The Power of Mantra Meditation
Could a word as simple as “ohm” directly influence our bodies, and moreover, impact the instructions we receive from our DNA? Quite surprisingly, in the post-modern world, the answer is “yes.” Doctors today are rapidly uncovering the mind’s ability to significantly affect the body. Perhaps breaking news to modern medicine, the power of sound on the subconscious mind has been one which has subsisted with ancient cultures. Since the evolution of mankind, human beings have been using sound to enhance altered states of consciousness.
As Deepak Chopra, new age and holistic health guru, infamously shares: this is the power of the mantra.
The word mantra, derived from Sanskrit, is made up from two parts: “man,” which means “mind,” and “tra,” which means “instrument.” Hence, a mantra is understood to be an instrument of the mind; a profound sound or vibration which emboldens the mind to enter a deep state of meditation.
When a mantra such as “aohm” is repeated, it creates a powerful mental vibration that allows the mind to experience deeper levels of awareness, as each mantra induces specific vibrations in the mind.
Notably, mind-body researchers are finding significantly more indication that meditation, namely mantra chanting, can act as guidance for the body elementally. The Preventive Medicine Research Institute at the University of California at San Francisco recently found a relationship between meditation and genes in prostate cancer. In an important pilot study they conducted, results supported that meditation alone may favorably alter gene expression in whole blood. Continuing to elaborate, findings showed that meditation, when combined with better nutrition and moderate exercise, also favourably altered gene expression in prostate tissue. Although these are only preliminary signs in establishing a connection between genes and meditation, the power of sound on the subconscious mind is one which cannot be neglected.
As an example from mainstream western culture, Chant and Be Happy (a book which follows renowned Beatle musicians George Harrison and John Lennon’s experiences with chanting) proves the immense power of the Hare Krishna “Hare Rama” mantra to transform the mind. The book suggests that the fundamental issue with our pursuit of happiness is that our sources of “pleasure” are all limited.
Chant and be Happy provides readers with information about how we can enlarge our perspective beyond present limitations, as it examines a principle which originates from the very innermost part of our being – all channeled via the mystical power of transcendental sound vibrations.
Dispelling an ethereal impression, each word and sound in a mantra has been shown to have a very specific energetic effect. For example, a specific mantra which focuses on the word “aum” is able to stimulate certain parts of the brain, which in turn release correspondingly beneficial chemicals.
On an elementary level, mantras can be categorized as mediums of specialized sound which positively affect the mental plane. In our quest to consciously replace negative and conditioned thought patterns, mantras can be extremely effective in mediating between the conscious and subconscious mind.