Mantra & Meditation

Go directly to Resources / Links

Reflections on Mantra & Meditation

In my experience, the purpose of mantra and meditation is to connect with the Prime Force--the ultimate source of power in the universe.

Chanting mantras is a way of resonating bodily with primal sound, which is perhaps the most fundamental aspect of the physical universe. Traditionally, chanting is done in a group setting; however, there aren't many opportunities for group chanting in our modern world. When I chant alone, I listen to a recorded mantra and chant along out loud at a fairly strong volume.

There are many approaches to meditation, and countless books are available on the subject. One major distinction in meditation is between guided and non-guided meditation. I enjoy both approaches. There are many excellent guided meditations available on CD. My personal favorite approach to non-guided meditation is found  in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

Resources / Links

The Gayatri Mantra

Here is a good introduction to one of the most famous of all sanskrit mantras--the Gayatri Mantra.

This version of the Gayatri Mantra by popular singer Deva Premal has been listened to over 1 million times on YouTube.

Om Mani Padme Hum

This is another of the most well-known sankrit mantras. Here it is chanted 108 times, which is the traditional number of repetitions to embed the mantra into our consciousness. There have been many interpretations of the meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum; check this Wikipedia entry for further info.