Achieve Higher Level of Focus with These Mantras for Meditation
Research shows that meditation offers plenty of benefits to our minds and bodies. Practicing meditation can reduce stress, control anxiety, and improve sleep. It can also enhance self-awareness and promote emotional health, among its other benefits.
Meditation is something everyone can do anywhere for a few minutes to improve their quality of life.
But if you want to achieve a higher level of concentration and relaxation, it is time to learn some mantras for meditation. Below, discover some of the most powerful mantras as well as some tips for successful meditation.
What is Mantra Meditation?
A mantra is an idea or a philosophy that is concentrated in a syllable, word, or phrase. It is specifically used in the focused-attention style of meditation. In this meditation style, a mantra can be spoken, chanted, whispered, or repeated in the mind.
Mantra meditation is done for various reasons. For many, mantra meditation helps them clear their mind to achieve inner peace. Others do it to attain a higher focus. But for some, like in Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, repeating mantras during meditation serves a deeper spiritual purpose.
4 Mantras to Help You with Meditation
1. Om (ॐ)
Translation: “It Is, Will Be, or To Become”
Om is known as the sound of the universe. It is considered the God-force or universal energy, representing birth, death, and rebirth—the cycle of life. Thus, Om is the most important sound of all.
Chanting Om is said to vibrate at 432 Hertz. This matches the natural frequency of the universe. That is why Om is thought to bring us into harmonic resonance with the universe. When you align yourself with Om’s frequency, it calms you down during meditation.
2. Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय)
Translation: “I bow to Shiva.”
Om Namah Shivaya is one of the most popular and powerful Hindu mantras. It speaks of bowing to Shiva, the supreme God of transformation who embodies the highest self.
This mantra is thought to aid in the destruction of the “shadow self,” which helps us achieve our true “inner self.” It also aids in reaching the divine consciousness that lives within each one of us.
The five syllables are said to represent the five elements of the world:
- Na (न) represents earth
- Ma (मः) represents water
- Si (शि) represents fire
- Va (वा) represents Pranic air
- Ya (य) represents the sky or ether
This mantra is believed to bring you closer to Shiva, who is also the supreme God of transformation. It also brings you closer to everything in nature Om Namah Shivaya represents.
3. Om Mani Padme Hum
Translation: “Hail the Jewel in the Lotus.”
Om Mani Padme Hum is one of the most important and most powerful mantras in Buddhism.
The term Mani means “jewel,” representing a pure state of mind. Padme, on the other hand, translates to “lotus.”
This mantra speaks of how wisdom leads to enlightenment.
- Om (ॐ)
Releases: attachments to pride and ego
Promotes: generosity
- Ma (म)
Releases: attachments to jealousy and lust
Promotes: ethics
- Ni (णि)
Release: attachments to passion and desire
Promotes: patience
- Pad (प)
Releases: attachments to prejudice and ignorance
Promotes: perseverance
- Me (द्मे)
Releases: attachments to greed and possessiveness
Promotes: concentration.
- Hum (हूँ)
Releases: attachments to hatred and aggression
Promotes: wisdom
Using an Om Mani Padme Hum bracelet during meditation is said to purify your surroundings and protect you against negativity.
4. Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha (ॐ गम गणपतये नमः)
Translation: “I bow to Ganesh, remover of obstacles.”
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha, also known as the Ganesh Mantra, is a well-known mantra for removing obstacles from our lives.
Ganesh, or Ganapataye, is known as the master of wisdom, as well as the “Destroyer of Obstacles” and “Lord of Good Fortune.” He is depicted as a god with a human body, four arms, and head of an elephant.
Let’s break down the meaning of the Sanskrit words below:
- Om (ॐ) – the primordial sound
- Gam (गम) – the sound of Ganesh
- Ganapataye (गणपतये) – another term for Ganesh
- Namaha (नमः) – I offer my salutations and bow to you
It is best to invoke Ganesh before a new undertaking as he is the bringer of success, prosperity, and good luck.
Tips for Successful Meditation
After learning a mantra, it’s time to sit down and start your meditation. Here are some tips to improve your state of consciousness when meditating.
Get Comfortable
Find a quiet place where you feel good energy. Avoid part of the home or workplace with bright light so you can focus on your mantra meditation. Then, lay down your meditation mat to cushion your weight even if you sit still for a prolonged period.
Make Meditation a Habit
There’s no need to pressure yourself to meditate. You can do it when you feel the need and just go with the flow.
But if you want meditation to be part of your lifestyle, you should start making it a habit. To start, find the best time to meditate in your schedule, and try to stick with it. Do this until mantra meditation becomes second nature to you.
Meditate in Your Own Way
You don’t need to become a monk to meditate. The important thing is that you know your intention when meditating. You must be able to focus on the reasons behind your efforts, and ultimately, feel better with your life after each session.
Final Words
Learning some mantras can help during meditation. A mantra lets you achieve a higher level of focus, which in return can help improve your quality of life.
To reinforce your mantra meditation, check out some of our handy meditation accessories below.
