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Mantra is a seed-syllable, or a series of
seed-syllables, that resonates harmoniously and manifests a potential
outcome. A mantra is similar to a prayer in that both are
recited to invoke a particular response. Sound has the capacity to
greatly influence matter. For example, certain sound frequencies
collapse matter, like ultrasound, which is used to remove plaque from
teeth and arteries. Other sound frequencies cohere
matter.
Mantras are
practiced as a form of meditation in which the practitioner recites a
syllable, or a series of syllables, a specific number of times in order to
actualize perfection of body, mind and speech. The mantra is often
accompanied by detailed visualization in addition to precise body postures
called mudra.
Although mantra is commonly associated with speech, or the spoken word,
mantra may also be "soundless" (like the "eternal Om")
and resonate at frequencies beyond the usual 15 to 20,000-hertz range of
human hearing, i.e., ("... in the beginning was the Word"
...).
True mantra originates through breath. As breath moves unimpeded
through the wind pipes, it produces spontaneous, melodic, and multi-phonic
sounds, like wind passing through a reed or flute. Few have mastered this ancient art of mantric-breath; however, the
more common practice of mantric-recitation can still have a profound,
transforming and beneficial affect upon the practitioner and the
surrounding environment.
In the Buddhist
tradition, mantras are generally recited in a sequence of nine repetitions
(i.e., 9 times, 18 times, 27 times, 36 times, etc.), however, the most
common number of repetitions is 108. 108 repetitions
of a mantra for 40 days will permanently lock its vibration into
manifestation; however, if you miss even one day, you must start all over
again. Use a mala (a Buddhist rosary with 108 beads) to count the
number of times you've recited a particular mantra at each sitting.
To keep track of the number of days you've recited the mantra, place 40 grains of rice in a small bowl and remove one grain of rice upon
completion of that day's practice
The following are
mantras from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions:
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