In Buddhism, the word mantra means “mind
protecting”. A mantra protects the mind by preventing it from going into its’
usual mechanics, which often are not our desired or optimal conscious
perspective. Mantra is a powerful spiritual practice for centering, and for
letting go of strong emotions such as fear, anxiety and anger. The more you
practice mantra the more it becomes a part of you. When you need it on the
psychological level – for example when you feel afraid, using your witness, you
notice the fear and replace the fear with your mantra. This will occur naturally
once mantra becomes an established practice. Mantra is a daily reminder of the
presence of the Divine within ourselves and all beings.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The mantra
becomes one’s staff of life, and carries one through every ordeal. It is no
empty repetition. For each repetition has a new meaning, carrying you nearer
and nearer to God.”
