A mantra is a string of Sanskrit syllables that conjures the energy of a certain buddha or bodhisattva. The word mantra literally means "that which protects the mind." It functions as a sacred sound that bestows blessings onto ourselves and others, as well as a tool for rewiring our minds to become wiser and more empathetic.
To approach meditation methodically, start with developing a steady, comfortable sitting posture, learning to make the breath tranquil, and quieting and balancing the physical body. That is the intention behind the hatha yoga poses and breathing exercises. The next stage is to start practicing breath awareness and remove the mind from outside matters. Start by observing how the breath moves from the nostril tips to the center of the heart and back again. Initially, you will notice that this easy exercise brings a sense of peace because it differs greatly from the typical habit of allowing the mind to wander.
Mantra science is not a concept from the East. It is a universal truth, made known to everyone who is capable of receiving it, regardless of location or time. All of the main spiritual traditions of the world, including Buddhism, Sufism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity, as well as the spiritual practices of many tribal groups, hold this idea, even if a full-fledged doctrine of the Word evolved only in the East.
For instance, the Australian Karadjeri people hold that things didn't actually appear until the first two people stated their names. The Kabbalah, a medieval Jewish mystic school, holds that although God is transcendent, he emanates his "manifest and noble aspects" through ten different kinds of light, or sefirot. Parallel to these 10 emanations, divine names and letters—the 22 consonants of the Hebrew alphabet—arose.
Ancient Sumerian texts also describe the creative power of the Divine Word, saying that the moment thinking arises in the Divine Being's mind, the universe starts to evolve. As the Divinity speaks their names, things materialize. This is comparable to the creation story found in the Old Testament, when God speaks the manifest world into existence by uttering the words, "Let there be light," and light appears. The famous statement, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God," from the New Testament's Gospel of John expands on this idea.
This is the point where the mantra so-hum meditation is introduced. Furthermore, this sound generates a deeper sense of tranquility than breath awareness practice alone since it has the inherent power to pull the mind within. However, once more, when the mind clears and you are able to access a deeper part of yourself over months or years, even more subtle and troublesome habit patterns become apparent. At this juncture, initiation becomes relevant. Furthermore, this is the moment when mantra science turns esoteric. The usage of so-hum as a meditation object has a discernible effect. Whether or whether you believe in and comprehend mantra science, you will witness an outcome.
For this reason, you should carefully evaluate the following questions before seeking mantra initiation: What drives me to seek out additional advice? How can I tell if I'm prepared for initiation? How can I know that the individual initiating me comes from a real spiritual family and has experienced mantra directly? How can I be certain that this individual is more than just a well-read bookworm and charismatic speaker? Does initiation play a role in my future development and growth? By accepting initiation, what responsibility does it mean for me, and what can I anticipate from the teacher?
