What is a Yoga Mantra?

"Mantra" means that which protects or liberates the mind. Commonly used in yoga practices.  Mantras are words which were recognised by ancient sages as having a specific effect. They have then been practised through the ages and are still recognised as powerful today.  It has been said that the sages were doctors of sound, and mantras are medicine. 

By using sound to create a different vibration to that which previously existed, we are able to balance, heal, and re-write our destiny.

To put it simply, mantras are sound currents used to rearrange our habitual patterns and thoughts. The sounds access patterns vibrating at lower frequencies, and establish new habits by replacing the old frequency with the new higher frequency which we have consciously chosen.

There are literally thousands traditional Sanskrit mantras.  Because many of us don’t speak Sanskrit the ones which are easiest to understand and use are those most commonly found in a yoga or meditation class in the West. And this is not a bad   thing.  It ensures their power is accessible to those of us who wish to practice them.  And if you wish to practice the more complicated ones, you simply have to learn a bit more Sanskrit!  

I have found that I most commonly practise Bija, or Seed, mantras.  These are typically single syllable words, practised on their own, or strung together. They have no specific meaning, it is their vibrations which create the impact.  They are known as seed mantras because, as a seed holds the knowledge of the mature grown tree, so 
a seed mantra holds the true potential of our infinite creative consciousness.

Chakra mantras focus on the energy centres that sit along our spine.  So if we feel we are closed to love, defensive or out of touch with our intuition we can practise a mantra that focuses on opening, and balancing, our heart Chakra. There are also 
Elemental mantras, relating to the five elements, earth, water, either, air and fire. Planetary mantras, root mantras (commonly used in worship) are also traditional.  
 
The longer we chant a mantra, the bigger impact it will have.  Start with a few minutes and build up from there.  As with meditation, you will need a quiet, comfortable spot, free from distractions and interruptions to practise.  It is also suggested that if you are seriously trying to work with a specific area of your life you should practise your chosen mantra for 40 days at least to break through old patterns and create new habits.

There are a few suggested mantras on my Happy YouTube page, and more are sure to be added.  Otherwise, a quick internet search will help you.  Simply search “yoga mantra for (your desired area)”.

Good luck!  

Charlotte

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