Chanting mantras plays an important role as a technique of spiritual deepening and meditation. Although mantras are often associated with modern religion and spiritualism, there are some commonly used ways to practice them regardless of the creed or beliefs you claim to be yours.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Setting Up the Place
Step 1. Find a quiet place
Go somewhere where you can be alone. You have to make sure those around you understand that they shouldn't disturb your solitude while you're there.
- The location can be in a familiar and easy-to-reach place such as your bedroom or a quiet room in your home.
- On the other hand, some people find it more beneficial to chant in a place where the atmosphere is spiritually supportive. The location could be somewhere quiet in a park or in a small church (or a suitable place to pray.)
Step 2. Reduce the chance of interference
Get rid of anything that can distract you from the mantra you are chanting, including visual or auditory distractions.
- If it helps you focus more, play instrumental music in the background or a recording of nature sounds, but don't use music that will distract you from the words in your mantra.
- The clock on the wall may be distracting because the ticking sound can grab your attention and distract you from the incantation.
Step 3. Use spiritual images and objects
Many people find it helpful if they chant in front of an image or symbol of the divinity they revere. This image can keep your focus and elevate your chanting to a deeper spiritual understanding.
- You can also use an iconic image or an image that to you is a symbol of divinity.
- Other options include small statues, religious medals, and other three-dimensional objects that do the same thing.
- However, keep in mind that there are certain beliefs that prohibit the use of visual images and icons. In this case, or if this method makes you feel uncomfortable, just skip this step.
Method 2 of 4: Prepare yourself
Step 1. Determine the right time
Say a mantra in the morning before daily activities distract you, or just before bed when your mind is ready to rest.
You should choose a time where you don't have to think too much. For most people, dawn or midnight is the best time for them, but if you find it easiest to focus your mind during the day, this is the time for you
Step 2. Find a sense of comfort for yourself
Sit in a comfortable chair or lie on the bed. Relieve the physical discomfort you are experiencing so that your mind is not focused on what your body is feeling.
In addition to sitting comfortably, you should also try to put your whole body in a very relaxed state. Wear soft, loose clothing, urinate first, and stretch if any muscles feel sore or stiff
Step 3. Adjust the position of your hands
You can leave your arms relaxed at your sides or place your palms on your thighs, but if you choose a certain hand position, this posture can serve as a reminder of your purpose for this activity.
- The hand posture most often associated with chanting and meditation is the mudra. Touch the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb, and let your other fingers curl gently and naturally. Do this posture for both your hands.
- Alternatively, straighten your fingers in your palms and bring your palms and fingers together to form a "praying position."
Step 4. Focus your gaze or close your eyes
Look straight ahead and keep your gaze fixed on one point, but if this makes you easily distracted, it's best to close your eyes.
- If you want to focus on a specific point, choose something as simple as an object on the wall that doesn't move or a wardrobe doorknob. Do not look at objects that are too detailed or moving, especially if these movements are erratic and unpredictable.
- If you choose to close your eyes, make sure you don't fall asleep. If your mind starts to wander and your consciousness disappears, open your eyes again.
Step 5. Choose the right words
You many spells you can chant. The exact words depend on your beliefs and spirituality. You may use a common prayer or mantra, or create your own mantra that is meaningful to you.
- If you have certain beliefs, you can say a general prayer according to your belief as a mantra. For example, a Christian can chant a mantra by praying the Our Father.
- You can also use verses from the Bible as a mantra. For example, a believer in Judaism or Christianity may recite verses from the Psalms as a mantra.
- A series of words that have a certain meaning can also be used as a spell. Paramhansa Yogananda, a yogi from India, once wrote a rhythmic mantra which is still used frequently. The mantra reads: "I am a bubble of foam, make me the sea. / So are You, O my God! You and I, are never separated, / The waves of the sea merge with the sea, / I am a bubble of foam, make me the sea."
- Another widely used spell is "Om". This word is a sound that always resonates within every human being and vibrates in the universe.
Method 3 of 4: Chanting a Mantra
Step 1. Say the mantra aloud
Begin chanting the mantra by saying the words clearly and aloud. By speaking and listening to the words of a mantra, you activate your conscious mind to understand the meaning of these words.
- To keep your conscious mind guiding, play the recorded mantra for a few minutes and follow it. This is another method that is optional.
- Say the spell at a normal or slightly louder volume when you start. The louder your voice resonates within you, the easier it will be for you to let go of all thoughts and feelings that have nothing to do with this activity.
Step 2. Reduce your volume gradually
Soften your voice to a whisper before closing your lips and continuing to say these words only in your mind.
- Once your conscious mind is focused on the mantra, reduce the volume of your voice to a whisper. This method will bring your mantra to the subconscious mind.
- As you whisper, you should still feel the words and the rhythm of the mantra vibrate in your mind. At this point, keep the silence from outside and keep chanting the mantra in your mind. Imagine that you put a spell between your eyebrows. At this time, you have drawn this mantra into higher consciousness, bringing it up to spiritual understanding.
Step 3. Change the speed
As the volume of your voice decreases, the speed at which you pronounce the words should increase gradually. After you've quickly chanted the spell for a while, gradually bring it back to its original speed.
Changing the speed of chanting can restore and refocus your mind if it starts to get distracted. You should still pay close attention to every word that is spoken when changing the speed
Step 4. Keep counting
As you repeat a prayer or mantra, keep counting the number to keep yourself focused. The easiest and most common way to count is to use a series of prayer beads or mantras.
- Mala, or Japa-Mala, is a string of beads used to calculate Sanskrit mantras. These beads can also be used to count your prayers 108 times.
- The rosary is a series of prayer beads also used by adherents of the Roman Catholic religion. Each part of the Rosary has a predetermined way of praying, but you must know the prayer to say for each part.
Step 5. Say the mantra according to the rhythm of your breath
This method aims to allow you to adjust the spell to the rhythm of your breath. Each time you start chanting, do it while inhaling.
There is a theory that says that thoughts and stimuli from the outside environment will enter the mind when a person inhales. By focusing on the mantra with each breath, you will be able to reduce the influence of external distractions
Step 6. Insert a personal prayer
If you are chanting a mantra for a spiritual purpose or praying, it is a good idea to remind yourself of the purpose of this mantra with a personal prayer for guidance and to stay focused while you chant.
- The personal prayer you insert should come from the heart, not a prayer that has been memorized.
- You can pray for focus and guidance with words like, "Dear God, I beg you, help me to concentrate on the words and the meaning behind the mantra I say."
- You can also say a prayer of thanks such as, "Dear God, thank you for speaking to me through chanting."
Method 4 of 4: Continuing the Practice of Chanting the Mantra
Step 1. Look at chanting mantras as a way of spiritual deepening
This means that you have to practice chanting the mantra regularly. Once you've practiced regularly for a long time, it's easier to maintain focus when you're distracted.
- Chanting a mantra is a unique form of prayer that doesn't require inspiration. You don't have to be perfect or feel moved before doing it. You just need to commit to getting started.
- This means, chanting is a devotional practice. Even if the words don't feel inspiring the moment you start chanting them, you're still praying wholeheartedly through the words and the practice you put into chanting this mantra.
Step 2. Repeat the self-suggestion sentences after the chanting session
Self-suggestion is an idea that you implant into your consciousness to guide your subconscious mind and behavior.
- Your self-suggestion could be something as simple as something like, "When I'm thinking useless thoughts, I'll come to my senses and refocus on the mantra."
- After chanting the mantra for a few minutes, repeat your self-suggestion five times. You can also say it in the middle of chanting or wait for it to finish.
Step 3. Say the mantra silently throughout the day
There is no rule that says you can chant only when your condition is very peaceful and calm. In fact, the habit of chanting for a few minutes in between your busy day can clear your mind, heart, and soul.
