Mantras are energy based sounds that vibrate through the body. The word “mantra” is a Sanskrit word consisting of two syllables: “man” (mind) and “tra” (deliverance).

Chanting mantras, either silently or out loud, is a conscious method of controlling and directing the mind. Happiness, sorrow, joy and regret are vibratory frequencies in the mind, attitudes, beliefs or thought waves. They determine the kind of program our mind plays. The scenario we choose becomes our vibration, defines how we feel and what we project to others.

The purpose of mantras is to rebirth the self; a refreshment of the self. Mantras are a very powerful way to reduce negative energies. A Mantra will help focus your mind when it is scattered. By chanting mantras, you are able to produce a spiritual effect, associated with the physical sensation of the vibration the chant produces. When the mantra is chanted the effect is felt vibrating through the body. Chanting mantras is also used to make the intent of the mantra a physical reality. Energy naturally follows intent so the chanting of a mantra will lead to the physical manifestation. Mantras start a powerful vibration which corresponds to both a specific spiritual energy frequency and a state of consciousness. Over time the mantra process begins to over power lesser vibrations, which eventually become absorbed by the mantra. After a length of time, which varies with each individual, the wave of the mantra stills all other vibrations.

Ultimately, the mantra produces a state where the organism vibrates at the rate completely in tune with the energy and spiritual state represented by and contained within the mantra. By understanding how mantras work, your understanding of spiritual truth is seen and acquired.

Mantra For New Beginnings:

Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha
Om Guhm Guh-nuh-puh-tuh-yea
Nah-mah-hah
—Om and salutations to Ganapati (Ganesha)

The new year offers a chance to bring your deepest desires to life. But first you have to find a path around the obstacles standing in the way. Although they may manifest as external problems—you may think a lack of time prevents you from meditation every day, for example—it is often emotions or thought patterns that hold you back. Yet if your internal state is unified with your desire you can achieve anything. The mantra above is traditionally chanted to start new endeavors with positive energy and to help you find your way through obstacles.

The Gayatri Mantra

AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT

We contemplate the glory of light illuminating the three worlds: gross, suble and causal. I am that vivifying power, love, radiant illumination and divine grace of universal intelligence.

On the absolute reality and its planes,
On that finest spiritual light,
We meditate, as remover of obstacles
That it may inspire and enlighten us.