Om Mani Padme Hum Mantra

Mantra translates to “tool of the mind.” It is simply a means to help your brain focus for meditation or to help lock in an intention.  Chanting or singing mantra has been shown to change your brain chemistry, both reducing stress and clearing your mind of all the “vrittis” (churnings).  You can choose any mantra you wish, in any language.  What matters is the intention in which you speak it.  Additionally, there is no need to voice the words out loud.  You can do the entirety of the practice in your head and in your heart.

To help with mantra recitation sometimes malas are used. Malas are strings of beads, seeds or any other objects that give your body something to do as your mind focuses on the mantra.  For each time through the mantra you move your thumb to the next segment.  More on malas in a future newsletter!

For today’s practice we are going to sing the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra.  This particular mantra comes from Tibetan tradition and translates into “The Jewel is in the Lotus.” One may chant this to obtain a state of compassion or to open yourself to the wisdom of the universe.  I first learned this meditation in my Kung Fu practice and was glad to re-learn it as I began my path into the yogic teachings. 

I look forward to hearing how this resonates with you!

Now we practice:

• Find a comfortable resting position

• Click on the Mantra Meditation below