Music and vocals have a profound effect on mood, movement, and emotion, so it is no wonder therapeutic sounds can have a profound effect on us.
Specifically, I'm referring to mantras and chants.
A mantra is a repeated word or sound that assists the practitioner to reach a state of calm, healing and/or transformation.
The word Mantra comes from two Sanskrit roots ‘manas’ for ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ for ‘tool’. There are different interpretations to the meaning, such as a tool that helps us overcome suffering and obstacles, and another is it protects the person who recites it. Mantra can therefore be ‘a means of protecting one’s thoughts from distractions, a means of concentrating the mind in one direction.’ [1]
Mantra sounds are a combination of the mouth organ, breath, and concentration and when we chant by the recitation of mantras, the mind becomes focused.
The practice of Kundalini mantra chanting as part of Yoga Therapy offers many wonderful benefits.
Besides soothing the autotomic nervous system, chanting mantra as a form of yoga therapy can help to bring about a specific effect on the body, mind and Soul.
It can:
- Have an energising effect on you or evoke a calming and relaxing presence
- Create and promote health and wellbeing
- Clears and rejuvenates the mind, slowing down thoughts
- Brings focus to inner stillness
- Encourages slowing the breath and prolonging exhalation
- Enhances awareness of the physical body movement by synchronising with the breath – Celestial communication meditation
- Listening, paying attention, concentration, patience, and memory skills are enhanced and developed
- Soothes the body, reduces blood pressure, and relieves stress and tension
- Regulates blood sugar level
- Regulates and balances all body systems
- Strengthens the immune system
A group's synchronicity multiplies the effects of chanting, so if possible, practice in a yoga studio once in a while.
HEALING MANTRA PRACTICE
RA MA DA SA, SA SAY SO HUNG:
The Siri Gaitri Mantra is such a jewel. In the same way that a gem captures the light of the sun, it captures the radiant healing energy of the Cosmos.
Ra is the energy of the Sun: strong, bright and hot. It energizes and purifies.
Ma is the energy of the moon: receptive, cool, and nurturing.
Da is the energy of Earth: secure and personal. It is the ground of action.
Sa is the impersonal Infinity. The cosmos in all of its dimensions, openness, expansiveness and totality is Sa.
Sa is the impersonal Infinity.
Say is the totality of experience and is personal. It is the feeling of a sacred "Thou." It is the embodiment of Sa.
So is the personal sense of merger and identity.
Hung is the Infinite, vibrating and real. The two qualities together (So and Hung) mean: "I am Thou."
Posture: Sit in Easy Pose (sitting on the floor, with legs crossed) or in a chair with feet planted firmly on the ground, with the spine straight, and a light Neck Lock applied (chin pulled back slightly).
Mudra: The mudra (hand position) is most important. The elbows are bent down by the sides and are tucked comfortably but firmly against the ribs. The forearms are almost perpendicular to the floor, with the hands extended out at a 45-degree angle from the centre of the body. The palms are flat but not rigid, facing up, the wrists pulled back, fingers together. Consciously keep the palms flat during the meditation.
Mantra: This mantra consists of 8 basic sounds:
Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung
Practicing the mudra and the mantra properly will optimize the energy flow and will make this meditation all the more potent.
This mantra taps into the energies of the sun, moon, earth, and the Infinite Spirit to bring deep healing. It is important to pull the navel point powerfully on Hung. Note that the word Hung is not long and drawn out. Rather, it is clipped off forcefully as you pull in the navel. Chant one complete cycle of the entire mantra with each breath. Then deeply inhale and repeat. Remember to move the mouth precisely with each sound. Try to feel the resonance in the mouth and in the sinus area.
Eyes: Eyes are closed.
Mental Focus: Let your mind concentrate on the qualities that are evoked by the combination of sounds. You can choose to mentally visualize the person or persons that you are wanting to heal, as you send this energy to them for their well-being.
Chant 11-31 minutes
To End: Inhale deeply and hold the breath, as you offer a healing prayer. Visualize the person you wish to heal as being totally healthy, radiant, and strong. See the person completely engulfed in a healing white light and completely healed. Then exhale and inhale deeply again, hold the breath, and offer the same prayer again. Exhale. To complete, inhale deeply, stretch your arms up high, and vigorously shake out your hands and fingers for several seconds. Exhale and relax.
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