What is it + Origin
A mantra is a Sanskrit term, with “man” meaning “mind” and “tra” meaning “release”. It is a sacred chant – a numinous sound, a syllable or group of words, typically in Sanskrit, believed by practitioners to have spiritual and healing powers. Some mantras have a formal structure and literal meaning, while others do not. The type, use, structure, and function of mantras vary according to the philosophy school of Hinduism and Buddhism. Mantras go beyond a simple religious purpose but have a more profound physical and spiritual effect.
Structure/ Language
They are typically melodic, mathematically structured meters, and believed to be resonant with particular sound frequencies. They may compose a set of words or pure phonemes. Everything is believed to be in a state of constant motion releasing a vibration. Each mantra is believed to resonate with a particular frequency leading to the creation of a sound. “Modern science sees the whole existence as reverberations of energy, different levels of vibrations. Where there is a vibration, there is bound to be a sound. So, that means, the whole existence is a kind of sound or a complex amalgamation of sounds – the whole existence is an amalgamation of multiple mantras.” says Sadhguru, a popular spiritual teacher.
Every sound that we make is actually a composite of sounds—a fundamental frequency and geometric multiples of that sound, called harmonics or overtones. These harmonics are whole number ratios, 1:1, 2:1, 3:2, etc. These vocal harmonics make up the tone colour of sound and are responsible for the way our individual voices sound. We can make new neural synaptic connections in the brain with vocal harmonics, which can change our brain pattern and even heighten our consciousness.
Power of a Mantra
The power and significance of a mantra do not result from its literal meaning, but from the power of its subtle vibrations. (It is actually the subtle vibrations of the mantras that have the power to encourage and facilitate deeper experiences of consciousness.) There are four levels, or koshas, of a mantra. Its literal meaning is only the most primary and external level at which it can be perceived. The feeling of the mantra is the next, subtler level; it is followed by its deep presence or internal awareness. Finally, and most profoundly, the mantra is experienced as a soundless sound.
The sound =Om‘, when chanted, vibrates at the frequency
Effects & Benefits
Mantra meditation is a well-researched method to improve physical and intellectual wellness. Mantra meditation leads to shifting from the alpha to slow frequencies, mostly theta, and mixed frequencies, sometimes low- and medium-voltage delta frequencies. These frequencies are responsible for relaxation, awareness, and sleep. Chants have been analyzed to be energy-based sounds and voicing a word or a sound produces a physical vibration. Each thought is believed to create a particular vibration with a specific frequency. If one is in sync with the frequency of the earth, the universe, one can be at peace and good health. Each mantra is believed to resonate a particular frequency leading to healing of a particular chakra, therefore part of the body. It leads to synchronizing and balancing the vibrations of the body. Chants thus create thought-energy waves and the person vibrated in tune with the energy and spiritual appeal of a chant.
Listening to mantras may regulate blood pressure levels, heart rate, brain waves, and adrenaline levels. Chanting puts one in a meditative state and the mind gets focused since chanting can help synchronize the left and right sides of the brain and promote relaxing (alpha) brain waves. It is said to develop mental powers & strength, ease stress, develop focus, and increase awareness. Chanting also improves one’s memory and consciousness.
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