Mantras.

[Tony]

Mantras.

Where science meets the spiritual.

A mantra (Devanāgarī: मन्त्र; Tib.སྔགས་ ngak; Wyl. sngags) [1] is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of "creating transformation" (cf. spiritual transformation).[2] Its use and type varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra.[3]

I am not an expert on mantras, I just repeat hundreds of thousands of them!

Mantras seem to have started in the Sanskrit language, in India. As Sanskrit is a spiritual language, the words are said to hold a power. The Tibetan language is based on Sanskrit, so that too holds a power. But probably any sound that holds a meaning can be used!

A mantra consists of a number of short words of one or two syllables, which make it very easy to chant and memorise. That's why Sanskrit is so useful. Whether it is psychological or literal, it work.

Mantras are a very powerful tool, and work on many levels. Mantra works on the mind, body and subtle body. They can either be chanted out loud, or internally so that they can resonate in the body and the mind. The psychology of mantras works, as their repetition can remind the mind of certain qualities.
OM or AUM is fine to use. By the way, Sanskrit is built on the vowel sounds and modified by the shape of the mouth. In fact everything comes from the sound A! which is the natural sound of a baby, and some say it is the sound of the universe.


Let's take OM MANI PEME HUM.
This is a mantra to imbue compassion - our natural, innate compassion.
It means 'Jewel in the Lotus' - Emptiness in Compassion, which is Unconditional Compassion.
Knowing the full meaning is not necessary: one just needs a flavour. Sometimes, we get too bogged down in concepts. There is a hundred syllable mantra which clears negative action and thoughts, but I've never bothered to find out what every word means: I just understand the general meaning and it seems to work!
In certain practices, as one chants, one can also visualise.
What is interesting – and is the reason for writing this - is that, if one chants internally, one realises that one cannot think of two things at the same time! However. one can still visualise, and have all the senses open. Therefore we can cut through extraneous thoughts!

Now this is the science, we cannot think of two things at the same time! So I'm wondering, if this is so, while chanting nothing else (accept the meaning of the mantra) can be transmitted to us!

So. if you are having a problem with thoughts during meditation, try a mantra. Gradually slow the mantra down, a space will develop between the soundings. Then you may find that the sounding only needs to be made every now and again like hitting a bell. When the sound goes, resound.

What is important in meditation is the space created, just to be. But sometime in meditation we need to engage the mind in something different, just for a change!

If you try this internal sounding, would you let me know what you find?



All the best,
Tony

[christian]

From jayasreesaranathan.blogspot.com:

The vedic rituals are not without meaning. The mantras having positive and auspicious energy are carried by the water and water dutifully conveys them for the purpose intended by the mantras.

The most common mantra AUM which permeates the cosmos (the Om-kaar is said to be the sound of the cosmos of the moving particles. This is indicated by the Drum / Udukkai of the Cosmic Shiva in his non-stop dance in the cosmos indicating the non-stop movement of particles.)

[It] creates a certain and beautiful pattern of some harmony in water which the human mind is yet to understand.

I like mantras as a nice tool, they are one of the countless avenues for us to express ourselves, of the countless ways of how to influence our world.

[Marsila]

Thank you for this post. And i have to add from experience that chanting mantras does do all what it is supposed to do, sometimes immediately sometimes a bit later.

i've got everything from a raise, to making a living through a job i don't mind, to the living space i want, to i really believe getting rid of ghosts or troublesome black magic entities, to just very good days, that way.

I forgot where i read it, but the reason for that is the more we do these mantras the more they work, is as we say them, we start 'vibrating' at a different level than before, and our different vibrations bring different things into our lives, the mantras tell you exactly what they will bring and what they won't.

on the other hand i don't visualize, i just know what i want, and then i let the universe surprise me, as it does know better, as it can so much more than i ever will in this human form.

ah found one link
http://www.sanskritmantra.com/what.htm

Definition # 1: Mantras are energy-based sounds.

Saying any word produces an actual physical vibration. Over time, if we know what the effect of that vibration is, then the word may come to have meaning associated with the effect of saying that vibration or word. This is one level of energy basis for words.

Also Pie'n'eal you asked

Now this is the science, we cannot think of two things at the same time! So I'm wondering, if this is so, while chanting nothing else (accept the meaning of the mantra) can be transmitted to us!

and this same source says, so hope that helps

Definitions of mantras are oriented toward either the results of repeating the mantra or of the intentions of the original framers and testers of the mantra.

nice and very useful subject!

[Tony]

Another point about mantra, is that it supplicate divine help. There are deities (enlightened beings) that have certain attributes, which are also within ourselves, so this helps enhance them. This is part of devotional practices. When we supplicate we receive blessings, or rather we are more open to them!

One day we will chant OM BENZA CHRISTIAN HUM or OM MANI MARSILA HUM, for guidance and protection!

[Nickolai]

Marsilochka,

Gimme, gimme, mantras, mantras, mantras that worked for you...)))

With grace,

Nickolai

[Tony]

Be careful what you wish for, you may get stuck with your creation.

[Nickolai]

LOL, Tony!

It's perfectly fine with me.
That's just me: First I create something, that most of the time I hysterically try to uncreate it. That's just my fun!..))

Thank you,

Nickolai

[Tony]

I had a mantra...."OH Lord, what the hell is going on." Then I found out!


Tony

[Marsila]

LOL thank you for the Russian nickname, new one for my collection...and i give you a South American one Nico

The one that I first started doing was the Ganesha mantra, to remove obstacles. There is a lot of wisdom in the picture of Ganesha themselves, and an explanation s how obstacles can be removed by changing the thought.


This website has many version of it, but for now just chanting, the one with the most seed sounds, that is what a lot of people use
Aum Shrim Hrim Klim Glaum Gam Ganapataye vara varada sarva janamme vashamanaya svaha
There are several beej (seed) mantras in this mantra. Among other things, it says, "Shower Your blessings, O Lord. I offer my ego as an oblation."

but this one from the same website is so good to, and does help (doesn't mention here, but also good for people with spine or back problems)

Aum Vakratundaya Hum
This is a powerful mantra from Ganesha Purana. When things are not in your favour, or when the minds of the people turn negative, depressed or discouraged, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the crooked-minded ones." This mantra is used many a times in the Ganesha Purana to reduce the violence of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal problem, such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1,008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiencies.

The website
http://www.iloveindia.com/spirituali...l-mantras.html

Then there are the Tara mantras (Goddess mantras), The red tara the green tara the white tara, am not sure what the first was supposed to be for, but when i go out to get anything and i go walking the pedestrain lights are always green for me, whatever i need is almost always the first thing i see when i enter the place, and if needed to pay for something it is always much less than i had thought or paid before.

The green tara is of compassion, (btw anyone correct me if i'm interpreting this in very strange ways) and after a while will grant some wishes, as long as it isn't about hurting others...and the white tara mantra is a healing mantra in a way.

umm lets see also when i came across the sharaba mantra, it did clear the space of negativity like it says....of late i find just the sound 'PHAT!!' on it's own is working at clearing any negativity before it even arises
this is the only link i found that explains it
http://shreemarakara.wordpress.com/2...21-april-2012/

The Gayatari mantra is also a very important one, this really keep up if you start, it is explained well in this about.com article
http://hinduism.about.com/od/prayers...tri-Mantra.htm


but remember you have to be very consistent with any you chose all the 'energies or gods' or whatever you want to call them of these mantras are sometimes fickle and so you should always keep it up...it's not too much, and a year after i started it a lot in my life, and more importantly in me has changed....but as you have been told careful what you wish for, it is good to purify oneself from all types of negativity before they accidentally wish for something that comes true...anyway most negative thoughts aren't ours, if someone else caused them

and if remember any more i will pm you, as this is pie'n'eals thread and just because he's a guru of patience no need to hog his thread! sorry! and thank you once again for this thread about an important tool, that crosses the dimensions and for a good reason a lot of the time.

[Tony]

Phat!!!! is a blaster! Try creeping up behind someone and shouting it!

It supposed to shake conceptual thinking, and put you straight back where you belong!

[Nickolai]

Here you are!

That's Deva-Prem!

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=2hOSAljWdT0

Nickolai

¤=[Post Update]=¤

But I like this best...))

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=nDnamSM3Z3s

LOL

[Tony]

I love the heart sutra.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=-c9-XaA2f00

You can sing along!



Namah sarvajnaaya
-Adoration to the Omniscient!

Aaryaavalokiteshvara-bodhisattvo gambhiiraayaam prajnaapaaramitaayaam caryaam caramaano vyavalokayati sma: panca skandhaah; taamshca svabhaava-shuunyaan pashyati sma.
-When Holy Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva performed the deep practice in the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom, he contemplated that there were five aggregates but observed that they were devoid of essential nature.

Iha Shaariputra ruupam shuunyataa shuunyataiva ruupam, ruupaan na prithak shuunyataa, shuunyataayaa na prithag ruupam, yad ruupam saa shuunyataa, yaa shuunyataa tad ruupam.
-In this case, Shaariputra, form is voidness and voidness is itself form; voidness is not different from form, and form is not different from voidness; that which is form is voidness, and that which is voidness is form.

Evem eva vedanaa-samjnaa-samskaara-vijnaanaani.
-So it is for perception, conception, volition and consciousness.

Iha Shaariputra sarva-dharmaah shuunyataa-lakshanaa, anutpannaa, aniruddhaa, amalaa, na vimalaa, nonaa, na paripuurnaah.
-In this case, Shaariputra, all things have the characteristics of voidness; they neither arise nor perish; they are neither defiled nor pure, neither deficient nor complete.

Tasmaac Chaariputra shuunyaayaam na ruupam na vedanaa na samjnaa na samskaaraa na vijnaanaani.
-Therefore, Shaariputra, within the voidness, there is no form, no perception, no conception, no volition, nor consciousness.

Na cakshuh-shrotra-ghraana-jihvaa-kaaya-manaamsi.
-Neither is there eye, ear, nose, tongue, body or mind.

Na ruupa-shabda-gandha-rasa-sprashtavya-dharmaah.
-Neither is there form, sound, smell, taste, touch nor concepts.

Na cakshurdhaatur yaavan na mano-vijnaana-dhaatuh.
-Neither is there realm of sight, etc., until we come to the non-existence of realm of consciousness.

Na vidyaa, naavidyaa, na vidyaa-kshayo, naavidyaa-kshayo, yaavan na jaraa-maranam na jaraamarana-kshayo, na duhkha-samudaya-nirodha-maargaa, na jnaanam, na praaptir apraaptitvena.
-Neither is there wisdom, nor ignorance, nor extinction of wisdom, nor extinction of ignorance, etc., until we come to the non-existence of old age and death and the non-extinction of old age and death. Neither is there suffering, cause of suffering, extinction of suffering, nor the path leading to extinction of suffering. Neither is there wisdom nor acquisition because there is no grasping.

Bodhisattvasya prajnaapaaramitaam aashritya viharaty acittaavaranah. Cittaavarana-naastitvaad atrasto, viparyaasaatikraanto nishtha-nirvaanah.
-Depending on the bodhisattva's Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom, one dwells without any mental hindrance. Because of the absence of mental hindrance, one is fearless; freed from delusory thoughts, one will reach Nirvana.

Tryadhva-vyavasthitaah sarvabuddhaah prajnaapaaramitaam aashrityaanuttaraam samyaksambodhim abhisambuddhaah.
-All Buddhas dwelling in the three periods realize the highest, perfect enlightenment depending on the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom.

Tasmaaj jnaatavyo prajnaapaaramitaa-mahaamantro mahaavidyaa-mantro 'nuttara-mantro 'samasama-mantrah, sarvadukha-prashamanah, satyam amithyatvaat, prajnaapaaramitaayaam ukto mantrah.
-For this reason, know that the Great Mantra of the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom is the Great Wisdom Mantra, the Unsurpassed Mantra, and the Unequaled Mantra. It extinguishes all suffering, and is true and real because it is not false. It is the Mantra proclaimed in the Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom.

Tad yathaa gate gate paaragate paarasamgate bodhi svaaha.
-Namely, "Gone, gone, gone to the other shore;
Gone completely to the other shore.
Svaha."

Iti prajnaapaaramitaa-hridayam samaaptam.
-Thus ends the Essence of the Transcendent Wisdom Sutra.

[Nickolai]

Posted by pie'n'eal (here)
Phat!!!! is a blaster! Try creeping up behind someone and shouting it!

It supposed to shake conceptual thinking, and put you straight back where you belong!

Dangerous?

[Tarka the Duck]

This is the mantra of Chenrezi, who is the Lord of Compassion. The OP mentions it: Om Mani Peme Hung.

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=R69o3Se_0og

[Tony]

Posted by Nickolai (here)

Posted by pie'n'eal (here)
Phat!!!! is a blaster! Try creeping up behind someone and shouting it!

It supposed to shake conceptual thinking, and put you straight back where you belong!

Dangerous?

Dangerous...Dangerous!....Of course it's dangerous...................to the ego!

When meditating and there is a lot of conceptual thinking going on, "Phat!!" shouted out loud, shocks the mind into stillness. Actually, if the meditation is 'going well' also shout it...just in case you are enjoying yourself!


One has to be mindful of the neighbours.



Tony

[another bob]

My favorite, the Vajra Guru Mantra, is an indestructible diamond thunderbolt!

http://www.rinpoche.com/gurumantra.html

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=HShevpJCrMQ

[Cristian]

Tony,

I recently read on this forum (dont remeber the thread ) something that felt very true to me.

Like focusing your mind on something like one does repeating a mantra ; is just a subtle ego game, a game that can reward you with incredible results, you can even perform miracles...but it's still ego based.

It was explained in that thread that one has to focus, or unfocus his mind on everything. Dont turn your mind in a lense for your thoughts...

Some students said ..."my master can do this" or "my master can do that" and the true master said I eat when I'm hungry and I sleep when I feel tired. Those were his "miracles" .

Am I on to something here, or am I completly missing the point?

[Tony]

Posted by Chris82 (here)
Tony,

I recently read on this forum (dont remeber the thread ) something that felt very true to me.

Like focusing your mind on something like one does repeating a mantra ; is just a subtle ego game, a game that can reward you with incredible results, you can even perform miracles...but it's still ego based.

It was explained in that thread that one has to focus, or unfocus his mind on everything. Dont turn your mind in a lense for your thoughts...

Some students said ..."my master can do this" or "my master can do that" and the true master said I eat when I'm hungry and I sleep when I feel tired. Those were his "miracles" .

Am I on to something here, or am I completly missing the point?

Dear Chris,

This is a very tricky subject.

This is about purity of one taste.
This is about constantly letting go.

Some people may need bells and whistle.
Some don't.

One must test one's teacher,
and test one's own judgement.

It's all about 'being ordinary'.

We can talk more in the mediation group, otherwise people will get into much speculation. Some teachers and student deserve one another.


Tony

[Marsila]

okay now for me....this thread has gone from one with mantra music to something worthy of the x-files theme.....Tony, i was listening to that exact same Heart Sutra you posted on my mp3 as i typed my last message, then i came and found it here.

then i went and recommended a song to a friend and they were just like 'we were just listening to it'.....

and tried the PHAT! sound as you recommended and it worked, either because it does, or because people are bemused by that 'one second bout of insanity' that caused you to shout that out of the blue to yourself....in all cases it works.

Dear Chris82 their are almost 8 billion different interpretations to every single subject on Earth, just go with the one that resonates with you, it is your life, it is your energy, don't live it according to someone elses 'rule book'....try the mantras yourself, and see if you can get more or less answers to your questions from that : )

thank you all for the good videos you are all posting, and thank you again pie'n'eal for starting this thread!

[Arrowwind]

A standard Transcendental Meditation mantra is "I AM"