It heals the body and mind, thus creating positivity, says Praveen Singh Chauhan

Reciting mantras, an age-old spiritual practice, always remained shrouded in the realms of awe and marvel, and was perceived miraculous in effect if practiced. Chanting mantras forms a part of many religious rituals, and diverse spiritual traditions consider chanting mantras as a route to spiritual and worldly development.

The meaning of mantra is infinity. It is a sound vibration beyond the cognition of the mind. Everything in the universe is built on sound vibration — that is how it all began, and sound is one of the most important tools we use in healing and transformation.

Mantra is a specific combination of syllables and is based heavily on the science of Naad. These sounds or vibrations tune, quieten and focus the mind.  These specific combinations of syllables, words and rhythms hold great power in their sound current to create and elevate consciousness. When we vibrate these sounds, we are tuning into specific frequencies of consciousness — the universe reflects back to us what we vibrate out. Mantras are sound vibrations that infiltrate every cell of human being; they let the mind deliquesce. Reciting any mantra produces an actual physical vibration, which corresponds to both a specific spiritual energy frequency and a state of consciousness.

Origin of Mantras

Mantras in the Vedas begin with Om —the sound that is said to have its origins at the time of the creation of the cosmos also known as the Big Bang. A mantra can be a syllable, a word, a few words or a sentence, and has a specific significance and inner power to make the impossible possible. A simple sadhak can become a great saint with the power of mantra. It is a condensed a form of spiritual energy, the sound body of the divine being. The power of mantra is not limited by time, space or causation, for mantra is self-existent. Modern Vedic philosophers have equated Om with God. All mantras generally begin and end with Om.

What is ChantingIJ

Rhythmic speaking or singing of words or sounds is chanting. Self-healing can be attained by chanting certain mantras; the specific power of the mantra can become focussed with great effect by chanting. By chanting a mantra, we are vibrating it and it will send out specific waves which will then tune into the corresponding frequency, supplicating a particular energy and positive power, which is held in that particular sequence of syllables, sounds, rhythms and words. If words are negative, that is what we create, and vice-versa.

Through the power of the vibrations of these specific sounds, we can create positive thought, feelings, actions and manifestations. By chanting, we attain tranquillity of mind and became organised for meditation. Recitation of mantras creates a mental response that is inward. Only a mind turned inward can experience the divine consciousness. One whose mind is turned inward is always in bliss. Sense of observation, perception and expression aptly improve, leading to positivity.

Mantras’ impact on mind

Modern neuroscience is now beginning to discover the relationship between the way mantras are chanted and the impact on the functioning of the mind. When we chant a mantra, the frontal lobes of our brain ‘light up’ and the nerve endings fire up. There is increased flow of oxygen and blood. Frontal lobes are responsible for thought, learning, perception and emotion. Chanting mantras can have an effect on us from the vibrations they send out, affecting brain patterns. The brain uses certain fluids to transmit messages.

Reciting mantras will affect and activate these fluids in a positive way. Thus, we can use mantras to heal the body, mind and emotional state, and also to attract or create prosperity, success, love and positivity.

The writer is a Delhi-based astropalmist