Even if you don’t understand what mantras say and if you don’t believe they can change your state of mind, - they still do, not depending on your attitude. This technique is amazing in results it brings.

Then, how does it happen? Where do mantras come from?

When ancient spiritual practitioners reached enlightenment-like states of mind, they discovered sounds that seemed to pierce through reality. Being in light, in unusual state of mind, discovering deep meditation, they heard specific sounds which were later recorded and chanted. Mantras are widely used as an instrument of mind control, concentration and relaxation. In Buddhism there’s a concept of prior practices, when you are given simple tasks like mantra chanting (repeating) and Deities image meditation. It helps you clear fears and mind imprints before you can go any further.

Those of you who practice yoga, qigong, meditation will find mantras most useful for being in the flow, targeting your mind to specific thoughts, calming, keeping a state of observer, a sense of being here and now.

In our daily life, we can create our own mantras as words which have deeper meaning to us. Repeating simple idea consciously will keep your focus on it. You do not have to know Sanskrit to use mantras.

When I get treated badly somewhere (street, store, work, any place) for any reason, I use my simple mantra “Forget it. They suffer more then you do”. Sometimes I use Sanscrit mantra of compassion “Om mani padme hung“. And it really helps me to keep my temper and inner peace and let negative thoughts go away.

Another simple mantra I use is “Little effort brings great change” for the moments when I feel lazy or tired. It helps me put myself on yoga mat, make a first step to refreshing myself.

Those of you who often travel by means of public transportation probably have noticed the influence crowd does upon our mind and consciousness. Morning practice often gets smashed by someone pushing us in subway during peak-hour or sound of unbearable music from someone’s headphones.

My recipe for staying “inside” and keeping your mind freshness is mantras. Singing inside or listening to those magic melodies you like, developing compassion to those around you will fill yourself with light.

One of my favorite Indian chanting below:

What mantras do you use in every-day-life? Which ones make you inspired, calm, loving?

More information about mantras:

Discovering mantras: 10 melodies for yoga practice

Wiki article on mantras