantra, otherwise known as a chant or prayer for peace.

Lyrics

OM Sahana Vavatu

Sahanau Bhunaktu

Saha Viryam Karavavahai

Tejasvi Navaditamastu

Ma Vidvishavahai

OM Sahana Vavatu

Sahanau Bhunaktu

Saha Viryam Karavavahai

Tejasvi Navaditamastu

Ma Vidvishavahai

OM Sahana Vavatu

Sahanau Bhunaktu

Saha Viryam Karavavahai

Tejasvi Navaditamastu

Ma Vidvishavahai

OM Shanti Shanti Shantihi

Meaning:

1: Om, Together may we two Move (in our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),

2: Together may we two Relish (our Studies, the Teacher and the Student),

3: Together may we perform (our Studies) with Vigour (with deep Concentration),

4: May what has been Studied by us be filled with the Brilliance (of Understanding, leading to Knowledge); May it Not give rise to Hostility (due to lack of Understanding),

5: Om Peace, Peace, Peace.

How to write a Mantram?

A mantra or mantram is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, a syllable, word or phonemes, or group of words in Sanskrit, believed by practitioners to have religious, magical or spiritual powers. Some mantras have a syntactic structure and literal meaning, while others do not.

Mostly what I wrote what comes form a meditative state with an urge to write. These are the times the divine try to express, It may be good or not, it depends upon who reads and chants it.

Simple Mantra I wrote to chant

Om Namo Vasudeva Viswathma

Anantha Brahmmanda Padmanabha

Pahi pahi Saranu saranam Narayana

Meaning: ohh Vishnu you are the soul of this infinite cosmos with lotus from navel.  I am surrendering to you, Narayana protect me.

This simple mantra can be expanded by explaining each word what it means. This is called Bhashyam or commentary. What is the intent and psych of the writer and what the divine is trying to express should be the focus.