Religious Mantras

A mantra is a group of syllables or words considered holy and have the power of creating 'transformation'. Mantras are believed to be charged with vibration power , which can help in attainment of specific desires as well as general wellbeing, and therefore it is important to pronounce these mantras correctly and clearly. Continuous practice of mantras is known to purify the Consciousness and the mind.

Mantras, originated in the Vedic tradition of India, follow the written pattern of two line 'shlokas'. Overtime these mantras became indispensable in Hindu tradition and rituals. Some of the most known Hindu religious mantras are Shanti Mantra, Gayatri Mantra and Vishnu Mantra. Mantras are also a customary practice Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. The most basic mantra is Aum, which in Hinduism is known as the "pranava mantra," the source of all mantras.

Types of Mantras

* Prayer - Prayer is a way of connecting with God.

* Guru Mantra - Anchoring us in God, the Atma and the Supreme Self, the Guru Mantra symbolizes the essence of prayer. The Guru Mantra is the first initiation on the road to spirituality given by the Master to the disciple.

* Bija Mantra - Bija mantra represents the essence of the Guru Mantra. It is the vibration and the "call" of the soul. The word Bij means a seed and a seed mantra is generally of one syllable, it is also known as the root mantra. A seed letter is known as a Bija-akshara. The concept behind the Bija mantra is that, when a seed is sown it grows into a fruitful tree, in the same manner the pronunciation of a Bija mantra produces powerful effects called Shakti. Its effects develop more readily in deep meditation. As it works at the astral level it guides and influences the course of our destiny.

Buddhist mantras are syllables which represent the cosmic forces, aspects of Buddhas, or the name of Buddha. The mantra is repeated during meditation, and in Vajrayana Buddhism this is accompanied by visualizations and body postures.

Mantra Yoga, a stage of yoga which requires chanting of various mantra, includes powerful mantras that bring calmness and tranquility to a persons heart, mind and soul. Chanting these powerful Sanskrit mantras keeps an individual away from the material world and allows focus on essentials of life. One can also achieve Samadhi using Mantra Yoga. They also have healing powers that help you relax your body and mind, keeping you away from distraction. Nowadays you can avail free mantras, which can increase your well being and self awareness.