From ancient times in India chanting mantra was a daily routine and that helped to balance the both inner and outer worlds. When we repeatedly chant any mantra that vibrations will boost our energy, reduce mind activity, calm down the whole system and relax the body. When the body and mind relax, the body gets enough time for healing which will improve overall health and immunity. When minds calm down that reduces our problems because most of our problems get exaggerated due to our overthinking and imagination. Life is actually very simple, we are complicating it most of the time by overthinking and overreacting.
Importance of Controlling the Mind
So basically for a peaceful life mind control is the most important thing. But controlling our minds is not as easy as we think. Mind is depicted like a drunken monkey. Monkey himself is very mischievous and you imagine how unstable he is if he is drunk too. Mind is also like that. So we cannot stop the mind chattering in simple steps. That is why rishis and saints made so many mantras and suggested chanting those mantras regularly to move awareness away from the mind activities.
When to Chant the Mantras ?
From ancient times people followed some customs to chant mantras at specific prayer times – mainly in the morning and evening times. Of course that is a good time to chant but it is not compulsory to stick to any specific times. You can listen to a mantra via headphones or chant it silently in your mind while you are sitting in a bus or train or taking a rest at the office or walking on the street. So anytime is ok, whenever you get free time or you feel comfortable. But don’t listen to it when you are doing some work which needs immediate attention like operating machinery which needs your full attention.
How many times should i Chant ?
There are no such limits. More the better. Saints count the number of chants with the rudraksha mala or chain they always carry with them. 108 is believed to be a sacred number and they take it as one round when 108 chanting is completed. So you can also follow that. But it is not compulsory to follow any such counting. Chant or listen as much as possible.
When you listen or chant a mantra millions of times that mantra starts to echo or reverberate in yourself slowly even when you are not chanting or listening. That will liberate you from all external sufferings. That will cool down your mind, energize your systems. You will start viewing the world in a totally different way. You will be filled with Peace and happiness. external suffering or problems will not create any negative impacts in you.
Which mantra to Chant ? | Top Indian Sanskrit Mantras
Gayatri Mantra is one of the most popular mantras from Rigveda and believed to be the first mantra.
oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ prachodayāt
As per Swami Vivekananda the meaning is “We meditate on the glory of that Being who has produced this universe; may He enlighten our minds”.
There are 100s of mantras and the popularity varies depending on the region, culture etc. You can choose any one from this list.
- Ohm or Om
- Om Namah Shivaya
- Hare Rama Hare Krishna
- Om gam ganapataye namah
- Om Mani Padme Hum
- Om Shanti Shanti Shanti
- Aham Brahma Asmi (I am Brahman)
Shanti Mantra
Om Saha Naavavatu Saha Nau Bhunaktu Saha Veeryam Karavaavahai Tejasvi Aavadheetamastu Maa Vidvishaavahai Om
This Shanti mantra means “May the Lord protect and bless us. May he nourish us, giving us strength to work together for the good of humanity. May our learning be brilliant and purposeful. May we never turn against one another.”
There are numerous Mantras like this from ancient vedic texts and other such documents. You can select any one of them. There is not much significance about which mantra you choose. The important thing is how dedicated you are in it. Chant or listen whenever you get time or make time for it. Also it is better to Stick with One Mantra instead of mixing many mantras. Select one and make it a part of your daily routine. Slowly your life will change! You will start exploring unexplored parts of your life!