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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
What are mantras, and do they actually work? - These chants have been practiced for centuries
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Sacred sound
- A mantra is a sacred sound, originating in the Sanskrit language. A mantra can be a collection of sounds, or it can have a specific meaning.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Sacred sound
- These sounds are believed to contain distillations of spiritual wisdom, which can induce a trancelike state, bringing the person who practices to a higher level of spiritual awareness.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Sacred sound
- To this day, mantras are an important feature of Hindu religious rites and domestic ceremonies. They ratify and solemnize rituals.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Om
- One of the most widely known of the mantras is the "Om." According to Hindu scriptures, the creation of the cosmos and the universe originated from a vibrational sound.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Om
- The primal tones of this creation sound are represented by the A-U-M vocalization (commonly written as "Om"). The syllable's significance was recorded in texts as far back as 1500-2000 BCE.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Entering the subconscious
- It's believed by yogis that when you chant a mantra with intention, the idea and power behind the mantra permeates your subconscious. This brings you closer to understanding the unified whole of existence.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Mantra meditation
- Mantras can be chanted, spoken, or whispered repeatedly, aloud or in the mind. In Buddhist and Hindu religious texts, spiritual powers are attributed to mantras.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
Mantra meditation
- Using mantras to relax the mind and help it focus is a technique known as mantra meditation. Meditation has been shown to produce a relaxation response in the body.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
The physiology of meditation
- The physiological changes experienced in the body during meditation are the result of nerve relaxation. The nerves control the slowing of the heart and respiratory rates.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
The physiology of meditation
- This has the knock-on effect of lowering blood pressure. In order for the relaxation response to be activated, four components must be present.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Producing the relaxation response
- A silent environment, a comfortable posture, an object of focus, and repeated attention on the object of focus are essential for relaxation.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Producing the relaxation response
- In mantra meditation, the object of focus for producing a relaxation response is a repeated word or phrase called a mantra.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
An anchor
- Many people find it difficult to meditate, as it takes time and repetition to maintain focus. Mantra can make this easier, acting as an anchor that can reduce wandering thoughts.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
An anchor
- Many mantras don't have an apparent verbal meaning. However, the sound of the mantra is more important than any perceived meaning.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Research
- A small study in 2012 looked at the benefits of mantra meditation on brain health. Subjects were observed over eight weeks of completing Kriya Kirtan meditation, a type of meditation that involves mantra.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Research
- Brain changes in participants included increased cerebral blood flow and cognitive function. These brain changes were associated with improved mood and well-being, reduced anxiety, less fatigue, and improved visuospatial and verbal memory.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Brain changes
- Research from 2017 suggested that chanting certain mantras can help synchronize the left and right sides of the brain. Relaxing alpha brain waves were promoted.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Brain changes
- Synchronization of both sides of the brain could lead to better cognitive function over time and the slowing of cognitive decline.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Benefits of mantra meditation
- Mantra meditation encourages a relaxation response, to give a sense of calm. They can help to distract your mind from thoughts that induce fear and anxiety.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Breathing rhythm
- Breathing rhythm is something that can be hard to master when you begin meditating. Mantra meditations can help with this, if you match your breath to the mantra to make the process easier.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Spiritual connection
- Mantra meditation can help you feel more connected spiritually. Feelings of calm and peace are generated from this state.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Mantra and the chakras
- Some mantra are believed to target specific chakras, activating the body's healing system. Yogis believe mantra chanting open the nadis, or channels, through which prana, or life force energy, flows.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Choosing a mantra
- You don't have to use the same mantra every time you meditate. There are many to choose from, and you can pick one that matches the intention you have for your meditation.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Mala beads
- Mala beads can help with mantra meditation. The string contains 108 beads, which you can use to maintain focus on your mantra and to keep your breathing steady.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
How to begin: get comfortable
- Look for a suitable place to meditate, where you won't be disturbed. Choose a place where outside noise won't be a problem. Hand positions might be helpful for some people, but they're not necessary.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Set a timer
- Decide the length of time you'd like to meditate for, then set a timer. Depending on your experience level, three minutes might be the most you can manage. Begin small, and lengthen the duration as you see fit.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Take deep breaths
- Recenter yourself by taking some deep breaths, focusing on the sensations inside the body as you breathe in and out.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Use your mantra
- Continue breathing as you say your mantra, either out loud or in your mind. Your breath should settle into a rhythm with the mantra after a few minutes.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Close your meditation
- Gently redirect your thoughts if they begin to wander. When your timer goes off, give yourself some moments to check in with yourself and how your body feels before returning to your day. Sources: (Britannica) (Healthline) (WebMD) (Ekhart Yoga) (Himalayan Yoga Institute) See also: Understanding the different types of yoga, and their benefits
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 31 Fotos
What are mantras, and do they actually work? - These chants have been practiced for centuries
© Shutterstock
1 / 31 Fotos
Sacred sound
- A mantra is a sacred sound, originating in the Sanskrit language. A mantra can be a collection of sounds, or it can have a specific meaning.
© Shutterstock
2 / 31 Fotos
Sacred sound
- These sounds are believed to contain distillations of spiritual wisdom, which can induce a trancelike state, bringing the person who practices to a higher level of spiritual awareness.
© Shutterstock
3 / 31 Fotos
Sacred sound
- To this day, mantras are an important feature of Hindu religious rites and domestic ceremonies. They ratify and solemnize rituals.
© Shutterstock
4 / 31 Fotos
Om
- One of the most widely known of the mantras is the "Om." According to Hindu scriptures, the creation of the cosmos and the universe originated from a vibrational sound.
© Shutterstock
5 / 31 Fotos
Om
- The primal tones of this creation sound are represented by the A-U-M vocalization (commonly written as "Om"). The syllable's significance was recorded in texts as far back as 1500-2000 BCE.
© Shutterstock
6 / 31 Fotos
Entering the subconscious
- It's believed by yogis that when you chant a mantra with intention, the idea and power behind the mantra permeates your subconscious. This brings you closer to understanding the unified whole of existence.
© Shutterstock
7 / 31 Fotos
Mantra meditation
- Mantras can be chanted, spoken, or whispered repeatedly, aloud or in the mind. In Buddhist and Hindu religious texts, spiritual powers are attributed to mantras.
© Shutterstock
8 / 31 Fotos
Mantra meditation
- Using mantras to relax the mind and help it focus is a technique known as mantra meditation. Meditation has been shown to produce a relaxation response in the body.
© Shutterstock
9 / 31 Fotos
The physiology of meditation
- The physiological changes experienced in the body during meditation are the result of nerve relaxation. The nerves control the slowing of the heart and respiratory rates.
© Shutterstock
10 / 31 Fotos
The physiology of meditation
- This has the knock-on effect of lowering blood pressure. In order for the relaxation response to be activated, four components must be present.
© Shutterstock
11 / 31 Fotos
Producing the relaxation response
- A silent environment, a comfortable posture, an object of focus, and repeated attention on the object of focus are essential for relaxation.
© Shutterstock
12 / 31 Fotos
Producing the relaxation response
- In mantra meditation, the object of focus for producing a relaxation response is a repeated word or phrase called a mantra.
© Shutterstock
13 / 31 Fotos
An anchor
- Many people find it difficult to meditate, as it takes time and repetition to maintain focus. Mantra can make this easier, acting as an anchor that can reduce wandering thoughts.
© Shutterstock
14 / 31 Fotos
An anchor
- Many mantras don't have an apparent verbal meaning. However, the sound of the mantra is more important than any perceived meaning.
© Shutterstock
15 / 31 Fotos
Research
- A small study in 2012 looked at the benefits of mantra meditation on brain health. Subjects were observed over eight weeks of completing Kriya Kirtan meditation, a type of meditation that involves mantra.
© Shutterstock
16 / 31 Fotos
Research
- Brain changes in participants included increased cerebral blood flow and cognitive function. These brain changes were associated with improved mood and well-being, reduced anxiety, less fatigue, and improved visuospatial and verbal memory.
© Shutterstock
17 / 31 Fotos
Brain changes
- Research from 2017 suggested that chanting certain mantras can help synchronize the left and right sides of the brain. Relaxing alpha brain waves were promoted.
© Shutterstock
18 / 31 Fotos
Brain changes
- Synchronization of both sides of the brain could lead to better cognitive function over time and the slowing of cognitive decline.
© Shutterstock
19 / 31 Fotos
Benefits of mantra meditation
- Mantra meditation encourages a relaxation response, to give a sense of calm. They can help to distract your mind from thoughts that induce fear and anxiety.
© Shutterstock
20 / 31 Fotos
Breathing rhythm
- Breathing rhythm is something that can be hard to master when you begin meditating. Mantra meditations can help with this, if you match your breath to the mantra to make the process easier.
© Shutterstock
21 / 31 Fotos
Spiritual connection
- Mantra meditation can help you feel more connected spiritually. Feelings of calm and peace are generated from this state.
© Shutterstock
22 / 31 Fotos
Mantra and the chakras
- Some mantra are believed to target specific chakras, activating the body's healing system. Yogis believe mantra chanting open the nadis, or channels, through which prana, or life force energy, flows.
© Shutterstock
23 / 31 Fotos
Choosing a mantra
- You don't have to use the same mantra every time you meditate. There are many to choose from, and you can pick one that matches the intention you have for your meditation.
© Shutterstock
24 / 31 Fotos
Mala beads
- Mala beads can help with mantra meditation. The string contains 108 beads, which you can use to maintain focus on your mantra and to keep your breathing steady.
© Shutterstock
25 / 31 Fotos
How to begin: get comfortable
- Look for a suitable place to meditate, where you won't be disturbed. Choose a place where outside noise won't be a problem. Hand positions might be helpful for some people, but they're not necessary.
© Shutterstock
26 / 31 Fotos
Set a timer
- Decide the length of time you'd like to meditate for, then set a timer. Depending on your experience level, three minutes might be the most you can manage. Begin small, and lengthen the duration as you see fit.
© Shutterstock
27 / 31 Fotos
Take deep breaths
- Recenter yourself by taking some deep breaths, focusing on the sensations inside the body as you breathe in and out.
© Shutterstock
28 / 31 Fotos
Use your mantra
- Continue breathing as you say your mantra, either out loud or in your mind. Your breath should settle into a rhythm with the mantra after a few minutes.
© Shutterstock
29 / 31 Fotos
Close your meditation
- Gently redirect your thoughts if they begin to wander. When your timer goes off, give yourself some moments to check in with yourself and how your body feels before returning to your day. Sources: (Britannica) (Healthline) (WebMD) (Ekhart Yoga) (Himalayan Yoga Institute) See also: Understanding the different types of yoga, and their benefits
© Shutterstock
30 / 31 Fotos
What are mantras, and do they actually work?
These chants have been practiced for centuries
© Shutterstock
Mantra is a term from the Sanskrit language. The beginning of the word, man, means "mind," and the second half, tra, means "release." Mantras are one of the oldest meditation tools described in the Indian scriptures called the Vedas. They are claimed to be used to help focus the mind, releasing it from thoughts that are creating feelings of worry. But do they really work?
Click on to learn about mantras, and what we know about their effectiveness.
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