Mantra

What is a mantra?

A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated to invoke a positive mind-body response throughout a period of time. They can be said quietly internally, chanted, hummed or sang out loud, singularly or with a group.

Mantras are commonly used in the yoga practice, often through meditation or Kirtans (a call-and-response style spiritual practice where people chant mantras or hymns, often led by Bhakti yogis and can be accompanied by instruments like the harmonium).

Since they are considered a widely popular spiritual practice, they can often be found on platforms like Pinterest, TikTok, Instagram and other social platforms. Mantras can be incorporated into everyday life and used whenever needed throughout daily life or in trying or desperate times.

Mantra definition

According to dictionary.com, a mantra is

1. Hinduism. a word or formula, as from the Veda, chanted or sung as an incantation or prayer.

2. an often repeated word, formula, or phrase, often a truism.

   “If I hear the “less is more” mantra one more time, I’ll scream.”

Mantras can also be defined in the Yoga Sutras as, “a tool for the mind.” Patanjali’s primary definition of a mantra focuses on the sacred syllable OM (also called Pranava), which serves as the verbal representation of the Supreme Consciousness or the Divine.

What is a daily mantra?

A daily mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated daily to enhance your overall mental state or reach spiritual enlightenment. Many Bhakti yogis consider chanting to be the ultimate path to enlightenment and will often utilize mantras in songs or hymns to dance to, offering praise to the divine.

Daily mantras have also gained traction in the wellness community as a way to boost confidence, increase self-worth and find ways to connect with a higher power. Incorporating a daily mantra into your life has several benefits, including:

• A deeper understanding of your own spirituality and connection to a higher power
• Increased mental clarity, focus and consistency
• Recognizing limiting beliefs and overcoming them through the power of repetition of a positive phrase
•  Enhanced view of the self; a deeper understanding of wants and desires and how to transmute them into something good for the soul

What’s the difference between a mantra and an affirmation?

Mantras and affirmations are virtually the same except for their tense and spiritual subtext. A mantra is energy or a sentiment you wish to invite or call in whereas an affirmation is something you say with the belief that it is already true. Both can be used to manifest certain feelings, emotions or mental states and both have the ability to create space for a positive impact on an individual’s daily life.

Daily mantras

Here are 5 daily mantras that can be cycled through at any point in time.

1. Om (the sound of the universe)
2. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti (peace)
3. Om Namah Shivaya (I bow to Shiva, the Hindu goddess)
4. The present moment is all that matters
5. I focus on the good in life and the good in life is revealed to me

Daily affirmations

Here are 5 daily affirmations that can be cycled through at any point in time.

1. I am safe
2. I am free
3. I am confident
4. I am stronger than any obstacle before me
5. I have the ability to create the life I desire