top of page

Sanskrit Explained: Mantra

Writer's picture: Always YogaAlways Yoga

mantra [ mun-truh ] = tool for the mind


manas = mind

tra = tool


Mantra can be described as a sacred sound, word or phrase that is repeated to aid concentration, and to quiet the mind in meditation or prayer.


In the context of yoga, mantra - usually in sanskrit - helps us to deepen our practice and harness pratyahara - sense withdrawal.


Ways to practice mantra:


Japa meditation: reciting a mantra to yourself, either out loud or internally. One practice is to use mala beads, reciting your mantra 108 times.

Breath: reciting a mantra in meditation, along with they rhythm of your breath, eg. "so" on your inhale, "ham" on your exhale.

Kirtan: community chanting, often beginning as call and response, and accompanied by musical instruments.


The sacred sound of 'om' or 'aum' is an example of mantra. You might chant om as a mantra with the intention of feeling universal connectedness.


"A mantra can be thought of as a seed for energising an intention. Much in the same way you plant a flower seed, you plant mantras in the fertile soil of practice." Tris Thorp, Chopra


4 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Commenti


Always Yoga acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we practice and record — the Whadjuk Nyoongar people, and the Wadandi and Pibelmen people — and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

© 2023 by Always Yoga  •  Perth, Australia    |    Terms of Use    |    Privacy Policy 

bottom of page