The Magik of MANTRA💫

Mantra is truly one of the most transformational tools we have in Vedic Tradition & Sciences. Ayurveda and Yoga both utilize Mantra for healing the mind and accessing the subtle body.

Similar to instruments and particularly sound healing tools, they vibrate and make a certain sounds. This vibration channels potent energy through the body and this has the potential to generate profound healing. We will discuss why and how further one. But one thing to affirm is that this is not magic or any witchy stuff. Its simply a vibrational response to the understanding that all of the universe is nothing but a bunch of shaking & dancing atoms and each atom is vibrating at its very own frequency, just like us. But much like instruments, we need too be tuned. We get worn by use and tears of life.

How Does Mantra Work?

Mantras are sacred utterances that contain omnipresent energies bound by vibrational sound. The Vedas believed that Mantra allows for one to tap into the underlying energy present in the universe but is unseen by the human eye. Mantra is a powerful tool for harnessing the mind’s focus in Meditation. Why its unique is because it embraces the thinking mind rather than casting it out or trying to forcefully silence it. Mantra uses repetition to facilitate a meditative state of mind so that the practitioner can connect deeply with themselves. Repetition gives the mind something to do, a drishti of sorts, to focus and put awareness towards. Humans have a natural tenacity for repetition and is something we not only do very well, but thrive off of. For Yoga practitioners especially, Mantra practice can deepen their study of Self and the science of Yoga as a whole. This ultimately supports the acceleration of spiritual growth & development towards Sattva. This allows one to feel the intrinsic connection to the WHOLE and dissolve the sense of separateness by placing the mind on something bigger than yourself.

Mantras are traditionally repeated 108 times. 108 is an auspicious number in various traditions. Both Vedic, Buddhist, and Chinese systems contain this sacred number within their astrology, religion and spiritual numerology.

Another tool that can be used in practice is a Mala. A mala is a prayer bead necklaace and it contains 108 beads to ensure the proper repetition is recited. Having a tangible tool like this helps to ground the outer most layer of the subtle bodies called the Annamaya Kosha. This sheath of consciousness is concerned with our physical functioning, so by allowing the body to connect with a tangible object, the mind can further focus and be anchored in the meditative practice.

Mantra is in all sounds of nature as well. From the wind rustling in the trees, to the sound of the waves crashing or a stream hitting pebbles - this is ALL Mantra. Sound holds such a grand power that it is believed to have been the first thing to exist. In Ayurveda the element of Ether is connected to sound along with the the sense organ of the ear. The element Ether is said to have been the first to exist then came Air, Fire, Water & Earth. Whats even more fascinating is that the sound OM when chanted vibrates at the same frequency as found in everything throughout nature, which is a frequency of 432 Hz. OM is the basic sound of the universe and by chanting it we are physically and symbolically recognizing our connection to all that is and all living beings on earth. Another beautiful reflection of the fact that we are indeed, connected.

Healing The Chakras with Sound

As our spiritual health and growth has begins to become much more of a topic of conversation in the Holistic Wellness World. Here, we find that mantra also supplies us with the vibrational keys that allow us to access and activate the body’s energy centers, The Chakras. Each Chakra holds its own primordial sound known as the Bija Mantras and these are the seeds of each chakras vibrational key.

BIJA MANTRAS :

• ROOT CHAKRA : LUM

• SACRAL CHAKRA : VUM

• SOLAR PLEXUS : RUM

• HEART CHAKRA: YUM

• THROAT CHAKRA: HUM

• THRID EYE CHAKRA : AUM

• CROWN CHAKRA : OM

These ‘seed’ mantras activate your own cosmic intelligence by unlocking deep healing and growth. Each one resonates at a different frequency but holds its own healing power because of its connection to the elements. Each holds an elemental charge so when working with an Ayurvedic Practitioner, they will be able to prescribe a sound healing practice fit for your Ojas or energy levels. Why these mantras are important is because they match the frequency of our energy centers and thus can support us in balancing our chakras throughout our Yogic journey. To learn more on Bija Mantras and Healing the Chakras through Ayurveda, stay tuned on The Wheels of Life : Chakra Study workshop this May, 2020.

Vedic Alchemy

Interestingly enough, Modern science recognizes Sanskrit as a language of informational codes that mimic the repeating patterns found in nature as well. Sanskrit is considered a ‘language of vibration’. It is also one of the only languages that vibrates both hemispheres of the brain, improving cognitive function and allowing neurological connections to expand beyond the regular pathways of connection. Scientists affirm that everything that manifests in the universe is all but the vibration of molecules and atoms. Mantra places us face to face with the realization of what we are essentially, E N E R G Y beings. When one connects with this essential nature, ones spirit if you will, one can feel that they are beyond the manifestation level of the world, directing connecting us to the etheric Astral realm. The forgetting of this ‘place’ of of being beyond the physical body is considered to be the primordial cause of dis-ease in Ayurveda. Remaining connected to this anchors us to the inner healer that resides within. When we can still the mind and allow the soul to speak, we allow our inner knowledge to guide us towards harmony within ourselves.

Another beautiful addition to the Magik that is Mantra ,is that is has an impact on our physical well-being as well. Did you know your jaw and pelvic floor have an intimate connection? The sphincters of the mouth and pelvic region (anus and Yoni) are connected through & by the Vagus Nerve ; A nerve that is directly tied to our Parasympathetic Nervous System functioning. Our healing mechanisms are largely influenced by the Parasympathetic Nervous System and so the act of chanting mantra stimulates the Vagus Nerve by notifying the Nervous System. This is one of the longest cranial nerves that runs from the brain steam to the bottom of pelvic region and back up around. Again within this loop the two sphincters of the mouth and pelvic floor connect and because the two sphincters affect one another, when one opens or closes, so does the other. This allows for sensation of rooting down to rise up, or collapsing into oneself, to be experienced first hand. When love making, it is instinctual for humans to release low guttural sounds, and this in return relaxes the pelvic region and softens the muscles. Many birthing people also utilize this as a tool to opening blocked channels. It is also incredibly helpful for healing Trauma and Samaskaras, our karmic impressions.

Steps To Begin Your Mantra + Meditation Practice

Each word we speak holds its own power. Mantras embody the the form of God through sound. This concept of GOD is derived from the concept of the divine life force, that exists with us and all life. A Mantra is truly geared towards giving you strength and focus to awaken the inner guide within.

As you set your self up, you do want to make sure you have a comfortable seat, ideally in an undisturbed space . I recommend having a pillow or blanket to place under your sit bones and water or warm tea nearby for your throat to stay lubricated. If you own a Mala, its a wonderful addition to your Mantra practice as it will help you keep track of the number or repetitions you recite. Traditionally, 108 repetitions are to be done. This may seem long but once one creates their own flow, the time management aspects shifts and you know what and how long youre truly able to sustain your focus.

108 ; The Sacredness of Repetition

Another beautiful connection with this number 108 is that is sums up to the number 9. The number 9 is the number of completion in the universe. It is the most sacred number throughout history and is the number of Lord Brahma the Creator, in Hinduism. This number is also considered the number of heaven. The Jade Emperor, worshiped by the Taoist, rules heaven and earth and his birthday is on the 9th day of the Chinese New Year. Among the many connections throughout history, 9 also always reproduces itself when multiplied, meaning you will always get the number 9 when you break down your math equation. It is truly the number of the universe -found within all of nature. Even the frequency of OM adds up to 9.

So - Hum Meditation

This simple practices utlizes the breath as a precursor to Mantra Yoga. Our inhalations and exhalations whisper to us when we focus, the exact same sound of “ So, Hum”. Here So means to “I am” and Hum means to “that” referring to the totality of creation, the innate life force within all living organisms.

This meditation allows for the mind to engage in an introspective self reflection where one can sit and revisit the inartistic truth of being energy/spirit that is connected to the whole of creation despite being encapsulated in human form.

To begin, you want to first draw your awareness towards your breath. If pranayama is in your practice, go ahead and include that here after 3 full, long and complete breaths. I highly recommend Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (alternate nostril breathing) to bring awareness to both the feminine and masculine channels of the body towards its central column. I recommend at least 6 rounds total to give yourself an opportunity to drop into your body.

Once you complete your pranayama, continue to deepen your focus on your breath. On the inhalation focus on the sound of the whisper “SO” through your nostrils. While focusing, visualize your connection to the myraid of beings here on earth. As you exhale, then visualize your being merging with all of creation as your breaths whispers back to you “HUM”. Remembering as this echos within, your are affirming to yourself, your connection the infinite nature of creation - to all that IS.

Continue to move through this cycle until you feel a sensation of weightlessness within the mind and body. This may be brief, so if the mind begins to wander, gentlely bring your awareness back to the rise and fall of your breath. Reciting the silent mantra of “So Hum”.

Om Namo Narayanaya

This Mantra is chanted to amplify the frequency of love that is found in everything from Pachamama, and to liberate us from the dis-ease of ignorance and being distracted by ego. This Mantra ensures prosperity, wisdom and grounded power. Yogic tradition views the ego as simply being separate from the whole. So by this definition, we are all in our egos as we are all in our own individual bodies.

Narayanaya means God in its infinite form and is another name for Lord Vishnu. The Lord of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantri, is an incarnation of Vishnu and Lord Vishnu is responsible for preserving and protecting man-kind. Therefore this is an honor to Vishnu, which is really representative of honoring our own divine guide within.

OM - The universal vibration that resonates in all of creation, also the sound of the universal consciousness.

NAMO - A salutation, a humble bowing of sorts.

NARAYANAYA - ‘nara’ means human and ‘ayana’ means a safe haven ultimate goal. It can be interpreted as a safe resting place for all living.

Repeating this mantra to begin in small repetition until 108 feels good for you. Some numbers you can build upon are below.

9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90, 108

I would seal your practice with one OM, followed by three “Shantis”(Peace Solution), as bellow.

• Om Namo Narayanaya ( begin with 9 and work your way up)

• Om Shanti x3

• Namaste

feel free to save this graphic for your personal practice

The vibration emitted from repeating this mantra is one that invokes a deep sense of humility in which one can bow to the divine within and allow for a state of peace to wash over. It is incredibly useful in troublesome times when facing challenges, particularly collective problems or concerns with the overall well-being of the collective consciousness. Its intention is to spread the light of the bliss body which reflects our true nature as spirit and allows one to harmonize with the good-will of humanity. It is truly chant for world peace.

Chanting can stir up energy. Let yourself feel yourself as energy after your practice. The inner stillness accessed through chanting can cultivate deep feelings of unity through the heart as it stimulates the Anahata (heart) Chakra. Sanskrit lets you directly access the silent mind through its vibrational codes and within that state of inner silence can one feel the unity of all that is, because after all, there is truly only separateness in the mind.

If you’d you’re new to Mantra and would like to experience it for yourself, join me for Mantra + Movement on Mondays at 9:30am PST. You can register here!

I hope that this practice serves you well and can support you in the acceleration of your Self-Healing journey.

Om Shanti,

Coco Shakti Ayurveda