This article has a nice description of some of the different mantras. Hope it helps you decide on one for yourself…

Health And Yoga News Letters

Mantras for You


Below are listed a sampling of mantras. As stated previously, one’s mantra is usually given by a Guru. But in the absence of a Guru, the individual may choose a mantra that “rings true”.

Mantras – when repeated on Japa Mala Beads – have a profound impact upon our well being.

OM
The King of mantras of a single syllable is ‘Om‘. It is the sound of infinity and immortality, containing within it all the scriptures of the world.

‘Om
‘ is often used at the beginning of meditation to focus the mind, or as a prefix to other mantras.

OM NAMO
These words are often said before invocation of a particular deity. ‘Om‘ retains its significance as above. ‘Namo‘, in Sanskrit, means to honor, appreciate and be humble towards.

Therefore, putting it before the deity’s name means something like “praise be to” or “all thanks to”.

The following are different mantras using these prefixes :

OM NAMO GANESHAYA
Ganesha is the God of beginnings and success. Therefore, this mantra is formed at the beginning of new undertakings and to bring about success by removing obstacles.

OM NAMO LAKSHMAI
Lakshmi is the Hindu Goddess associated with prosperity in all aspects of life – financial, emotional and spiritual. Mantras to Her bring richness to life and a wealth of good fortune.

OM NAMO SHIVAYA
This mantra represents the tranquil insight to the meditative experience. It helps destroy negative qualities.

OM NAMO NARAYANA
Narayana is the name of Vishnu, the source of humanity. It is a mantra said in times of trouble to re-establish harmony and balance. Many powers come from saying this mantra. It also aids in attaining enlightenment.

Some More Mantras:

OM TARA
Tara represents the female energy. Mantras said to Tara evoke compassion, strength and healing.

RAM
This simple but profound mantra is the name of God, repeated over and over. It engenders God consciousness, truth, righteousness and virtue.

SHRI HARI SHARNAM MAMAHA
The Sanskrit word ‘Sharnam’ means shelter. This mantra asks that we be brought to Hari’s shelter, a place of refuge. The blessing of Hari’s protection removes all anxieties.

CHRISTIAN MANTRAS
Christian mantras are often short sections of common prayers. They work to bring about an awareness of God’s loving presence.

Examples:
Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.
Holy Mary, Mother of God.
Glory be to God.

Choose ONE of the several mantras stated above depending upon what “sounds and feels right” and has a meaning in harmony with your intuitive acceptance.

Never disclose your personal mantra to anybody. Once you have chosen your mantra, go to the next step to choose the right mala beads for your practice.

Warm wishes,
Ankita
http://www.healthandyoga.com

Courtesy: http://www.healthandyoga.com A popular website that helps you find natural solutions for complete health and detoxification.

Discover health and beauty…. Naturally!!

Just the other day I was talking with my Yoga Teacher about Mantras and how hard it is for me to remember the rhythm of the various mantras.  We ended up discussing the idea of putting them on tape to make practicing easier for me.  So I just thought it was perfect timing when I found Anmol Mehta’s website.  You can download a free MP3 clip of him or his wife chanting different mantras.  Set it on repeat and use it as the background for your meditation while you learn to repeat the mantra on your own…

Gayatri Mantra Meditation for Opening Third Eye Chakra by Anmol Mehta

The Gayatri Mantra is considered the most powerful Hindu mantra.  It comes from the Vedas, which are the ancient Hindu scriptures, and is the most revered of all Vedic mantras.  Although, this mantra is used for different meditations and prayers, in this article, I am going to teach you how to use the Gayatri Mantra to open the all important Third Eye Chakra.

The Third Eye, or Ajna Chakra, is part of the Kundalini Yoga Seven Chakra system.  This system postulates that there are seven energy vortexes that lie along the spine, which help to transmute energy between the physical and subtle bodies.  Each of these chakras are responsible for the health of the organs in the region where they lie, and are also responsible for certain mental and emotional traits and characteristics.  Of these seven chakras, the Third Eye is one of the most important.

The Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead and is responsible for one’s power of intuition and ability to see the unseen.  The Third Eye is also responsible for Psychic Powers and it’s activation often leads to the attainment of such powers.  Although the seed mantra for the Ajna Chakra is the AUM mantra, the Gayatri Mantra is also a powerful tool to help open this center.

Below I will first provide the Sanskrit text of the Gayatri Manra and it’s English translation.  Following that I will teach you how to use this powerful mantra to open the Third Eye Chakra.

Highest Hindu Vedic Mantra: The Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhur Buvaha Svaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayath

Although there are several interpretations of this mantra, in my view, the one below is the best.

Gayatri Mantra English Translation

O Supreme Creator, Thou art the giver of life, the remover of pain and sorrow and the bestower of happiness; O Creator of the Universe, may we receive Thy supreme sin-destroying light; may Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.

Gayatri Mantra Third Eye Chakra Meditation:

This particular technique of using the Gayatri Mantra, also involves using the power of mudras.  Mudras are eye, hand and body positions that activate certain subtle energy flows in the body, and create favorable states of consciousness as well.  They are very useful for going deeper into meditation or changing the energy flows in the body.  The mudra used in this Third Eye meditation is the Shambhavi Mudra.

To apply Shambhavi Mudra you will close your eyes, and then turn the eyeballs up and look through the center of the forehead.  This position helps open the Third Eye and will enhance the affects of the mantra.  For more details on mudras, you can visit my free website at AnmolMehta.Com.

So to practice Gayatri Mantra meditation to open the Third Eye Chakra you would sit up comfortably, close your eyes and turn them upwards to look through your forehead.   Only hold this eye position as long as comfortable.  Then chant the Gayatri Mantra while visualizing it emanating from the center of the forehead.  Continue this meditation for 5 minutes initially, and it can be slowly build up to 20 minutes or more over time.

Gayatri Mantra Meditation Summary:

There are many benefits to this meditation, and you will find that, in addition to opening the Third Eye, chanting the Gayatri Mantra will give you a great deal of peace and tranquility as well.  One important note is that please don’t over do this potent meditation.  Make sure start slowly and build up your capacity over time.  The Gayatri Mantra is a great gift and used wisely, it can be a great tool for inner transformation and transcendence.

Anmol Mehta is a modern Yoga & Meditation master. His website, Free Chakra Meditations, offers a free Gayatri Mantra MP3 Download, and the largest collection of Free Mantra MP3 Downloads.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Free-Gayatri-Mantra-Meditation-for-Opening-Third-Eye-Chakra/906049

Learn a little about the benefits of meditation, and guided instructions on how to perform the So Hum meditation, by reading this article below.

If you’re new to meditating, but currently do yoga at home, you might already have some props to help you sit in meditation more comfortably.  You could fold up your yoga mat for cushioning, use your yoga blanket, or even a yoga bolster.   But, if you are doing daily meditations, it would be recommended to get comfortable with a zafu, zabuton, or meditation bench.  By sitting in the same space, and on the same meditation cushion or bench, your positive energy will build there.

Best Free Guided Meditation Technique for Peace by Anmol Mehta

Although one of the best meditation techniques on the planet today is Zazen, or Zen Meditation, not far behind is So Hum Mantra Meditation Technique. Zen Meditation comes from the great school of Zen Buddhism and is the technique of Lord Buddha, and So Hum Mantra Meditation comes from the Hindu schools of meditation and yoga. Both techniques are excellent for daily practice and in this article I will give guide you on how to practice So Hum Mantra Meditation Technique.

As the name implies So Hum is a mantra repetition technique, in which you sit still and then focus on the mantra indicated. Such meditation has been scientifically proven to help you with your personal and spiritual growth and below I will go over these benefits with you. In addition, I will give you detailed step-by-step instructions on how to correctly practice this technique so you can extract the maximum benefits possible.

Benefits of Daily Meditation Practice:

A great deal of scientific research has been done on Mantra Meditations and below are some highlights of these findings. One important note though with regard to meditation and it’s many benefits, is that it needs to be done regularly in order to bestow it’s benefits. So plan your practice for the long term and enjoy all that such a practice has to offer.

- Significant reduction in anxiety and stress which has been verified by changes in brain activity centers.

- 200% increase in blood flow to the brain region along with significant reduction in blood pressure and cholesterol.

- 50% less doctor visits and 55% fewer tumors.

- Significant reduction in infectious diseases.

- Reduction in Chronic Pain.”

- 75% improvement with insomnia and Increased Intelligence, Awareness and Concentration.

There are many more wonderful benefits of meditation and you can find those on my website www.anmolmehta.com – Free Guided Meditation and Yoga Techniques.

Guided Mantra Meditation Practice:

- Sit with your legs crossed if you can. If you cannot, you may also sit on a chair or lie on your back to practice this meditation.

- Set your alarm for 10 to 20 minutes. If using a traditional 108 bead meditation necklace (mala). Do 1 full cycle.

- Now sit up straight and elongate your spine upwards.

- Place your hands in Gyan Mudra (hand position of knowledge). Which is thumb and index finger lightly meeting, wrists resting gently on the knees and palms facing upward. The other 3 fingers are extended.

- Take 5 deep, slow breaths though the nose to relax you and help you focus. Also, for the duration of the meditation try to remain as still as possible.”

- Now inhale slowly while mentally intoning the sound “Soooooo” and then exhale slowly, again mentally saying the sound “Hummmm”.

- Just allow all your worries, thoughts and anxieties to dissolve into the mantra and let go of every problem you have. Feel your consciousness expanding and growing with every breath. Feel more and more peace and joy coming from within as you practice this technique.

- Continue in this way for the duration of the meditation.

Mantra Meditation Technique for Daily Practice:

Remember the most important aspect of meditation practice is consistency. So set up your life style in such a way that you can find at least 20 minutes every day to practice this technique. Ideally you will want to increase this practice to 20 minutes 2 times per day, and finally to being able to sit and meditate for up to 1 hour at a stretch.

The benefits of meditation come gently as you continue your sincere practice, so don’t focus on that aspect at all. Instead just concern yourself with doing your daily meditation and leave the results in the capable hands of God and Life. You will be surprised at how generous they are. Just trust them and they will guide, inspire and protect you.

Anmol Mehta is a modern Meditation, Zen and Yoga Master. He is author of the Best Meditation Book and Training Manual and founder of the largest Free Guided Meditation Techniques web site and blog.

Article Source: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Best-Free-Guided-Meditation-Technique-for-Peace/1018652

Deep breathing for stress relief

by HelpGuide.org
(click on the link above to learn other techniques for stress relief)

With its focus on full, cleansing breaths, deep breathing is a simple, yet powerful, relaxation technique. It’s easy to learn, can be practiced almost anywhere, and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is the cornerstone of many other relaxation practices, too, and can be combined with other relaxing elements such as aromatherapy and music. All you really need is a few minutes and a place to stretch out.

How to practice deep breathing

The key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply from the abdomen, getting as much fresh air as possible in your lungs. When you take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, you inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel. So the next time you feel stressed, take a minute to slow down and breathe deeply:

  • Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
  • Breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little.
  • Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.
  • Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. Count slowly as you exhale.

If you have a hard time breathing from your abdomen while sitting up, try lying on the floor.  Put a small book on your stomach, and try to breathe so that the book rises as you inhale and falls as you exhale.

Being able to focus the mind is one of the hardest things when learning to meditate.  Having a mantra helps.  Finding a mantra is one thing, but how about finding The Right Mantra for Your Type?  Click on the link to read a short article about finding the right mantra based on your Dosha.  You’ll need to take a short, fun quiz to find out what your Dosha is.  Take a few minutes to learn more about yourself, and then find the right mantra for you.

Now that your curiousity has been peaked and you want to learn more about Mantras, read this article on The Value of a Mantra by Deepak Chopra.

On our Store Website, we offer answers to Frequently Asked Questions such as “How to Set Up Your Meditation Cushion”. I wanted to share that information with you here, as well.

When sitting in meditation, you should try to sit so that your thighs are sloped from hips to knees in order to tilt the pelvis forward. This position will support the lower back.

Using a Zafu – whether it is round or crescent-shaped – will cushion your sitting bones and raise the height of your hips to create this desired angle of your thighs.

A Crescent Zafu on a Zabuton

A Crescent Zafu on a Zabuton

A Round Zafu on a Zabuton

A Round Zafu on a Zabuton

Placing a Zabuton cushion under the Zafu will cushion your knees, ankles and tops of your feet. This will help release your body of any physical discomforts.

When using a Zafu, a person would sit cross-legged. There are several cross-legged positions to choose from, depending upon your personal flexibility. You could sit in full Lotus (each ankle rests on the opposite thigh), half Lotus (one ankle rests on opposite thigh), or Burmese style (feet are crossed, resting on floor, with one shin in front of the other).

A kneeling position is an alternative to the cross-legged meditation position. This is sometimes referred to as “seiza”. For this position, a bench is recommended. Or one could use blankets, cushions, or a yoga bolster between the calves and thighs to gain the proper height and slope of thighs.

Sitting with Zafu & Zabuton or a Bench & Zabuton

Sitting with Zafu & Zabuton or a Bench & Zabuton

You could also sit cross-legged with the meditation bench, if preferred.

A zabuton can be used with a meditation bench. Either folded in half (as seen in the picture above), or laid flat with bench on top.

Visit our Meditation Products Page to see our entire selection of zabutons, zafus, and meditation benches.

Want to read more on this topic?  See this article on How to Sit in Meditation by e-How.

The following article was found at Yoga Journal and teaches us a meditation to focus on peace and happiness:

Practice Enlightenment Meditation

Dhyana

This practice is adapted from the Vijana Bhairava, an ancient and very powerful Sanskrit meditation text.

Step by Step

Sitting quietly, begin to become aware of the part of you that is aware. Something in you knows that you’re alive, that you’re breathing, that you’re thinking. It’s subtle and hidden, but that witnessing part of you is the basis of everything you experience.

Next, think of a loved one. Bring to mind someone to whom you feel close and think to yourself, “With all of our differences of personality and history, we both share consciousness. At the most fundamental level, the level of awareness, we are one.” If that seems too abstract, consider, “Like me, this person seeks happiness. This person too feels pain.” The more you can identify yourself with awareness, and recognize the awareness in the other person, the more deeply you will feel kinship.

Now think of an acquaintance. Bring to mind someone about whom you feel neutral, and have the same recognition: that there is one consciousness in both of you.

Think of an enemy. Bring to mind someone you dislike, perhaps someone you regard as an enemy, or a public figure you hold in low esteem. Remind yourself, “Different as we may be, the same consciousness dwells in that person as in me. On the level of awareness, we are one.”

Feel the energy. Expand this idea to include the physical world, and allow yourself to contemplate the fact that a single energy underlies everything in the universe. On the level of subatomic particles, everything you see and feel is part of one great energy soup. With that in mind, look around and say to yourself, “All that I see, all that I touch, all that I imagine, is made of one single conscious energy.”

Hold that thought. Questions will come up—and they’re worth exploring. However, there is great power in simply holding the thought, “All this is one consciousness,” as a mantra, and then trying to see the world that way. See how the thought of oneness softens the edges of your judging mind. Find out whether it eases feelings of frustration, anxiety, and fear. Notice how it tends to bring up feelings of peace.

After you’ve practiced this contemplation a few times, try taking it into your world. Look at the angry driver in the lane next to you, or the sad woman on the bus, and think, “The same consciousness is in that person as in me.” Or see the person on TV whose politics you disagree with and think, “The same consciousness is in that person as in me.”

As these practices become part of your life, look for different ways to recognize that kinship of consciousness—be recognizing the light in the eyes of an animal, or the living sap in a tree. As you do, keep observing the effect it has on you. When you notice that you’re feeling more connected or more open, honor those feelings. Know that you are experiencing some of the qualities of the enlightened state of being.

This is an interesting article explaining What is Meditation and How to Be in Meditation.

Sitting quietly is something that many of us may find challenging.  Sitting comfortably is another.  We offer several products that will help you sit comfortably – such as, Zafus, Zabutons, and meditation benches.  Sitting quietly, on the other hand, will just take practice.

This is a good read for anyone who wants to understand the purpose for meditating and the beginning steps on how-to meditate.

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