Sowing The Seed

Navni Chawla explains how harnessing the power of a mantra can nurture our spiritual practice to flower into higher consciousness

- Navni Chawla

The word 'mantra' is derived from the Greek Greek word word 'menos' which means 'mind' and the Sanskrit verb root 'man' which means 'to meditate.' A mantra is a sound or syllable that links our lower consciousness to higher consciousness, aka divine consciousness. It may just be a series of words but it is as transformational and powerful as a prayer. A mantra has two components: One, the sound which has an energetic implication and a strong impact on the mind. The second one is the meaning of the word (or series of words) in the mantra which also manifests in the deeper layers of consciousness.

Japa, or the chanting of a mantra, has many positive effects on one's overall being. Even when it is chanted very superficially, it still benefits the one who is chanting. It also impacts their immediate environment by infusing positive vibrations around them. A person who merges the chanting of mantra with the breath into one meditation practice, after a point, transcends it and becomes one with it. Upon delving deeper, the mantra is dropped completely. It may also happen that one just becomes a watcher and the mantra arises from the inner depths; one simply listens to it internally.

How does a mantra cleanse you?

We usually have a non-linear thinking mind; our thoughts are helter-skelter and haphazard. A mantra gives you a consistent thought to dwell on, thus replacing all other random, negative, positive, and unnecessary thoughts. It brings you to a completely neutral and colourless state. Here, you are equanimous. You become free of the push and pull of the mind. You are also free of all polarities that constantly fragment you and keep you in conflict.