How do Vedic Meditation Mantras Work?

by Arden Martin

Vedic Meditation is practiced by gently thinking a specific sound, known as a mantra. When we think the mantra effortlessly, the body and mind naturally settle into a state of restful awareness. This process allows us to rest deeply enough to release long-held stresses and come out of meditation feeling clearer and more energized.

You may be wondering: How does this actually work? How does thinking a specific sound help to settle the nervous system, and what kinds of sounds are used? Read on for a full breakdown.

How Are Mantras Assigned?

Vedic Meditation teachers are trained to assign a unique mantra to each student based on a few objective criteria, including the student’s physiology and stage of life. The process of assigning mantras is completely standardized, so the teacher has no say in which mantra is given to a particular student.

What Kinds of Sounds Are Used?

Unlike the words we use to speak, mantras are sounds that have no intended meaning. Because they have no intended meaning, mantras don’t trigger more thinking in same way the word “peace,” for instance, might lead to thoughts about peacefulness. Although it’s great to contemplate peacefulness, doing so will keep the mind on the surface, actively moving from one thought to the next. When we introduce a sound that has no intended meaning, the mind is able to transcend surface-level thoughts and settle into a quieter state of awareness.

How Do Mantras Settle the Mind and Body?

As you think your mantra effortlessly, it will naturally begin to fade and self-refine, becoming fainter and fainter in your mind. As your mantra becomes fainter, it leads the mind into quieter states of thinking, and you may notice all of your thoughts becoming subtler. Some practitioners of Vedic Meditation report having abstract or dreamlike thoughts, but this experience looks and feels different for each individual. As the mind begins to settle down, the body follows suit. Although this experience also varies for each Vedic meditator, it usually includes a feeling of awareness that your body is resting deeply.

How Do Mantras Create Long-Term Benefits?

Just like a seed that’s planted in the ground, the mantras used in Vedic Meditation are metaphorical seeds known as bija mantras. In Sanskrit, a seed is called a bija, and a bija mantra is like a seed that is planted in your consciousness. Like an earthly seed, your mantra contains the power to create beautiful growth and transformation. This transformation looks and feels different for everyone, but it is universally powerful.

To learn more about the benefits of Vedic Meditation, click here.

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