Choosing a mantra.

JCG · March 11th, 2010, 00:51

Is there a method for choosing a mantra that is right for you?

Mr Monkey · March 11th, 2010, 20:19

Hi JCG,

Not sure if there is a method for choosing as such, I think its just a case of finding something your comfortable with. Your best bet would be to (if you haven't already) download and listen to the 'Discover Meditation' course you can get from the homepage. I seem to recollect a few suggestions in there which should be a good start.

Cheers,
Paul

Jeanna12 · March 11th, 2010, 22:53

Find one that is comfortable for you.

Edwin · March 12th, 2010, 17:16

How about "I broke my toaster oven this morning" for a mantra ? :P

Just kidding of course, but the reason I am saying this is because people tend to expect some weird magic from their mantra. If it is magic you expect, I would seriously suggest either "Aum" or " I am ".

They can seriously change your life for the better.

GilesC · March 12th, 2010, 18:37

My recommendation would be, like already mentioned, pick something you are comfortable with, and pick something that doesn't bring up any associated memories or thoughts as these just act to distract you from your meditative state. When people learn TM they are given a mantra which, whilst it does actually mean something, it's not in their own language and is not likely to have any meaning to that person, so it's just something that is a 'sound' to them, without any identification.

Hugs

Giles

JCG · March 14th, 2010, 22:06

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys, i've always been drawn to aum.

Peace to you all.

Edwin · March 15th, 2010, 10:25

You can find out some more info about the Aum sound/symbol here:

What Does Om Mean

GilesC · March 15th, 2010, 23:09

Originally Posted by Edwin

You can find out some more info about the Aum sound/symbol here:

What Does Om Mean

Hmm, not come across that description of it before.

I prefer the more traditional interpretation... something like:

http://www.answers.com/topic/aum

I've always liked the fact that Aum/Om is one of those things that shows how similar different belief systems are:

In Christianity we have "In the beginning was the word, and that word was God", but we can interpret a "word" as being a sound or vibration, and Om is a representation of God in various beliefs... so we have "In the beginning was the sound and that sound was Om". Om has all three aspects of action contained within it. The aspect of creation, the aspect of sustaining, and the aspect of dissolving. It is a sound of creation (or "the" sound of creation if you believe in creation of the universe in that sense), it maintains life as we know it, and it brings things back into balance and stillness (dissolving).

Hugs

Giles

wardie · March 16th, 2010, 00:59

hi all new to the site
just to say hello to you all
heres a tip
i have downloaded some fantastic meditation sounds, storms and thunder and heavy rain, it really has helped me to relax naturally and turn off my mind also helps me sleep
wardie