In deep meditation, mantras are often used to immerse oneself in reflection and the calmness of the mind. Mantras are “instruments of thought.” They are sacred words that are believed to have spiritual powers. They are chants that are used in rituals of worship and meditation. In earlier times, mantras were used as a petition to ask for the help in practical matters. However, the use of mantras for petitions for transcendence (escape from rebirth etc.) allowed them to be used freely in the solemnity of one’s mind.
One mantra that can be used in deep meditation is the Ganapati Atharvashirsha. It is a hymn around the 17th century dedicated to Ganesh, the Hindu deity for wisdom, learning, removing obstacles, and good fortune. He is also known as Ganapati, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Characterized by his elephant head and protruding belly, he is also believed to be the lord of the troops of inferior deities.
Including this mantra in your usual meditation will definitely help you in achieving a deeper and more meaningful practice. Here are some tips on how to get the best out of your meditation exercise with the help of mantras:
1. Focus on the spiritual value
A lot of people get confused when it comes to including mantras in their usual practice. They get discouraged by the idea that mantras are strictly meant to be recited. This can be a particularly tricky task because of the mantras’ unique rhythm and melody, not to mention the difficulty in correctly pronouncing the foreign syllables. Just allow the music, the flow of sounds reverberate within your mind. Let the music flow within you, envelop you, and saturate you in the serenity of your meditation.
2. Choose the right mantra for you
Mantras are often worship chants for specific deities. Identifying the theme of your practice is beneficial in order to help you achieve the profound practice that you’re aiming for. Using the mantra above, Ganapati Atharvashirsha can be used in meditation practices that aim to declutter the mind, or even reflect on the good things that are presently happening to you.
3. Be consistent
Now that you’ve tried to include mantras in your daily meditation exercise, reflect on the improvements that you have achieved. With discipline and determination, try to do this more often, and you’ll absolutely see the difference. Enjoy a much more profound practice with this meditation alternative!
