Mantra Meditation

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Mantra Meditation is the technique of repeating a pure sound vibration (mantra)

to bring inner peace.

Although gaining popularity in the Western world in recent decades, it is

nothing new. Throughout time and in myriad cultures, the wise have practiced

the art and science of chanting to achieve their desires.

What is a mantra?

Stated simply, a mantra is a sound vibration. The word "mantra" is a Sanskrit

word consisting of two syllables: "man" (mind) and "tra" (deliverance). In the

strictest sense, a mantra is a pure sound vibration which delivers the mind

from its material inclinations and illusion. Chanting is the process of

repeating a mantra. This act of chanting mantras is Mantra Meditation.

But not all mantras are "mantras" and not all "mantras" are mantras... which is

to say that not all transcendental vibrations are actually called mantras and

not just any sound vibration will bring success.

Not all mantras are "mantras"

In William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, Juliet observes

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other word would smell as sweet.

The potency of a mantra does not come simply by its being categorized as a

mantra. Mantras exist in a variety of forms, under a variety of names... each

as sweet.

Some spiritualists repeat prayers in much the same way that one might chant

mantras. For example Catholic pratictioners recite prayers while counting on

rosary beads. Even Jesus himself set the example for his disciples to pray in a

consistent manner when he delivered the Lord's Prayer. These prayers- especially

when repeated regularly- are also mantras even though they humbly shy away from

the mantra label.

In every religious tradition, one finds hymns and songs in praise of the

Supreme. Even up to the present day, millions daily sing King David's ancient

Psalms, a striking testament to the potency of spiritual sound vibrations.

These songs- whether set to music, recited orally or even read silently- are

examples of mantras which retain their delivering power, despite dancing

outside the mantra category.

Not all "mantras" are mantras

Although Juliet's observation sheds light on a fundamental truth, one should

take care not to misapply her wisdom. Even though a rose by any other name

would smell as sweet, a rock will never smell sweet no matter what its name.

For example, members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness are

famous for chanting the "Hare Krishna Mantra," which consists of three names of

God: Hare, Krishna and Rama.

Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna

Hare Hare

Hare Rama

Hare Rama

Rama Rama

Hare Hare

These names of God are not the inventions of a modern guru, but are actually

bona fide names which appear countless times in the ancient scriptures of

India. Similarly, the Hare Krishna Mantra appears in sacred texts, and is thus

not a modern invention.

But imagine if the devotees of Krishna began to chant "Elvis Presley Elvis

Presley Presley Presley Elvis Elvis." Clearly, no one would reasonably expect

the same results, nor would their movement last very long (except perhaps in

Memphis, Tennessee).

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