"Mantras are not small things, mantras have power. They are the mind vibration in relationship to the Cosmos. The science of mantra is based on the knowledge that sound is a form of energy having structure, power, and a definite predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche." ~ Yogi Bhajan
Mantra is the use of sound to affect consciousness; “man” means mind and “tra” means wave or “tune the vibration” (as in tuning an instrument or the radio).
Everything in this world, down to the subatomic level, is in constant motion, vibrating. The denser a material, the more slowly it moves; often the vibration is so slow or so fast that we can’t notice it with our direct senses. This vibration is pure energy.
There is a vibratory frequency that corresponds to everything in the universe. Happiness or sorrow, joy or regret are vibratory frequencies in the mind. When we chant a mantra we are choosing to invoke the positive power contained in those particular syllables. Whether it’s for prosperity, peace of mind, increasing intuition, or any other possible benefits inherent in mantras, simply by chanting them we are setting vibrations into motion that shall have an effect. It doesn’t actually matter if we understand the meaning of the sounds or not.
Chanting mantra produces specific vibratory frequency within the body. The sounds and thoughts produced by the body and mind radiate out from you. The vibratory frequency of a mantra draws to you whatever you are vibrating. You are like a magnet attracting vibrations to you by what you send out. As a vibration, a mood, a state of being that results from chanting, mantra is compatible with all belief systems.
In addition to the vibrations set in motion, something else happens when you chant. This is really important. There are eighty-four meridian points, or pressure points, in the roof of the mouth. Every time you speak you stimulate them – and their associated glands and organs – with the tongue. And every time you chant a mantra, you are tapping out a particular sequence – rhythm and position – that initiates a chemical reaction in the brain and body. It’s as if you have an electronic, computerized security system in your mouth. Punch in the right code on the upper palate and you gain entry to the brain and your inner chambers of higher consciousness!
MANTRA AS USED IN KUNDALINI YOGA
The power of mantra is amazing. Were it not for the simplicity of its causal principle, mantra would seem miraculous. A central aspect Kundalini Yoga as Taught by Yogi Bhajan® is the conscious application of ancient mantras and modern positive affirmations. The mantras used are often based on the
Shabd Guru.
Mantras are typically in Gurmukhi, an Indian language, and, occasionally, in English. These mantras contain the vibrations of peace, prosperity, connection, and many other qualities and are understood by their impact, even if the meaning of each word is not known.
Pronunciation comes with repetition and by example. Many mantras are available to listen to on the
KRI website. Understanding the meaning of the words adds another layer of effectiveness to chanting. The translations for a few of the most frequently used mantras in Kundalini Yoga are given below.
Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo (the Adi Mantra)
I bow to the Creative Wisdom, I bow to the Divine Teacher within.
This mantra is used for “tuning in” to the divine flow and self-knowledge within each of us as well as linking us to Yogi Bhajan and the Golden Chain of teachers. It is chanted three times at the start of each Kundalini Yoga class.
Sat Nam
Truth is my identity.
This mantra reinforces the divine consciousness in everyone. It is used as a greeting as well as the mantra for all Kundalini Yoga exercises, inhaling “Sat” (truth), exhaling “Nam” (name, identity).
Guru Guru Wahe Guru Guru Ram Das Guru
Wise, wise is the one who serves Infinity.
This mantra invokes the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, known for his humility and grace. It is a mantra of humility, relaxation, self-healing, and emotional relief.
Wahe Guru
Wow! The divine inner teacher, the dispeller of darkness is beyond description!
This mantra expresses the indescribable experience of going from darkness to light. It is a mantra of infinite ecstasy.
Aquarian SadhanaThe seven mantras in the linked file are chanted each day in the ambrosial hours, the two and half hours before dawn, as part of the
Aquarian Sadhana.
Happy am I, Healthy am I, Holy am I
This mantra confirms each person’s birthright to be Happy, Healthy, and Holy. It is also the guiding principle of the 3HO Foundation.
May the long-time sun shine upon you, all love surround you, and the pure light within you, guide your way on (the “Long-time Sun” song)
This mantra is sung at the close of each class (followed by a long Sat Nam), offered as a prayer for yourself, a specific individual, and/or the whole planet.