Mantras are commonly known types of meditation styles that are utilized by many as means to destress or to adopt a positive mindset. These types of meditation are also helpful activities that contribute to the transformation of your new routine. Moreover, mantras keep your emotions in check especially when you’re subjected to situations that cause emotional instability.
Choosing the appropriate mantra will peer into your mind and release the creative juices needed for your endeavors. This would also help in strengthening relationships with the people around you. Yoga classes are just one example of fitness activities that involve mantra meditation as a way to clear the mind and improve breathing.
Ancient monks and other people of religion have adopted the mantra meditation as long as many civilizations have passed. This is because these activities increase the mental and spiritual capacity of individuals when performing actions such as praying and concentrating.
Even celebrities and medical professionals can attest to the physical and psychological advantages that mantra meditations offer. It is discovered to bring also positive effects towards health and outlook in life. It also allows mental stimulation needed for occupations that require numerous brainstorming activities. Thus, the impact of mantras is not limited to only people practicing their respective religions. This also goes to people of all walks of life, including children. Below are the things you need to explore about the mentioned meditation style.
Discovering the nature of mantras
Mantra is derived from its Sanskrit origins where ‘man’ means mind while ‘tra’ is equivalent to tool or medium. From this, we can infer that mantras serve as the channel in transforming the conditions of your mental and emotional well-being
There are bases for certain types of mantras such as the Sanskrit mantras in which the Vedas, the sacred Hindu works of literature, are the main references. As stated in these religious texts, mantras are very influential factors that contribute to the improvement of concentration, alertness, comprehension, and anticipation which are expressed through sounds.
There are also other types of mantra meditations such as seed or Bija mantra which is the expression of minimal sounds and vibrations as a way to feed the mind. The om or aum is the Bija mantra that is mostly used by many yogis.
What is not considered as mantras?
What comes quickly to mind whenever we say mantras are those phrases or words of motivation we say to ourselves like “This will be a good day” or “I can do it”. Although they bring positive energy, however, these types of affirmations are not considered mantras. Affirmations and mantras are commonly misunderstood because of the similar practices and effects they provide to us. Listed below are the different types of mantras:
- Om (Aum) – This is expressed through sound vibration in order to function as a medium in connecting the ancient sounds of the universe which is why this has been countlessly used as a reference for the other types of mantras
- Om Mani Padme Hum – Directly translates to “the jewel is within the lotus” and is used to welcome goodwill and empathy
- Om Namah Shivaya – This translates to “I bow to Shiva.” In Hinduism, Shiva, the Destroyer is one of the three gods worshipped by the followers of the said faith. While in yoga activities, this is utilized to locate our Inner Self and link with it. This Self is identified to be full of wisdom and intuition.
- Om Shanti Shanti Shanti – Shanti means peace so this is a mantra that acknowledges and welcomes inner peace and is reflected through our actions
Performing a mantra meditation for creativity
Using mantras isn’t restricted to one specific method only. They vary depending on the intention and goal. For instance, Vedic and transcendental meditations focus on peering deep into the consciousness of an individual by repeating a specific mantra quietly.
There are also meditation types that help boost the creativity or intuition that you need in carrying out your day-to-day activities. The instinctive voice is present in all of us, however, there are times that we don’t use or fail to use it to its potential. Just like our athletic abilities, this is also a skill that needs improvement over time.
This is done using the Adi meditation, where your consciousness is channeled to the inner wisdom within yourself that is needed so that you are able to gain a burst of creativity or quick intuitions.
The said mantra is also referred to as the Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, with definitions of each word: ong means never-ending intelligence and creativity; namo means to summon with respect; guru means wisdom; guru dev is equivalent to a Divine master or instructor or higher self. Doing the Adi meditation would require reciting the mantras thrice while sitting straight and closing your eyes. You can also opt to put your palms on your chest or bow your head to the floor while sitting.
Final thoughts
Not many are aware that there are meditation practices made specifically to boost creativity and awaken intuition. However, there are readily available meditation resources for this specific purpose. Find a vacant time to commit to these activities if you need to improve your creative abilities and foresight on things.
