What is Mantra Meditation?

Mantra meditation is a meditation method that is a part of Hindu and Buddhist tradition. A mantra is a cross between a poem and a magical incantation, and is used to protect the mind while providing physical, mental, and spiritual healing. It is believed that the sound vibrations from the mantra invoke spiritual forces and strengthens areas of a person's chakra.

The use of mantras or chants has been used in pagan rituals and religious customs for centuries. It is believed that mantra meditation was first started in India, and was first mentioned in the Vedas, or Hindu scriptures. In meditation, mantras give the mind a focus point, something to meditate on. Mantras can be said out loud, silently, or even just thought during meditation. Traditionally, a person's personal mantra would be given to them by a guru, and based on their personal needs, but there also several books and websites that can help a person to pick out a mantra on their own.

Mantra meditation is not difficult to learn. All you need is a quiet and comfortable place to sit, and some spare time. Pick a word, sound, or phrase that is soothing to you. It can be something as simple as "Om" or "calm," or something longer and more complicated if you wish. Sit in your chosen place, close your eyes, and repeat your mantra to yourself, over an over for several minutes.

It is completely normal for your mind to wander during mantra meditation. If you notice that your mind has wandered, redirect it back to your mantra. You can move, scratching an itch or readjusting your position, if you need to. It is recommended that meditation is done once or twice a day for up to 20 minutes.

There are several benefits to practicing mantra meditation. It can relieve stress and anxiety, and allow a person to recharge without taking a nap or drinking a caffeinated beverage. It lowers both the heart rate and blood pressure, and a person's levels of cortisol, which causes stressful feelings, stays low for hours after meditation. Studies have shown that mantra meditation can improve immunity and decrease a person's risk for heart conditions. Meditation also invokes a feeling of mindfulness, leaving you feeling alert after a meditation system.

Mantra meditation is a great way to relax and center your thoughts. It is easy to do, and there are a lot of great health benefits. It may take several sessions of meditation before you start to feel the full effects, but even a short, single session can help decrease stress and give you more energy.