How to Pick a Meditation Mantra
The most common form of meditation is "one-pointed" meditation, which involves using a thought or object as a point of focus for your mind. This can be a candle, a painting, or just a word that you introduce into your mind. You can be given a mantra by a spiritual teacher, but you can also choose your own, or use a common word, or just use any nonsense word. Read on to learn how to choose your own.
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Things You'll Need
- A quiet place to sit
- A list of possible words (optional)
- A book teaching mantra meditation (optional)
Instructions
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How to Pick a Meditation Mantra
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You have choices. You can choose a traditional mantra. These usually are a form of the name of God, in one language or another. The Sanskrit word "aum" is probably the best known, but there are many others. You can search them out online, or in books on meditation.
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Another option has been recommended by western medicine in the book, "The Relaxation Response." Dr. Herbert Benson recommends using the word, "one." It is simple, and can also have philosophical meaning.
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You can deliberately choose a nonsense sound. Make sure it is one that you will remember, because you want to continue using the same word consistently. This word will be a tool for you, and it's always best to find the best tools, and use them as often as possible.
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Sit quietly and explore these options, and see what feels "right" to you. Some people are more traditional, and "aum" is appropriate for them. Others may want deliberately to avoid any particular religious or spiritual discipline, so "one" or some other word or sound may work better for them. Sit and quietly run through your possibilities, either in your mind, or quietly out loud. You will know when you've found the right word; it will stick to your mind as though it has come home to roost!
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Tips & Warnings
There are meditation instructors out there. You might want to find a professional teacher to get you started.
A mantra is a word that will keep you focused, but needs itself to be effortless. It needs to feel as comfortable for you as your own name.
Don't be in a hurry to choose. Look for what feels really right.
Don't change words midstream, and give any chosen mantra a period of time before you decide it isn't the one for you.
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Comments
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I will try to find a mantra that works with me thankyou.
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FUSILLI1OF4
Jul 10, 2008
I think this article is helpful to me in finding a mantra that works for ME~thanks! -
Rhonda Lowe
Jan 14, 2008
Very interesting! I will try to find a word that works for me. Thank you!
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Rhonda Lowe
Jan 14, 2008
Very interesting! I will try to find a word that works for me. Thank you!
