Simple Mantra Meditation In Three Steps

I want to introduce you to a detailed guide to meditation with a mantra, including a list of the most important mantras from various traditions.

The vast majority of spiritual traditions are familiar to the meditation with mantras (sacred syllables or words) or mantra-like prayer forms. According to Swami Sivananda, the term mantra denotes a spiritual energy, which is enclosed in a special sound-structure.

Here I am offering a guide to a simple form of mantra meditation in three steps and it can be practiced by anyone.


Preparation: Choose A Mantra

Choose a mantra that appeals to you. Possible mantras:

* "Om" (The Symbol of Absolute Consciousness)
* "Shalom" ("Peace")
* "Aham Brahmasmi" ("I am Brahman")
* "Soham" ("That's Me")
* "Om Namah Shivaya" ("I bow to Shiva")
* "Om Mani Padme Hum" ("Om, The Jewel in the Lotus", "The Universal Spirit")
* "Allahu Akbar" ("God is Great")
* "Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim" (In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful)
* "I am who I am"
* "Be still and know I am God"
* A name of the divine as Jesus Christ, Yeshua, Allah, Krishna, Rama, Durga and so on.
* It is also possible to meditate on the name of one's spiritual teacher (Guru).


Mantra Meditation In Three Steps

After you have chosen a mantra, sit down with eyes closed for meditation and chant the mantra for the next twenty minutes. The Indian Yogi Swami Shivananda mentions in his book "Japa Yoga" three different forms of recitation. These are now being applied in three steps.

1st Close your eyes and begin repeating the mantra, first with an audible voice (speaking or singing).
2nd After a few minutes go over to a silent form of recitation. Reduce the volume to a whisper and finally just move your lips without audible noise.
3rd Now recite the mantra purely in thought without speaking or moving your lips.


Dealing With Digressive Thoughts In Meditation

Now repeat the chosen mantra for the further duration of the meditation without really straining or tensing. Once you are conscious about having digressed with your thoughts just head back to the mantra. It can be helpful to register very briefly the kind of distraction in your mind, but without lapsing into self-judgement or even self-criticism. Digression is in the nature of the mind. Even in everyday life it is a necessary and useful feature but can also be a source of great unrest and dissatisfaction.

The meditation with a mantra leads to greater awareness regarding the tendency of the mind to wander and digress. Meditation increases your ability to concentrate and also your mental clarity. If you want to practice meditation much patience is needed. However, even for beginners, meditation can be beneficial and enjoyable. For many people it is also a way to come into contact with the deeper aspects of themselves.


Coming Out Of Meditation

Stop the mantra recitation after about 15 to 20 minutes and sit in silence for some minutes. You can just enjoy the silence or pay attention to inspiration or an inner voice. The silence is sometimes referred to as the voice of God and many meditation masters are convinced that in silence we can come into contact with our inner, divine essence. Spiritual masters like Ramana Maharashi praised the silence as the most powerful form of spiritual practice.

If you practice regularly you can drive many benefits into your life. Your mind will become calm and crystal clear. You will conquer any kind of unrest and become more creative. It is for sure that your life will change for the better in a way that you probably never have imagined before. Due to regular practice my life changed for the better in a very short amount of time. That has given me peace of mind and has improved my relationships with others. Now I have much more success in my life. You should practice it as it will definitely improve your life.