Mantra Science: Do Mantras
Really Work?
The Sanskrit word Mantra is derived from the root Mann- “to think”. In the broader sense, Mantra generally is the sacred utterance (syllable, word, or verse) that is designed in a very subtle manner for the human psyche.
We have been seeing a lot of Vedic remedies where mantra chanting comes into play. The debate of the correct pronunciation of the mantra is being questioned time and again but the real question is does the mantra really work? Are mantras chanting scientific or can be reasoned with any logic? So today we will be decoding the basic science of mantra chanting and how does it work in human life.
To understand the mechanism of the mantra let’s first understand what is the mantra. As said above, Mantra means a group of words or a syllable which may or may not have meaning. We won’t be discussing the types of mantras here as it may complicate the clarity of understanding the basic mechanism in the first place.
When we chant any sound including a mantra, the atoms within us and around us gets vibrated. Now, to even break it further, an atom is the smallest unit of every matter. The vibration of atoms causes the electrons to gain and lose energy. In Layman terms, a certain energy is generated whenever we produce any sound.
To even take it further, let’s take an example. Suppose a guy has the name ‘SHIVA’. Now, whenever someone calls the name ‘SHIVA’ in a crowd, that guy will respond in a certain way. Socially, this might be just a matter of “Oh he knows his name that’s why he responded” but scientifically it is the energy that sparks the sense of knowing within the conscious brain. The atom disturbed or vibrated during the utterance of the word SHIVA is unique and is recorded in the conscious mind. Now whenever someone utters that name, the energy gets identified and gives the sense of knowing and hence certain stimuli or response from the body is seen.
In the same manner, the mantra also creates a certain response within the human brain. However, most of the mantras work on the subconscious mind rather than the conscious. As we said above, mantras may have meaning or may not have meaning but both of them work efficiently. Mantras are designed in such a way that it opens up a certain receptivity in human to grasp the reality in HD(High Definition). Though we may not understand the meaning of mantras, it works as efficiently as it would work if we knew the meaning.
The very best example of efficient body/mind response towards something or some language we may not understand is music. A song named DESPASCITO is the most viewed song on Youtube and is used in many functions all across the world. This song is in Spanish Language but the way it is being programmed energetically(music composition), the human body or the mind responded in spite of not being able to understand the lyrics.
Now, if the song of a language that we may not understand can create a certain vibe within us, why can’t a Sanskrit mantra create blissful vibes within humans? It, of course, can. It creates in fact. Mantras are key sounds designed for human well being. The more one chants the mantra, the more he/she will get benefitted from it. The correct pronunciation of the mantras is always recommended though.
Here is a list of the powerful mantras which will surely benefit in providing well-being, peace, and good health.
1. Gayatri Mantra
-
- ॐ भूर्भुवस्व: | तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यम् | भर्गो देवस्य धीमहि | धियो यो न: प्रचोदयात्
-
- Oṁ Bhūrbhuvaswaha Tatsaviturvarenyam bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥa prachodayāt,
-
- “Let us meditate on that excellent glory of the divine Light (Vivifier, Sun). May he stimulate our understandings (knowledge, intellectual illumination.
2. Pavamana Mantra
-
- असतोमा सद्गमय । तमसोमा ज्योतिर् गमय । मृत्योर्मामृतं गमय ॥ asato mā sad gamaya, tamaso mā jyotir gamaya, mṛtyor māmṛtaṃ gamaya.
-
- “from the unreal lead me to the real from the dark lead me to the light, from death lead me to immortality.
3. Chamunda Mantra
- ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे।।
“Om Aimm Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichhe”
4. Shanti Mantra
ॐ सह नाववतु |
सह नौ भुनक्तु |
सह वीर्यं करवावहै | तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः॥
“Om! May God protect us both together; may God nourish us both together;
May we work conjointly with great energy,
May our study be vigorous and effective;
May we not mutually dispute (or may we not hate any).
Om! Let there be Peace in me!
Let there be Peace in my environment!
Let there be peace in the forces that act on me”
5. 5 Elemental Peace Mantra
ॐ द्यौः शान्तिरन्तरिक्षं शान्तिः
पृथिवी शान्तिरापः शान्तिरोषधयः शान्तिः ।
वनस्पतयः शान्तिर्विश्वेदेवाः शान्तिर्ब्रह्म शान्तिः
सर्वं शान्तिः शान्तिरेव शान्तिः सा मा शान्तिरेधि ॥
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥
“Om. May peace radiate there in the whole sky as well as in the vast ethereal space everywhere.
May peace reign all over this earth, in water and in all herbs, trees and creepers.
May peace flow over the whole universe.
May peace be in the Whole Universe.
And may there always exist in all peace and peace alone.
Om peace, peace and peace to us and all beings!”
- Learn about seven chakras and its chanting sound
The Mysterious Sounds and Mantra of the Root Chakra.
The Mysterious Sounds and Mantra of the Third Eye Chakra.
The Mysterious Sounds and Mantra of the Heart Chakra.
