Category: Buddhist Path | Recent Meditation Posts
Buddhist mantra practice purifies our energy, keeps the mind steadily focused and opens our hearts. Access these benefits and others by incorporating one or more of the most well-known Buddhist mantras into your daily meditation routine.
A Guide To Buddhist Mantras
Mantra is a Sanskrit word that can be broken down into the roots ‘man’ meaning mind, and ‘tra,’ referring to a tool or vehicle. Buddhist mantras are sacred syllables, words or phrases. Mantra repetition in meditation practice serves to protect and transform the mind.
Sanskrit mantras have a depth of meaning that doesn’t easily translate into a single English definition. This is as true for mantras that consist of just one syllable, such as OM, as it is for more complex 100-syllable mantras. Because the vibration of the mantra alone benefits you, it’s said there’s no need to understand what you are saying.
However, to get the most benefit from a mantra practice, it helps to have a deeper connection to the mantra you are repeating. You can connect to a mantra by studying and contemplating its meaning, by visualizing it in the Sanskrit or Roman alphabet, and by sensing the vibration of the mantra in your body. Doing all of the above exponentially strengthens your Buddhist meditation practice.
How Does Buddhist Mantra Actually Work?
A mantra is not a magic spell, but a transformative mind-training tool. Mantra works on several different levels to connect us to wakefulness. We might think of this connection as enlightenment, or simply as a deep meditative experience.
First and foremost, repeating a mantra helps us keep the mind focused and steady during meditation. Repeating the mantra occupies the wandering mind, limiting distraction. This is similar to why we use a meditation anchor like the breath in our mindfulness practice. Repetition itself also emphasizes steadiness. Just as observing the rhythm of the breath can help settle the mind, consistent repetition of a mantra can lull us into a more calm and present state.
Further, mantra recitation creates a sound vibration that benefits us on an energetic level, transforming the subtle body. Ancient sources say that when we speak as an enlightened being would, the sound resonates with the vibration of our innermost true nature, bringing it forth into our conscious experience. Recent research supports the hypothesis that sound has healing properties, as sound can influence matter.
Buddhist Mantra Practice
To begin a Buddhist mantra practice, first, ask a teacher you trust to help you with the correct Sanskrit pronunciation. It also helps to study the mantra’s possible meanings. That way, while chanting, you can visualize the mantra’s intention or picture yourself receiving blessings from the mantra’s associated deity.
Repeat the mantra steadily and without force. Breathe as naturally as possible. You may say the mantra silently or out loud, although the latter may have a more beneficial effect. Be mindful of the sensation of the mantra’s vibration as you repeat it 7, 21 or 108 times. Many people use mala beads to keep track of their mantra count.
The Most Well-Known Buddhist Mantras
Some mantras are given to us by a teacher in a ritual empowerment ceremony. Others can be practiced by anyone, at any time. Many of the most well-known Buddhist mantras are also the most effective Buddhist mantras for beginners. Try adding one or more of the following mantras into your daily meditation routine.
Om Mani Padme Hum
The mantra om mani padme hum represents the sacred speech of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Use it to evoke the heart of compassion and to help yourself or someone else find freedom from their suffering.
Om Ami Dewa Hrih Om
This is the sacred speech of Amitabha, the Buddha of Limitless Light. Use it to clear your path of obstacles and connect to the infinite love and joy you naturally have within.
