Meditation tips & techniques: The history of mantra meditation

Meditation tips & techniques: The history of mantra meditation

The history of mantra meditation

Meditation guide


Mantra meditation is one of the easiest forms of meditation for the beginner to learn, a mantra is a word or phrase which is continually chanted either out loud or internally. The origin of mantra meditation goes back to Vedic tradition that was before Buddha, when mantras were used at this time as a way of appeasing the Gods.



Cultures have believed throughout history that words hold sacred powers and that by uttering certain words or names, especially those of Gods or spirits, they could control unforeseen forces. In ancient India it was thought that if you knew the true names of the Gods you could call upon them at anytime to help you or call them to do your bidding.

Buddhists are perhaps the ones we most commonly associate chanting with, early Buddhists used to chant religiously to the deity Buddhanusati. However mantras as we know them today didn't come into practice in Buddhism until the rise of Mahayana, which then began incorporating elements of the non Buddhist approach to spirituality know as Tantra.

Tantra made use of mantras as a way of communicating with the Gods and influencing them. Buddhists then took this method and adapted it as a way of getting in touch and obtaining enlightenment.

Buddhist mantras and their meanings

Sabbe sattaa sukhi hontu

This mantra means "may all beings be well and happy "It is more of a chant than an actual mantra and the words should be free flowing.

Om shanti shanti shanti

This mantra basically means "peace to mind, body and spirit"

Gate gate paaragate paarasamgate bodhi svaahaa

This mantra means "gone beyond, utterly beyond, enlightenment hail", it is a mantra that is taken from Mahayana scriptures which are known as "perfection of wisdom", which were a form of worship in Mahayana Buddhism.

Om Taare Tuttaare Ture Svaahaa

This mantra gives praise to the goddess Tara whose name means star and who is the female Bodhisattva of compassion.

The definition of mantra meditation

The word mantra means "that which protects the mind", in Buddhist meditation mantras are used as an object to focus the mind on, a mind protector. Mantras can have a particular historical meaning or figure in mind such as a God or they may have no association other than being affirmative.

For example there are mantras which are associated with the God's or deities as above or just life affirming statements. Whichever mantra you choose it should have some meaning to you personally and be something you are comfortable with, the mantra should be repeated in time with your breath over and over.

The history of mantra meditation

Home

What is meditation?

Meditation tips to overcome stress & anxiety

A simple breathing meditation

Active & passive meditation

Buddhist meditation

Chakra meditation

Meditation facts

Mantra meditation

Meditation aids & equipment

Meditation poses & styles

Music for meditation

Meditation physical & common postures

Postures for meditation

Taoist meditation - Central channel meditation

Taoist meditation - the breath & navel meditation

Meditation benefits

Mudras meditation technique

Transcendental meditation

Visualization techniques for meditation


Yoga exercise, diet & fitness guide

Contact Us


© Copyright Mantra-meditation.com - Meditation tips & techniques - All rights reserved.