How Mantra Transports The Mind’s Awareness to the Heart
In 2006, I enrolled in yoga teacher training. They sat us in a circle of 20 people and asked us to say our names and something fun about ourselves. My mouth got dry, my armpits started sweating, and like many introverts who are shy about public speaking, I waited to go last. By the time it was my turn, the nerves had totally built up.
I gave a terse introduction, all the while speaking through a shaky voice as I felt the nervous sweat dripping down my body. I realized I was terrified of speaking in front of my peers and loathed having all eyes on me. That evening I visited the leader and told him I was quitting teacher training.
It’s 2021 now and I can say honestly I’m glad he didn’t let me, but I am still, to this day, fearful of public speaking. During the first class I ever taught I received a comment card saying I had a robotic voice! But my motto ‘fake it until you make it’ one day turned into ‘fake it until you become it.’ That’s why I chose to continue to master my trade and teach yoga full time.
In 2009, I trained with Janet Stone at her very first teacher training where we sang and sang. I was introduced to the power of mantra. Maybe I loved it because I am half Filipina and lived in the Philippines—Filipinos love to sing! Maybe it was because my Dad, as a diplomat, played karaoke songs when I was little and I knew all the words to New York, New York by 5th grade. Ever since the training, mantra has been my savior.
What is Mantra?
Mantra experienced its first wave in the east during the 15th century. The second wave hit the West at the end of the 20th century and brought with it the Hare Krishna movement and its followers.
The Hare Krishna movement familiarized us with the singing of Sanskrit mantras or ‘Kirtan,’ meaning ‘to sing.’ Often it’s performed in a call-and-response style, as the devotional practice of singing or chanting. Sanskrit is an ancient language based on vibrations, so this chanting allows the body to actually feel specific energies.
A mantra is a phrase, whether in your preferred language or in Sanskrit. It’s a phrase you use to wake up certain dormant energies. Some examples of dormant energies may be presence, strength, courage, or power. We hold certain energies in our heart spirit that have magical and spiritual powers.
Mantra is a mental release. In a very short time, the mind can no longer resist past or future thinking. The mind gets coaxed into the present moment. ’Man’ means mind, and ‘tra’ means transport or vehicle. The mantra becomes a way to transport our mind’s awareness to our heart, which only knows the present moment.
Mantra and the Throat Chakra
One reason chanting mantra with my classes has been so helpful to me is because of the impact mantra has on the throat chakra. A chakra is an energy vortex, with the throat chakra being our fifth, or Vishuddha Chakra.
Negative energies, such as fear of public speaking, guilt, or insecurities will block the energy flow in the throat chakra, which allows for creative expression and honest communication. Speaking our truth cleanses blockages in the throat chakra.
Mantras Impact on the Nervous System
Mantra has also been effective in stimulating compassion. The vagus nerve originates in the brain stem and extends to the tongue, vocal cords, heart, and other internal organs. The vagus nerve is one of the most important elements of the parasympathetic nervous system. Existing in a parasympathetic state feels peaceful, present, and relaxed.
Mantras and Connection
A study was conducted on a church choir as they practiced their setlist to observe the effects of singing together. This study was done by scientists interested in seeing if joining together in music and song had any noticeable impact on a group of individuals.
It was discovered that when people get together and play music or sing, their brain waves connect. It was also discovered that their heartbeats synced as well. I love to tell yoga participants, whom I am lucky to chant with, that we are singing from one big, beating heart! And to never underestimate the power of the big heart and the intention being set.
If you’ve ever watched any shows or documentaries in search of the true meaning of happiness, they all come to the same conclusion; happiness is found in the community and through connection.
Regardless of whether you’re chanting a single OM with your class, or participating in a drum circle with strangers, the connection is there. Our voices come together as one. It doesn’t matter how well you think you can sing. It doesn’t matter how well you think your neighbor thinks you can sing, it’s about something bigger. It’s about feeling less alone and more connected to those you know and those you don’t.
Mantras for Beginners
I generally default to one of my favorite deities as a recommendation for a beginner to start using a mantra. Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity is known as the Remover of Obstacles and Lord of New Beginnings. He helps us see where we tend to get in the way of ourselves through fears, insecurities, and anxieties. His essence helps us dig deep into our courageous true nature to overcome these obstacles.
Ganesha is also associated with the Earth element. He connects us to Earth and helps us feel grounded when times are tumultuous. His mantra helps us feel safe and grounded.
If you are newer to Sanskrit and prefer to use English mantras, please use the following: ‘I am safe and grounded.’
One of the mantras to access the same feeling in Sanskrit is: ‘Om Gam Ganapatiyey Namaha.’
The sound of Om holds the three syllables of A, U, and M. These stand for beginnings, middles, and endings, and honors that everything is constantly changing. Gam is the seed sound for Ganesha. Or a sound that holds true to all of his energies. Ganapati(yey) is another name for Ganesha, and Namaha simply means ‘I call upon.’
OM GAM GANAPATIYEY NAMAHA.
I AM SAFE AND GROUNDED.
Use these mantras by saying them out loud, or silently to yourself. It doesn’t matter how many times you repeat them. But they are there to help you feel less overwhelmed and more connected to yourself and the Earth. Om Gam Ganapatiyey Namaha!
About the Author
What Is the Om Mantra: Origin and Meaning
The mantra “Om” is much more than a simple syllable in yoga practice; it is an ancestral link with the universe and the divine. This article explores the secrets of this powerful mantra, delving into its origin, pronunciation, and meaning in yoga and spirituality.
Table of Contents
- Meaning of the Om Mantra
- What Is the Origin of the Om Mantra?
- How Is 'Om' Pronounced Correctly?
- What Does Om Mean in Yoga?
- Why Is Om Chanted in Yoga Classes?
- Benefits of Chanting the Om Mantra
- What Does the Om Symbol (ॐ) Represent?
Meaning of the Om Mantra
The Om mantra, symbolized by the sacred ॐ, is one of the most ancient and revered mantras in the spiritual traditions of India. It represents the essence of the universe, being a primordial sound that encapsulates truth and ultimate reality. In its vibration, Om encompasses everything that exists and everything that does not exist. This sacred sound is a synthesis of the spiritual and the material, symbolizing the union of the individual soul with the Divine, the Brahman, the ultimate reality.
More than just a syllable, Om is a symbol of connection and unity. In spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation, chanting Om helps align individual energies with those of the universe. Each repetition of Om is a reminder of our relationship with creation and a call for harmony and inner peace. It acts as a bridge between the material and spiritual worlds, facilitating the path to enlightenment and profound self-understanding.
What Is the Origin of the Om Mantra?
The origin of the Om mantra dates back to the ancient scriptures of India, such as the Vedas and the Upanishads, which are thousands of years old. In these texts, Om is presented as a cosmic sound, the original sound of the universe from which everything else emerged. This concept is found in various Dharmic philosophies and religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, where Om is considered the root of all spiritual knowledge.
In Hindu philosophy, Om represents the whole, the totality of existence, and is associated with the most important gods such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In Buddhism, especially in tantric traditions, it holds great importance as part of longer mantras. This universality of Om underscores its significance in spiritual and philosophical practices, being a symbol of unity, peace, and spiritual knowledge throughout the ages.
How Is “Om” Pronounced Correctly?
Correct pronunciation of Om is essential for its effect and meaning. The syllable is pronounced “AUM” and consists of three sounds: A (ahh), U (ooh), and M (mmm). These three sounds symbolize different aspects of divinity and existence. The sound “A” represents the beginning, creation; “U” symbolizes preservation, and “M” represents transformation or destruction. When combined, these sounds represent the complete cycle of existence.
When pronouncing Om, the sound begins with an open and deep “A,” which starts in the throat and opens toward the chest. The sound transforms into “U,” moving toward the palate and vibrating in the middle of the mouth. Finally, the “M” closes the mantra, with a vibration that resonates in the front of the mouth and skull. This process not only has spiritual significance but also helps align and calm the mind and body, preparing them for meditation or yoga practice.
What Does Om Mean in Yoga?
In yoga, Om represents much more than a simple chanting or meditation practice. It is a symbol of profound connection between the practitioner and the universe. By chanting Om at the beginning or end of a yoga session, the goal is to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit with universal energies.
This sacred sound acts as a catalyst for mental tranquility and concentration, creating a space of serenity and focus for practice. Om in yoga not only prepares the body and mind for the session but also symbolizes the intention to unify the individual self with the cosmic whole, facilitating a deeper and more enriching experience.
Why Is Om Chanted in Yoga Classes?
Chanting Om in yoga classes serves several purposes. First, it creates a bond of connection and unity among participants, establishing a collective atmosphere of focus and serenity. Additionally, the vibrant sound of Om helps calm the mind and center attention, clearing mental and emotional noise.
Chanting Om is also considered beneficial for physical health, as the vibration generated can help relax muscles and calm the nervous system. This practice is not only a symbolic introduction or conclusion to the yoga session but also a powerful tool for deepening the spiritual and physical experience of yoga.
Benefits of Chanting the Om Mantra
Reciting the Om mantra has multiple benefits for both the mind and body:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: The vibration of Om induces relaxation, decreasing tension and mental restlessness.
- Improves concentration: The focus required to correctly chant Om helps enhance attention and mental clarity.
- Encourages spiritual connection: Repeating Om can intensify the feeling of spiritual connection and unity with the universe.
- Aligns body energy: The vibration of Om can help balance and align the chakras or energy centers in the body.
- Promotes respiratory health: Chanting Om involves conscious breath control, which can improve lung capacity and breathing.
What Does the Om Symbol (ॐ) Represent?
The Om symbol (ॐ) is a rich and complex visual representation of the Om sound. Each part of the symbol has a specific meaning: the lower curve symbolizes the waking state, the upper curve represents the deep sleep state, and the curve extending outward symbolizes the dream state. The crescent and dot at the top symbolize the transcendental state, a level of consciousness beyond conventional physical and mental states.
This symbol not only represents different states of consciousness but also the essential aspects of the universe: matter, soul, and God. The Om symbol is a visual reminder of the connection between the microcosm (the individual) and the macrocosm (the universe). In spiritual practice and daily life, the Om symbol serves as a constant reminder of our essential nature and our connection with everything that exists.
Whether through chanting or visual representation, Om is a timeless tool for those seeking harmony, balance, and a deeper connection with themselves and the universe.
