“Words have the power to create worlds and heal hearts.” A mantra is more than just a sound – it is a powerful tool, an anchor for the mind and a protection for the soul. In the ancient Sanskrit tradition, the word mantra means “that which protects the one who has received it”. It is made up of manas (spirit) and tra (protection, technique).
A mantra is a key that can open the door to a deeper consciousness and a finer perception. Originally, mantras were passed on from teacher to student, accompanied by a deep explanation of the inner meaning. Their power unfolds through repetition – whether spoken, whispered or mentally recited.
Mantra as the sound body of divinity
In many spiritual traditions, especially in Hinduism and Tantrism, a mantra is seen as an expression of divine power (Shakti). There are three ways in which divinity is represented in these teachings:
1. as an image figure (murti): A visual representation of a deity.
2. as a geometric symbol (yantra): A spiritual map for meditation.
3. as a sound vibration (mantra): A one-dimensional embodiment of divine energy.
When we recite a mantra, we awaken this sound vibration within us. Take, for example, the mantra of the goddess Durga – her energy stands for protection, inner strength and motherly care. By chanting or reciting the mantra, we connect with these qualities and invite them into our lives.
“Sound is the invisible bridge between body, mind and soul.”
Bija mantras: the seeds of divine power
Bija mantras, also known as seed syllables, are the essence of a mantra in its most compact form. The word bija means “seed”, and just as a seed carries the entire potential of a plant, a bija mantra contains the essence of a particular energy quality or deity.
Bija mantras and their meaning:
– OM: The universal mantra – the imperishable, infinite and indescribable.
– Lam: Grounding and basic trust (Muladhara chakra).
– Vam: Creative power and sensuality (Svadhisthana chakra).
– Shrim: Abundance, beauty and well-being, the energy of the goddess Lakshmi.
– Hrim: Transformation and clarity, associated with Shiva and solar energy.
– Klim: Change and dissolution, the energy of the goddess Kali.
The bija mantras not only affect our energy field, but also correspond with our chakras, the energy centers in the body. The vibrations of the bijas can gradually release even deep-seated blockages.
Chakras and bija mantras
A powerful practice is the connection of the bija mantras with the chakras to create harmony and balance in the energy system.
1. Lam – Muladhara chakra (root chakra): Connection to the earth, stability and basic trust.
2. Vam – Svadisthana chakra (sacral chakra): Creativity, zest for life and sensuality.
3. Ram – Manipura chakra (solar plexus): Power, self-confidence and will.
4. Yam – Anahata chakra (heart chakra): Love, compassion and harmony.
5. Ham – Vishuddha chakra (throat chakra): Communication, authenticity and truth.
6. Sham – Ajna chakra (third eye): Intuition, clarity and insight.
7. om – Sahasrara chakra (crown chakra): Connection to the universal, to the source.
The practice of bija mantras: letting energy flow
A simple but transformative exercise is to recite the bija mantras in the order of the chakras:
1. sit in a quiet place.
2. breathe in and out deeply to calm down.
3. start with Lam (root chakra) and recite the mantra aloud, in a whisper or in your mind. Feel the vibration in your body.
4. continue with Vam, Ram, Yam, Ham, Sham and Om, while allowing the energy to rise along the chakras.
5. conclude the exercise with a moment of silence.
“In the silence of sound we find our way back to ourselves.”
How mantras regulate the nervous system
As a holistic therapist, I have seen countless times how powerful mantras can be for the autonomic nervous system. Especially in today’s hectic world, we are often trapped in the sympathetic nervous system – in fight-or-flight mode. Here stress dominates and our body loses the ability to heal and regenerate.
By regularly reciting a mantra, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system – the state of relaxation, harmony and self-regulation. In this state, body and mind can finally repair, regenerate and realign themselves.
Mantras help us to calm the inner noise, focus our energy and return to a state of balance and wholeness.
My personal advice for your mantra practice
Mantras are tools that can support you on many levels – be it for relaxation, for strengthening certain qualities or for self-regulation. I invite you to choose a mantra that speaks to you and practice it regularly for 21 days.
If you are looking for support in choosing or practicing a mantra, please write to me at sohrab@papahn.de. Together we can bring the power of sound into your life.
“A mantra is like a light in the darkness – it shows you the way back to yourself.”
