How to Use Mantras in Integral Yoga

Integral yoga practice uses mantras or sacred chants to align the breath, the body and the mind. An amalgam of Raja yoga, Bhakti yoga, Hatha yoga and Jnana yoga, integral yoga is a journey to wholeness of the human self.

Things You'll Need

• CD's of Gayatri mantra and other mantras
• Guru
• Yoga mat
• Loose, comfortable clothing

Instructions

Mantras: The Sounds of Harmony

1. 

   Exhale as you place palms together in prayer position. You will coordinate movement, breath and sound. The sound will be your mantra. Each pose, breath and chant focuses on a different chakra.

2. 

   Chant with strength and depth, "Om Mitraya Namaha." Allow the sounds to resonate throughout your pose. Maintain control of the exhalation. This addresses your heart chakra. Inhale as you stretch your arms up. Bend backwards with arms continuing back with your movement. Chant, "Om Ravaye Namaha." This combination focuses on your throat chakra.

3. 

   Exhale, bend forward and touch your hands to your ankles. The accompanying mantra is "Om Suryaye Namaha." The focal area is your pelvic chakra.

4. 

   Inhale and lunge your left leg all the way back. Look up and chant, "Om Bhanave Namaha." Your third eye is affected. As you exhale, move into the downward dog. Chant, "Om Khagaya Namaha," again to open your throat chakra.

5. 

   Exhale, move into standing pose, hands together in prayer position. Chant, "Om Bhaskaraya Namaha" as you open your heart chakra. Release your arms to your sides. (See Resources below for Sun Salutation Instructions on the complete set of poses.)

6. 

   Chant "Aum," a powerful mantra. You can chant it in a sitting pose, cross-legged or not. Sit with your back straight, but relaxed. Allow each syllable "Ah-uu-mm" to resonate throughout your physical and subtle bodies. Repeat for ten to twenty minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideally, you will seek and find a yoga master who can help you find the mantra that is unique to you

• Before engaging in Hatha yoga asanas, see a health care practitioner

Resources

• Sun Salutation Mantra Instructions
• Use of Mantras
• How Mantra Works