A mantra is a sacred sound, word, or phrase repeated during meditation or spiritual practice. The word ‘mantra’ derives from the Sanskrit terms’ man,’ meaning mind, and ‘tra,’ meaning vehicle or instrument, signifying that a mantra is an instrument of the mind. It is a powerful sound vibration or chant used to enhance a deeper state of meditativeness.
The Essence of Mantras
Mantras often have no literal meaning, as they are meant to transcend the mind’s preoccupation with meaning and thought. For instance, according to yoga lineages, each individual is assigned a personalized bija (seed) mantra based on the sound vibration that suits their needs or, in some cases, their birth chart. This mantra is silently repeated during sadhana (spiritual practices) to help the practitioner in their spiritual pursuits.
In yoga, various mantras are used to set an intention and keep the mind focused during practice. These mantras, considered sacred formulas that contain truths, have the power to transform a seeker. This is why pregnant women would listen to certain sounds and chants in ancient times in the hope of cultivating the best potential in the womb.
Mantras are combinations of sounds that, when chanted correctly, can open up doorways to creation itself. Thus, mantras are powerful sound vibrations that create a specific atmosphere within and around a person rather than being significant for their literal meaning. A mantra’s significance lies in the sound or reverberation it creates, not in its meaning, as meaning exists only in the psychological space of the human mind, while the sound is an existential reality.
Mantras work through sound—they are not just words but vibrations that can shape the atmosphere within and around us. Some mantras carry deep meanings to help people connect with them more easily, while others are purely about the sound itself, with no literal meaning. Adding meaning can be helpful, but it can also limit the deeper experience these sounds offer. Specific mantras, like the Gayatri Mantra, are potent and should not be taken lightly. They need to be chanted with precision, hopefully under the guidance of a properly trained instructor. Misusing these potent sound combinations can lead to unintended effects, which is why tradition places such emphasis on proper instruction and respect. It is not about fear—it is about understanding the depth and impact these sounds can have.
Foundations of Creation
According to Yoga, Darshana, specifically discourses on Nada Yoga, sound is not just a part of creation but the very foundation of it. The first thing that happened in creation was sound; everything is sound, which is the primordial form of creation, preceding light and any other manifestation. Sound is not the basis of energy but the first expression of the formless, all-pervading energy or consciousness.
“Nada,” a Sanskrit term meaning “sound,” is understood in yogic philosophy as the fundamental vibration underlying all existence. Within this framework, the universe is perceived as being composed of vibrations, with sound representing the most subtle and pervasive form of energy. According to Sadhguru (2013, 2018), Nada Yoga involves engagement with both external and internal sound. While external practices may include music or chanting, the deeper aim is to attune oneself to the inner sound, known as Anahata Nada. This is considered an unstruck, spontaneous sound—one that is not produced by any physical contact or external source but rather arises in deep states of inner stillness and meditation.
According to Yoga philosophy, everything, including what we consider as inanimate objects, such as a rock, is essentially vibrating energy or sound at the fundamental level. The creation process arises from sound vibrations, which slowly transform into light and then into physical forms. Sound is perceived as an existential reality, whereas meaning is viewed as a psychological construct created by the human mind. The science of mantras involves using specific sound combinations to create certain atmospheres or vibrations within and around a person. Carefully crafted sounds, when put together, can create tangible waves of energy that impact spaces and beings.
In essence, Nada, or sound, is not just a part of creation but its very foundation. All existence arises from primordial sound vibrations, which then manifest as light and form. Understanding and harnessing these primordial creative forces through specific sounds, such as mantras, can foster a sense of connection with the fundamental basis of creation.
Mantras and Spiritual Evolution
Some common and bija mantras are: AUM, the primordial sound of creation in Hinduism, resonates with divine Reality when chanted. Gayatri Mantra is to venerate the Sun deity, promoting wisdom and dispelling darkness, while the Shanti Mantra invokes peace for all beings. Additionally, potent bija mantras like Hreem embody the essence of creation and energize the heart chakra, while Shreem invokes blessings of abundance and radiance.
In summary, mantras are powerful tools for meditation, fostering a profound spiritual connection. Insights from Yoga Darshana emphasize the importance of understanding their vibrational impact. Nada Yoga emphasizes the foundational significance of sound. Individuals tap into primordial energies through bija mantras, facilitating spiritual evolution. Thus, mantras remain timeless conduits for seekers on the path to enlightenment, offering insights and transformative experiences.
References:
Sadhguru. (2013, September 30). The Making of a Hata Yogi: Nada Yoga. Isha Foundation. https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/blog/article/making-hata-yogi-nada-yoga
Sadhguru. (2018, May 14). Yoga For Joy – Nada Yoga [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCrls7zpIic