The Benefits of Mantra Meditation

Mantra meditation is a form of meditation that involves the repetition of a word, phrase, or syllable during meditation or inner contemplation. It can typically be chanted, spoken, or repeated in the mind. Sounds make an integral part of human existence. The world that we live in is made of light particles and sound vibrations. Operating on the premise that our actions originate from our words and thoughts, then a vibration of a mantra is a form of protection that allows us to purify or filter our thoughts to stop them from falling into negative patterns. If our minds and thoughts are clear, positive speech naturally emerges, facilitating constructive actions.

Professors Maria Engström and Rozalyn Simon from Linköping University performed a study scanning the brains of female subjects while reciting silent mantras. Over a two-week course, it was found that there was a decrease in DMN activity and an increase in attention network, which showed reduced judgment, a reduction in negative rumination, and an improvement in attentional and working memories.

Renowned monk and author Om Swami has spent over 15,000 hours in mantra and meditation. Scientists studied his brain in 2018, and it was discovered that he has an uncanny ability to cultivate stillness in the mind. It’s not just the words themselves but how you say them. One doesn’t have to be religious to recite mantras; people like Tony Robbins and other self-help coaches teach positive affirmations to repeat to yourself daily. According to Om Swami, six weeks of mantra meditation can create new neural pathways to create new thought patterns.

In a lecture entitled “Try to Live a Happy Life,” held in Colorado, USA, our beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) gave some wonderful insights into mantras. “The mantras are actually the Inner (Heavenly) Sound which is written down in ordinary language for the spiritual diary of the old ancient practitioners, and people mistake that for the outer sound, and they just repeat it. For example, ‘Om,’ we hear that inside. ‘Om Om Om Om Mani Padme Hum,’ we hear that inside. That’s the real mantra.”