MARKETING guys are not the only ones to use the power of 'mantras'! The word 'mantra' derives from two Sanskrit words - 'man', which means mind and 'tra', which refers to freedom and protection - 'Free Your Mind', as they said in 'The Matrix'- we figured it out way before the Wachowski Brothers did. Mantras free the person from the vagaries of life and help in making full use of the intellect. The condition of your mind determines the quality of your life. Practitioners believe that if you find ways of overcoming psychological disturbances, agitations and mindless rage, you'll be a much happier person.

How It Works

Chanting mantras brings a state of harmony to the mind. It helps in balancing both sides of the brain and also enhances intuition. Like everything in the universe, our body is made up of vibrating energy. The cells in the body move in unison. However, when this natural rhythm and harmony is disrupted, diseases and disorders arise. The cells respond to the chanting sound within our bodies and resonate in a manner by which harmony is restored. It also calms and clears the mind and helps rejuvenate.

Mantra yoga allows you to reach a state of awareness and have the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks with vigour and alertness with much less fatigue. It improves productivity irrespective of age, gender or profession. The chants move through the body purifying the entire being. The sounds help achieve a sense of inner calm and joy. Chanting also aids in dissolving malice and bitterness.

Energy Unlimited

Mantras should be repeated 108 times for maximum effectiveness. Different beads such as the 'padam beej', 'rudraksha', 'tulsi', 'shankh', 'pearl', 'gold', 'silver' and gems are used in a rosary or 'mala' during meditation. Using beads helps you to concentrate and also helps to dissipate nervous energy. These beads become infused with spiritual energy coming from within the devotee.

Try to relax and forget all mundane thoughts or activities during recitation. While repeating the mantra, take regular deep breaths and allow the mantra to wash over your mind. After some time, you will feel a release of pent-up emotions and feelings. There may be tears or even painful thoughts, but bring yourself back to concentrating on the chanting. Remember that regular practice is necessary - there are no short cuts to spiritual liberation.

Chant Shanti

Om bhur bhuva swaha

tat savitur varenyam

bhargo devasya dheemahi

dhiyo yonah

prachodayat

One of the most powerful mantras, the Gayatri Mantra is addressed to the energy of the sun and brings you spiritual as well as material benefits.

* Om: The power of this word is tremendous and it's believed that its vibrating sound encompasses the universe. Almost every Sanskrit mantra starts with it as it makes the prayer come alive.

Vakratunda mahaakaaya

Suryakotee sama prabha

Nirvighnam kuru mey deva

Sarva kaaryeshu sarvadaa

This is one of the famous mantras dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It means: O Lord Ganesha, of large body and curved trunk, with the brilliance of a million suns, please make all my work free of obstacles, always!

* Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha: Also removes obstacles.

* Om Saraswatiya Namaha: Helps in the pursuit of knowledge and should be recited in the morning.

* Om Shreem Laxmi Dhanam Dehi Dehi Shreem

Om: Grants wealth and prosperity.