Mantra
Meaning of Mantra
The Sanskrit word MANTRA- consists of the root man- "to think" (also in manas "mind") and the suffix-tra, "designating tools or instruments", hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"
Most mantras follow the written pattern of two line "shlokas" although they are often found in single line or even single word form.The most basic mantra is Om, which in Hinduism is known as the "Pranava Mantra," the source of all mantras.
A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation"
Most mantras follow the written pattern of two line "shlokas" although they are often found in single line or even single word form.The most basic mantra is Om, which in Hinduism is known as the "Pranava Mantra," the source of all mantras.
Forms of Mantra
- Bhajan: spiritual songs.
- Kirtan: repetition of God's name in songs.
- Prayer: a way of communing with God.
- Healing mantra
- Guru mantra: the first initiation (Diksha) given by the master to the disciple.
- Bija mantra: a bija mantra represents the essence of a mantra (e.g. Om).
Mantra Japa
Mantra japa was a concept of the Vedic sages that incorporates mantras as one of the main forms of puja, or worship, whose ultimate end is seen as moksha/liberation.
Mantra japa means repetition of mantra.
Mantra japa means repetition of mantra.
Repetition of mantra's can be done in the following ways:
- Mantra Yoga (chanting)
- Japa Yoga:
- Vaikhari Japa (speaking)
- Upamsu Japa (whispering or humming)
- Manasika Japa (mental repetition)
- Likhita Japa (writing)