Mantra Meditation

Some of you may be asking “what is mantra meditation?”  So lets start by trying to understand what mantra meditation is.

The term “mantra” is a Sanskrit word.  Sanskrit is the ancient language of India.  The term mantra is derived from two words “man” and “tra”.  “Man” in Sanskrit means “to think” while “tra” which is derived from “trai” and means to protect or free from the bondage of “samsara” which is the cycle of reincarnation.  So the term mantra can be interpreted to mean the thought that liberates and protects.

Although the term mantra is derived from Sanskrit, the practice of mantra meditation is not confined only to the Indian Yogic, Vedic and Tantric traditions.

A mantra may be a single syllable, a word or a phrase or a series of phrases with or without meaning.  The sound or combination of sounds is repeated over and over and this is in essence the practice of mantra meditation.  So mantra meditation is a type of meditation that utilizes mantras as a meditation tool.

There are many objectives to mantra meditation.  Many who start mantra meditation use it as a technique to concentrate the mind.  Or practitioners may choose mantra meditation as a way to find a sense of peace, decrease stress and tension.   Some practitioners may chant a particular mantra for prosperity, luck, a romantic partner, health and even money.  Mantra meditation can also be used as a tool for healing.   Other practitioners choose mantra meditation as they enjoy working with the voice and sound as a meditation technique.  Or mantra meditators may indeed be on the path to realizing enlightenment and have chosen a mantra meditation practice to reach this objective.

As there are many objectives to mantra meditation there are also many types of mantra meditation.   Once you have understood your objectives for your meditation you can choose a mantra meditation practice and that meets your particular requirements.

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