Mantras are used as a tool to relax and free the mind.
In Sanskrit, “man” translates to 'mind', and “tra” means 'to free from'. If you need more information on mantras in general, head here.
Here we will focus on one specific powerful mantra that, if chanted regularly, will positively change your life.
Gayatri Mantra
Gayatri is known to be the Mother of all ancient Indian scripture ('Vedas'). She is very powerful and lovingly nourishes all that chant her name. She is the embodiment of all Goddesses. The Gayatri Mantra is sang to her - we pray to her for inspiration, good intelligence and to dispel the darkness of ignorance. We praise and mediate on her Divine light to illuminate our body mind and souls.
Chanting this mantra will protect you from harm wherever you are. It is said that if recited with the correct accent as mentioned in the Vedas the atmosphere around you can also become illuminated. Chanting this powerful mantra daily has many benefits: it is said it releases all your sins and impurities. It improves breathing and heart health, and brings peace, prosperity and a good family life. It also increases your concentration, focus, memory and learning ability. The internal vibration as you chant works and charges your lower 3 chakras. Be sure to pronounce the words correctly and clearly, and chant with total love and surrender.
Here is a taster video of me chanting the Gayatri mantra a couple of times. COMING SOON (in April) - the full video of me chanting this 108 times will be on my website’s 'Practice Online' area.
The words (Sanskrit):
Om Bhur Bhuvah Svah Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Translation (English):
That Oh God! Thou art the giver of life, remover of pain and sorrow
The bestower of happiness, the creator of the universe
May we receive the supreme sin-destroying light
May thou guide our intellect in the right direction
(There are many different translations, this is one of my favourites)
The pose for this meditation is as important as the sound. Sit comfortably with elbows bent and tucked in firmly alongside the ribcage, extended forearms out perpendicularly with palms facing up in Gyan mudra.
While the mantra can be chanted by anyone at any time, the best time is during the Sattvic time of day between 4-8am and 4pm-8pm. Paramjit loves to chant this mantra 108 times at sunrise or sunset, and if time doesn't permit then she chants it 21 times (even 11 times will bring benefits). To reap the full benefits of reciting a Sanskrit mantra, commit to 40 days.
The Gayatri Mantra is a prayer, meditation, and offering to send healing energy to ourselves and others; to purify our mind, body, soul, and intellect. Make it an important part of your gratitude practice. Be grateful. Smile. Know that the Universe supports you and appreciates your beautiful creations.