Mantra

We are very familiar with this Sanskrit word, mantra. We think of it as something we repeat to ourselves intentionally or not. Traditionally mantra is a phrase or word that is used as a tool or device to focus, clear, and befriend the mind. It can take us back to a pure state of Being. A mantra can be repeated during meditation or when performing a task that does not require our full attention like walking or doing the dishes. Also mantras are not phrases that someone came up with. It is not like somebody did some brainstorming and said "you know this would be a good thing to say". Mantras are considered to be sounds internally heard in deep meditation. They come from deep within pure Consciousness and are considered to be very close to it. Because of this they are repeated in meditation since they can easily take us back to that state.

In yoga practice we use the breath as a mantra not only to energize the body but also to clear and focus the mind. I will be sharing more about the breath as mantra during class this week as we practice the physical part of yoga.

Look forward to seeing you in class.

Blessings

Jorge Nihal