| A mantra is a sound, a syllable, a word or a group of | | | | One of the most popular mantras from the Eastern |
| words that are intoned to calm the mind, reduce | | | | traditions is the AUM or OM. According to Hinduism, |
| negative energy, and create peace and spiritual | | | | this is the primordial sound from which all creation |
| transformation. The mantra has been used in many | | | | arose. This sound, repeated many times, is said to |
| Eastern religions for centuries, and has become | | | | create a deep peace within the body. |
| popular as the use of meditation and other spiritual | | | | Another well-known Buddhist mantra is Om Mani |
| practices have come to the West. | | | | Padme Hum (pronounced ohm man-ee pad-may |
| In ancient traditions, a specific mantra was often | | | | hoom). The literal translation is "hail to the jewel in the |
| bestowed upon a disciple by his guru or master to | | | | lotus." Repetition of this mantra or prayer is said to |
| facilitate progress on his individual spiritual path. The | | | | invoke the attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the |
| syllables of the mantra symbolized certain virtues or | | | | embodiment of compassion. The written form of this |
| qualities to aspire to, and the mantra was often | | | | mantra is also carved into stones and used in the |
| transferred by the master in secret. In addition, the | | | | prayer wheels of Tibet, which are spun repeatedly by |
| mantra was used to evoke spiritual fire from within the | | | | devotees. |
| student and increase his devotion to God. | | | | The key to the use of the mantra is its repetition and |
| The word mantra is actually derived from two Sanskrit | | | | the belief in the practice. Today, followers of more |
| words, which literally mean "to free from the mind." | | | | modern spiritual movements adopt their favorite |
| The mantra is based on the science of sound. The | | | | mantra, or create their own collection of words, often |
| ancients understood that sound waves create a | | | | called affirmations, chants or decrees. Followers use |
| specific energy or vibration. Mantras are said to free | | | | these words to improve self-esteem, create peace |
| one from the common chattering of the mind, create | | | | and happiness, and invoke kindness and compassion |
| positive thought waves and raise the spiritual | | | | for their fellow human beings. Affirmations can be |
| frequency, eventually leading to attainment and | | | | derived from ancient traditions or be created to |
| enlightenment. | | | | express one's most personal spiritual feelings. |