Mantra

In our westernized, modern-day spiritual practices the word “mantra” has become as mainstream as “intention.” But the two are actually quite different. The word mantra can be broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “ tra ” which means transport or vehicle. In other words, a mantra is an instrument of the mind—a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation.

Like a seed planted with the intention of blossoming into a beautiful perennial, a mantra can be thought of as a seed for energizing an intention. Much in the same way you plant a flower seed, you plant mantras in the fertile soil of practice. You nurture them and over time they bear the fruit of your intention.

Awareness, in this context, refers to the ability to pay attention to the choices you make in your everyday life, and recognize when something isn't working so you can change it. Many people face a lot of stress day to day. You wake up, cook breakfast, feed the kids, get them to school, go to work, drink coffee for lunch, and burn through the day. By the end of it, you’re ready to crash. Then you repeat the cycle the next day.

Developing a daily meditation practice helps you to cultivate a more present, peaceful, and balanced lifestyle, which ripples out into every other aspect of your life. Mantras can help bring you back to that present state of mind.

In many yoga studios in the West, class begins with the instructor sharing a theme for the session. He or she may invite the students to set an intention for their practice, and may offer suggestions for mantras to use during class. Mantras like, "I am strong," "I am focused," or "I let go and surrender" can help the practitioner maintain a connection to the state they wish to cultivate during their time on the mat.

This mantra is used in silent repetition during movement to help keep the mind focused. It's been said that in yoga, Asanas are postures of the body and mantras are postures of the mind. Mantras, when used in this fashion, are more like affirmations and help to keep you connected to a particular state of mind.