Mantra yoga focuses on sound, with reciting mantras believed to bring up emotions and achieve a higher state of consciousness. The objective is to free the mind of all thoughts and achieve a deep state of meditation. Mantras can be learned from gurus or on one’s own, with rhythm and speed also important.
While most forms of yoga focus on postures, positions, and movements, mantra yoga focuses on sound. Reciting mantras is believed to bring up emotions from deep within a person and give suggestions to the mind. The mind then interprets these suggestions through the sounds, and a higher state of consciousness is achieved. Common reasons why people choose to practice mantra yoga include religious worship, healing, spiritual enlightenment, and stress relief. The mantra yoga lessons and techniques used will vary among different gurus, in group and individual settings, and when aiming toward specific religious goals.
The main objective of mantra yoga is to free the mind of all thoughts and not to think about anything at all. By focusing the mind on a single word or sound, a deep state of meditation is achieved. Within this deep meditative state, the mind is calm, the body is relaxed, and a state of higher consciousness is reached. Seasoned practitioners of mantra yoga describe the feeling as being in harmony with the universe, having a greater sense of inner peace, and being enlightened. Through continued regular practice, the mind is sharpened and thoughts are easily controlled.
While many choose to learn mantra yoga from gurus and experienced mantra yoga practitioners, one can also learn the techniques on their own through books, CDs, the Internet, and videos. The first step is to focus on a single word or sound that allows the mind to focus on an individual thought. Some choose to use the universal sound of om, while others choose to focus on religious words like amen for Christians or amin for Muslims. No matter which word is chosen for the mantra, the mind must be focused on the source of the sound as it is repeated over and over again.
When mantras are recited, rhythm and speed are also important. A fast mantra rhythm will also increase a person’s heartbeat, breathing, and speed of mind. On the other hand, a slow mantra rhythm causes a slowing of the heartbeat and breathing, and causes a drowsy state of mind. Usually, the fast mantras are used during group meditation sessions, and the slow mantras are used in private when one is alone. However, the most common mantras are performed at a level between these two extremes, where the normal rhythms of the body are not disturbed and the mind can be alert and awake.
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