Meditation - Choose the Type that Suits You, Part 3

Using Mantra for meditation

Practising mantra is the repetition of a sacred word, or words. Sounds can actually create thought, and the sound of the mantra produces a vibration that has its own power. The repetition of a sacred word can not only enrich your meditation practice, but can be used in everyday situations to create a desired thought pattern.

A personal affirmation for healing can also be repeated. You repeat the word or phrase during your meditation, and soon actually start feeling the power of the word, as it is filling you with energy. A great book on this type of meditation is The Mantram Handbook, by Eknath Easwaran.

There are different traditions for choosing a mantra. Many mantras are derived from the sound “OM”. It comes from years and ages of experiences by sages. In stages of profound meditation, where the ego dissolves for a short time, the meditator can hear this sound. This is why its repetition can create connection to the larger universe.

Many mantra meditation practices have special rituals for receiving a personal mantra and do not recommend choosing your own mantra. Ultimately, however, mantra meditation works only when you deeply believe in the chosen word.

Here I will give you an example of an exercise, derived from yoga.

Focus on the Positive Negative

The purpose of this mantra is to transform a weakness into inner strength.

Think of a stressful situation in your life, and enquire within what causes the stress. For example, you may be annoyed by a colleague. But, when you chunk up, the true reason behind it might be that you are not happy with your job, and ultimately feel you have not reached your fullest potential.

Once you identify a deep, profound reason for the stress, the Yoga Sutras recommends focusing on the corresponding “positive attribute”. In this instance, this could be self-acceptance.

You can then use this positive concept as material not only for your meditation, but as a healing force for stress you experience in your everyday life.

Love yourself the way you are!

Elena Alexandrova

Your Coach to Success

Source: Butera, Robert, “Meditation for Life”