THE TANTRIC YAMAS & NIYAMAS: MANTRA JAPA

The pinnacle practice of yoga is Mantra Japa as it helps one to absorb back into source, Samadhi. Mantra is the ultimate object of mediation although it’s not really a thing, it's closer to a state of consciousness or a plane of existence. Sound and vibration, as science now says is the framework of manifestation and creation; the source of all life. 

Mantra is a combination of two words: MAN = 'mind' and TRA = 'to protect and expand'.

MANTRA EXPANDS THE MIND WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY PROTECTING IT.

Traditional Mantras have the ability to heal, transform, inspire, protect and enlighten.

However not all Mantras do this, some do nothing. Spoken Mantra impacts the conscious mind while Silent Mantra impacts the unconscious and deeper layers of the mind and is the most effective for true transformation. 

Mantras can be either LOCKED or OPEN. Most Mantras are locked, meaning that the essence of the Mantra is not available to everyone. Initiation must occur first. This is a way to protect both the practitioner and the Tradition.

An OPEN (or unlocked) Mantra indicates that the full power and essence of it are accessible to all dedicated practitioners.

Examples of OPEN Mantras are:

• AUM: Connection and Oneness with Life, Universe. 

• RAMA: Courage, Willpower, Self-reliance and Healing.

• SO HUM: Remembrance of higher Self.

• GAYATRI: Dissolving the influence of negative karma.

• MAHA MRITYUNJAYA: Becoming fearless and calling forward the full force of Soul. Equal levels of power and compassion. Also used for Healing.

The difference between using one of these mantras and using a mantra you read in a book, or find on the internet is the same as the difference between taking a yoga class with a master teacher and taking class with a teacher who has been teaching for six months.

In practice this week discover new depths of being through repetition of movement and even using mantra deeper transformation.