As the act of performing meditation becomes widely accepted among mainstream audiences, more and more individuals are becoming exposed to and aware of mantras. In modern day terms, a mantra is simply a word, phrase, or sound that is used during the practice of meditation as a tool to quiet the mind. During meditation, the goal is to go beyond the consciousness of the mind and experience our true nature or essence but the unruly, undisciplined, and loud mind often prevents us from reaching the tranquil state we need to connect with our true nature. To understand the science behind mantras and how they work, we need to first understand that mantras do not derive their significance from their literal meanings, but instead from the subtle vibrations that get uttered through the sequence of sounds when chanted or projected by thought on an internal level.
The Basis of Mantras is in Internal Vibrations We Feel
According to ancient understandings of mantras, it is believed that the entire cosmos is a complex combination of various mantras (sounds) and out of these, a series of sounds have been identified that will bring balance between the mind, body, and the emotions you feel. When these sounds are used correctly, you can identify the true nature of your existence and reach self-realization. This is because they help you turn inward and experience higher dimensions of your life beyond the external senses. Mantras are known to have four levels, also known as koshas, which someone practising meditation would maneuver through. The first level is the literal meaning, perceived externally by our intelligent minds; the second is the feeling of the mantra. The third is the internal awareness that the mantra brings, sometimes denoted as a deep presence, and the fourth is the experience of the unstruck or soundless sound that the mantra evokes. This experience stems from the form that is attached to the mantra (sound). Mantras are the vibrations (sounds) that we tap into during meditation.
How Does The Mantra Work as a Tool?
When used during meditation, the mantra does not block or obstruct the flow of breath but instead balances it. This leads the individual into a state called Sushumna Nadi, where the individual’s breath is active and flows freely, equally, and simultaneously. When an individual reaches this state, the mind is completely able to focus inward and can thereby disconnect from the external senses. At this point, the individual will be able to experience the freely flowing thoughts and emotions of the unconscious mind. In order to go beyond this, a mantra can be used to create one concentrated point of focus. The mind will centre itself on this mantra and all other impressions, such as thoughts and emotions, will become still. This is the state that all meditators try and reach.
How Is The Science Behind Mantras Beneficial?
In knowing that we can use mantras to quiet the mind down and tune ourselves into the natural, resonant vibrations around us, we are able to induce relaxation, slow down our brain waves, synchronize our left and right brain hemispheres, and even release stuck energy that has caused sickness or imbalances in our physical bodies and mental states. In practising the use of mantras and meditation, we are able to re-centre ourselves, focus inward, and get in tune with our true existence, alleviating misalignment.