5 Mantras That Will Change Your Life

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Sometimes it’s easy to get caught in the thick of life and forget we have so much innate power within ourselves. I find that when I’m really down, using a mantra can really lift my spirits and remind me I’m more than just my difficulties. When using these chants, visualize the meaning and words reverberating through your entire body. Focus deeper and deeper, until you feel like the words are almost a part of you.

Listen to the videos! They’ll help you get the chant down.

1) Om

Meaning: Om means the sound or vibration of the universe. It’s the single most important mantra and meaning in the east. It’s beyond beginning or end and symbolizes the trinity of Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva.

What it does: Chanting om brings us into a calm and balanced state. The vibration helps the mind to release restless thoughts and focus on the moment.

2) Om Mani Padme Hum

Meaning: Om Mani Padme Hum is the most important mantra in Buddhism. It means “jewel in the lotus”. This is a way of saying we are all jewels waiting to be uncovered in the mud of self-limitation. For a more in-depth definition: The Meaning Of Om Mani Padme Hum

What it does: This chant helps to unlock the compassion hidden within. Chanting regularly and with good intentions brings a cleansing sensation to the mind.

3) Om Namah Shivaya

Meaning: Om Namah Shivaya means “I bow to that which I am becoming”. In the context of this chant, Shiva represents the inner reality…the truest nature of ourselves.

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What it does: This chant helps to expand the innate wisdom we all carry within us. It’s basically a way of declaring “war” on bad habits and ignorance. Once these are shed, the soul can shine through and true happiness is attained.

4) Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Meaning: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu means “may all beings live in happiness, free of suffering and in divine union”. This chant is usually done at the end of a meditation or yoga practice, almost as a prayer.

What it does: This is a powerful mantra that helps to release anger and hatred, and more importantly affirms that all beings deserve what we all want- happiness. This can subtlety change our mindset to be much more peaceful and willing to give love.

5) Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha

Meaning: Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha means “I bow to Ganesh, the remover of obstacles. I pray for protection and blessing”. Ganesh symbolizes the quality within ourselves that can overcome challenging difficulties, whether they be on the inside (like negative thoughts) or outside (an important interview).

What it does: Affirming your ability to overcome difficulties is deeply empowering. While it may not be the easiest route to take, difficulties were made to be conquered- even if that means the real lesson is learning how to accept defeat or loss.

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