How to Repeat a Mantra, and Its Effects

Method of Repeating Mantra

Mantra can be practiced at any time. You can practice Mantra before going to sleep or upon waking. You can repeat your Mantra whenever your mind is not involved in what you are doing, i.e., mechanically, such as while eating, while walking, while driving to work. Eventually your Mantra will become so much a part of you that you find yourself repeating it all the time, consciously or unconsciously.

There are many ways of repeating Mantra. If your mind is restless, you may repeat your Mantra out loud, which helps in keeping the mind under control and calming it. If your mind is calm, you may repeat the Mantra semi-verbally, whispering it. But when your mind is very calm, it is best and most effective to repeat the Mantra mentally, bringing with it an intense feeling of devotion and surrender.

You may also sing your Mantra, or other Mantras, alone or in a group, in which case it is known as Kirtana. Generally, Kirtanas are devotional songs in praise of the Divine Self and help the mind to generate a spiritual atmosphere and devout feeling. They are popular in all religions.

Another important way of repeating Mantra, which is very effective in bringing about purity of mind and mental concentration, is Likhit Japa (writing the Mantra again and again). You may sit down and write your Mantra with great patience and steadiness, as if you are touching God; this is a powerful practice. If you were to write just a single page each day, you would notice a change in your ability to relax, both physically and mentally.

Effects of Mantra

Putting on the “armor” of Mantric vibrations allows you to move through the world without being affected by the negative influences of people. You develop serenity of mind, centeredness and spiritual strength without much effort and in a short period of time.

Let your mind enjoy a Divine sweetness while repeating Mantra. Gradually, as you continue your practice, your unconscious will become sensitive to the underlying Divine Presence. Mantra is unfailing in its results and is the simplest, most vital technique for spiritual unfoldment.

The repetition of Mantra, day-by-day, with devotion and regularity, charges your mind with spiritual vibrations. Every aspect of Yoga will open up to you automatically. It draws the Grace of God, it purifies the mind, and it brings to you psychic powers to strengthen your personality. Mantra can be directed towards healing or towards the solution of any problem one might have. However, the highest purpose of Mantra is when it is directed towards the unfoldment of Self-Realization.

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From the book Integral Yoga: The Secret to Enlightenment by Swami Jyotirmayananda, published by the Yoga Research Foundation. © Swami Jyotirmayananda. All rights reserved.

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