Mindful Heart
What is Mantra?
A mantras is usually a word or short phrase that are repeated, so are easily learnt. The repetition can be meditative and can aid mindfulness. Traditionally mantras are recited 108 times, one reason for this is it is thought that the vibrations bring harmony to oneself and the universe.
Mantra is a meditative practice. Mantras can be seen as encompassing seeds of positive qualities such as compassion and wisdom. When we chant we can connect to these and nurture them in our hearts and minds.
Together we will share mantras in the sacred languages of Pali and Sanskrit and also in English. Mantras will be mainly from Buddhist traditions and a few from Hindu traditions, however it is not necessary to have any particular belief; rather you are invited to sing mantras with a present heart and mind. The act of singing the mantras brings their meaning to life.
Singing mantras is an embodied activity that helps integrate the spiritual, physical, emotional and cognitive parts of ourselves which can benefit our whole being! When we sing, feel good endorphins and Oxycontin are released, which can lift mood and lower stress levels. Chanting and singing can connect us and build a sense of community- we hear our own and other's voices unique and blended. Our individual voice is also received and heard by the group.
Singing is actually an aerobic exercise that can increase oxygen levels in our blood, boost our concentration, immunity and lung function. See here for more info
Mantras
Sasha has selected some of her favorite artists' renditions of some mantras, click the artist's name below to listen
Avalokitesvara
Om Mani Padme Hum - Deva Premal
'Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus'.
This mantra can help us to cultivate our innate heart wisdom.
Om - Said to be the sound of the universe, encompassing all that is, has gone before and will be.
Mani - a jewel, which dissolves negative mind states.
Padme - a lotus flower, which represents Wisdom
Hum - seeing clearly
Maitreya Buddha
Om Maitri Maha Maitri Maitriya Svaha
Buddha of Loving Kindness and the name of the future Buddha.
Avalokitesvara
Namo 'Valo Kiteshvaraya - Thich Nhat Hanh, Plum Village
The Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion
Avalokitesvara is a Bodhisattva who is portrayed in differently in cultures as either male or female. In Sanskrit his name is Padma-pani, meaning 'one who holds the lotus' is a Tibetan representation. Quan Yin (see image), is a Chinese representation, translated as 'one who hears the cries of the world'. Chanting this mantra helps awaken compassion within us.
Shakyamuni Buddha
Om Muni Muni Maha Muni Shakayamuni Svaha
Shakya is the clan name of the historical Buddha, Siddhatta Gotama, who lived over 2500 years ago. He left his life as a prince and awakened from suffering to peace.
Representations of the Buddha and mantras remind us of our own 'Buddha Nature' and potential for Freedom and Enlightenment.
Green Tara
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha - DeviaPremal
Tara means star. She is a Bodhisattva. Bodhi means 'Awakened' and sattva 'Being'. She is a powerful feminine energy, said to have taken an altruistic vow to help all those who suffer. Tara has a compassionate mind and heart for all beings.
Tara reminds us to connect with our hearts and that we can be compassionate to ourselves and others, in ways however large or small.
Medicine Buddha
Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha - Deva Premal
The Medicine Buddha is depicted in the colour of blue lapis lazuli and holding a bowl of medicine. He helps alleviate physical and spiritual pain
I invoke the healing buddha inside of me to remove pain
Chanting names of Gods and Goddesses in the Bhakti Yoga Hindu tradition is a devotional practice. Krishna Das, the renowned Kirtan leader, explains this beautifully:
“The words of these chants are called the divine names and they come from a place that’s deeper than our hearts and our thoughts, deeper than the mind. And so as we sing them they turn us towards ourselves, into ourselves. They bring us in, and as we offer ourselves into the experience, the experience changes us. These chants have no meaning other than the experience that we have by doing them. They come from the Hindu tradition, but it’s not about being a Hindu, or believing anything in advance. It’s just about doing it, and experiencing. Nothing to join, you just sit down and sing.” Krishna Das
Shiva
All I know is Love, Om Namah Shiva - Sivanni Mata Frances
Shiva Shiva Shiva Shambo Mooji Music
Shiva is the energy of Creation, preservation, transformation and Destruction
We are reminded of the impermanent nature of all things, and to really appreciate every precious moment of life.
In singing to Shiva we can also honour our inner heart, our consciousness and our power.
Durga
Ma Durga Krishna Das
Durga is seen as a divine mother, a powerful, creative and feminine force, that can help carry us across life's difficulties
Ganesh
Om Gan Ganapataye Namah - Edo & Jo
Ganesh is a god of wisdom and helps us to move beyond obstacles
'May all Beings in all the world be happy and be free from suffering'
'I am divine love'
This mantra is said to help the heart to open and heal into unconditional love for oneself and others. It affirms that the nature of our hearts is of radiant love.
The Gayatri is thought to be one of the most powerful and ancient of mantras. It refers to the divine sun, which shines on the 'darkness' in life and consciousness, to illuminate and awaken us to truth and leads to happiness.
"Very peaceful and calming." Rebecca