I recommend that a mantra be chosen in accordance with one's own
tradition, so that a feeling of comfort is most easily experienced by the
beginner. If there is no religious preference than the sound vibration 'OM' is a
universally recognized mantra.
If using 'OM' draw the sound out like
this - oooooommmmmmmmmmm - emphasis being on the last part. To use in
conjunction with breathing take an in breath, and then on the out breath repeat
'OM' remembering to draw out the ending.
My own upbringing was in the
Catholic religion, and as a young child, from about the age of 9, I said the
rosary every night. The repetition of the 'Hail Mary' prayer was my mantra. As
an adult I was inspired by the ecumenical teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda,
and in a dream he gave me the mantra 'Father Reveal'. Later, upon initiation
with Sri Swami Satchidananda, I was given a Sanskrit mantra having the same
syllables as the mantra in my dream with Sri Yogananda.
I share this to
impress that your own intuition of the word or phrase to use in mantra
meditation is that with which you feel close and comfortable.
A mantra is a syllable or group of syllables, sound vibrations, that clear the
mind of debris; much as sound vibrations clean jewelry. When first practicing,
the mantra can be spoken, and as we concentrate we can begin mental
repetition.
As with all meditation practices the practice itself
is not the goal; the goal is a calm mind and relaxed body, so that harmonious
thoughts more easily come to mind followed by their product of kind and caring
actions.
Mantra meditation is easily practiced anywhere, as when repeated
mentally, no one can see what we are doing. It is one method for regaining and
maintaining peace during stressful times. When we are feeling stress, a few
moments of mantra meditation can clear away the dust obstructing the view of a
good resolution. And, upon lying down for sleep, mantra repetition can calm the
mind, letting the body relax.
When our mind is calm and clear we make the
best decisions for all concerned. Peace and harmony in our own life influences
others' feelings of peace and harmony. Our positive and kind words and actions
bless ourselves, because we feel good in the process of positive thought and
action, and the recipients of our goodness benefit by our actions and examples.
