The power of mantra is deep seated in the roots of the sanskrit word, ‘man’ meaning mind, and, ‘tra’ meaning deliverance, or, projection. Thus, chanting the sacred sound of the mantra gives the practitioner a strengthened aura which works wonderfully as a protection from evil-eye. Chanting elevates gratification; it reduces greed and instability of mind.
Chanting is a simple practice of reciting mantras of your choice in rhythmic style. It is a commonly used spiritual practice and also used in religious rituals. While c
hanting certain mantras one needs to put slight pressure on tongue, vocal chords, lips, palate and other connecting points in the body. The vibration produced from the mantra stimulates the body gland called hypothalamus which is responsible for the regulating many body functions including immunity and some happy hormones. Happiness increases immunity of your body. Chanting calms emotions and helps meditate better. If you practice chanting sincerely and consistently it works like tranquilizer for mind. You get sound sleep in night and feel fresher and energetic.
In chanting meditation, one needs to combine sound, breath and rhythm. After some time the body channels the flow of energy from mind to the entire body because chanting regulates the chronic stress and tension. In today’s hyper and hectic life, our endocrine system is working under repression. Chanting normalizes hormone production, which balances our moods and overall sense of well-being.
It soothes the practitioner at the cellular level. It gives immense pleasure that surpasses the senses; it takes you beyond the bounds of time and space. Chanting clears fear, depression and anxiety. We begin to identify with our ageless soul. As a result the mantra practice boosts immunity of body. Breath helps to adjust all the rhythms of our body; not only the familiar circadian rhythms, but the lesser known ultradian rhythms (ultradian rhythm is a recurrent period or cycle repeated throughout a 24-hour day) which monitors the smaller and bigger energy cycles that occur throughout the day. Because our nervous systems are often overtaxed, these rhythms are thrown out of balance. But through the technology of sound, it begins repairs. In chanting, breath is set to sound.
Om is considered the monarch of all mantras Aum represents the fundamental energy of vibration behind all of creation, inside and around every aspect of this universe. Chanting Aum sends vibrations through the whole structure of the thoracic cage and skull area, reaching into the deepest parts of the heart, lungs and head. The act of chanting slows the exhalation rate down, helping to calm the nervous system. This can be very useful in stressed situations. It is very effective at bringing our minds to rest, as our consciousness is occupied by the sounding of Aum and we cease that constant chatter within ourselves.
You don’t need to hum or sound like an expert while chanting mantra; it’s not about singing in tune. We’re not memorizing complex lyrics, layering harmonies, and we’re not certainly busting out thrust solos. It works whether it’s done alone, or in a group, as in a powerful kirtan. It works whether it’s done softly or in full voice, as long it is from the heart and with the belly. Although for enhanced effect, we can add eye-focus and a gentle hand mudra, these are simple to include and can be incorporated gradually.
Our thoughts reflect and affect our mood, our attitude and our general tenor. Our thoughts are silent sounds. And sounds are electromagnetic vibrations. The more refined our thoughts, the more elevated our vibration. The closer we get to the highest vibration we reach nearer to our own divine nature. The entire universe is built on sound, which is nothing but vibration. By vibrating a certain combination of sounds, we are able to tune into various levels of intelligence and consciousness. Thus, chanting mantras is watchful method of controlling our moods, and in turn, our frequency and resultant all-around radiance.
