Mantra Meditation

Do you feel like you think too much, or that your thoughts are driving you crazy? Mantra meditation may be one way to help. Mantra meditation tends to slow down the mind, and cool out the thinking process. Many people report it to leave them feeling centered, refreshed, and relaxed. 

Mentally repeat a sacred word or phrase. 

The first step is to choose a mantra. A mantra is a word or phrase that is believed to have a sacred meaning and power. Mantras are typically quite short, in order to make repetition easy. Choose whatever short word or phrase works for you. 

If you cannot decide on a mantra, here are some favorites, categorized by the tradition from which they come:
Hindu:
      - OM 
      - RAM
      - OM NAMAH SHIVAYA           

     Buddhist:
       - OM MANE PADME HUM
       - NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO

Sikh: - WAHE GURU
     Christian: - KYRIE ELEISON
     Jewish: - SHEMA YISRAEL ADONAI ELOHEINU ADONAI ECHAD
     Muslim: - ALLAH HU           

Picking a mantra may be the hardest part! Once you have made your choice, the actual practice is simple:            

Take a reposed, seated posture. Your back should be straight and your body as relaxed as possible.

Close your eyes, and relax again. 

Now, with your eyes closed, begin to repeat your mantra mentally. 

Repeat it in a gentle, soft, open (mental) voice. Don't say it in a special or emphatic tone. Don't repeat it in a fast or anxious manner. Smooth, relaxed, and even. 

As you repeat the mantra, bring your attention to the sound of it in your mind. Listen closely to the sound of the mantra, as if you were listening to it on the radio. Pay careful attention to each and every repetition.

If your attention begins to wander, bring it back to the sound of the mantra. If it wanders again, bring it back again. 

Notice your mind becoming calm and centered. 

Continue to do this for at least 10 minutes, or for as long as you like.