Mantra is a Sanskrit term, with “man” meaning “mind” and “tra” meaning “release.”
Think of a mantra — a word or phrase you repeat during meditation — as a tool to help release your mind. It can make a lot of difference, especially if you have trouble concentrating or getting in the right frame of mind.
Many people find that using a mantra can boost awareness and improve concentration. Since it helps you stay focused, it could lead to improved results from meditation.
You can meditate in many ways, and there’s no single “correct” approach.
Whether you practice mantra meditation or another style, you’ll often see many of the same benefits, including:
- increased self-awareness
- reduced stress
- a greater sense of calm
- increased self-compassion
- a more positive outlook
Some additional benefits of mantra meditation include:
Increased focus
Meditation doesn’t come easily to everyone, and many people find it takes time and practice to maintain focus. A mantra can make this easier by reducing wandering thoughts.
If you’re repeating a mantra, in your head or out loud, that mantra occupies your awareness and helps prevents it from drifting off in other directions.
This can be especially helpful if your mind tends to wander a lot when you try to meditate.
Reinforcement of meditation goals
Many meditation practitioners believe the vibrations and harmony of chanting certain syllables can enable a deeper meditative state. This deep meditation can help release any blocked energy disrupting your well-being.
You might choose a specific word or phrase that emphasizes your reasons for meditation, such as the Sanskrit word “shanti,” which means “peace.”
Meditating with a word you like the sound of, or one that makes you happy, can also reinforce a sense of calm or joy.
Some people choose mantras that double as affirmations, such as:
- “I have compassion for myself and others.”
- “Every day is a new beginning.”
Choosing affirming phrases also guides your awareness to your intentions. Meditation can feel frustrating when you don’t see results, but regularly repeating a mantra that reflects your vision for yourself can increase the likelihood of it becoming reality.
