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46     EASTERN HORIZON  |  FEATURE
















































               University, investigating the cognitive and emotional   languages such as Sanskrit are said to be more effective
               effects of mantra meditation.                      due to their vibration, however, most sounds could have
                                                                  some effect on the Parasympathetic Nervous System
               What is mantra meditation?                         if chanted aloud. Also, apart from the vibration of the

                                                                  sound, intention is also an important aspect of mantra
               “Mantras are the mind vibration in relation to the   chanting. Therefore, if mantras are chanted with devotion
               cosmos. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge   or intention of the heart, they can be even more effective
               that sound is a form of energy having structure, power,   than simply just chanted for their sound alone.
               and a definite, predictable effect on the human psyche.”
               _Yogi Bhajan_                                      What are the aims and benefits of mantra chanting?



               So, what exactly is mantra chanting? Mantra chanting   Traditionally, mantra chanting is aimed at achieving
               has been practiced for thousands of years in many   higher states of awareness and expanding
               civilizations all over the world. The practice involves   consciousness, also known as enlightenment, Samadhi
               focusing on the mantra, which can be a word, sound   and Nirvana. These states may be short-term or even
               or phrase, and it can be recited aloud, whispered   life changing perspectives. In these states, people report
               or mentally repeated. Also, we can practice mantra   feeling extreme positive mood, decreased capacity to
               chanting alone or in a group setting.              determine separateness to others and often loss of
                                                                  memory and concepts such as time and space, making
               The word mantra is a Sanskrit word that comes from   these experiences difficult to define and measure
               two words; manas, which means mind, and tra, which   scientifically. However, in these states, an individual
               means truth, liberation or tool. Therefore, mantra   can see and experience the world without any prior
               chanting is said to connect us with our true mind or   memories or conditioning. These preconceived ideas
               our true selves. Mantra, although a Sanskrit word, can   and conditioning are basically what prevents us from
               be a sound, word or phrase in any language. Ancient   accepting ourselves, others, or our current situation.
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