Your Guide to Yoga Mantras and with Sun Salutations
Too often, people chant during their yoga classes without understanding why they’re doing it. With this in mind, we want to explore the mantras today. As well as looking into the practice and learning some of the most common examples, we’ll also see how they integrate with sun salutations (something done brilliantly in our Morocco yoga retreats. For those students of yoga interested in Mantras simply request Miss Stephan to teach the mantras to you. You will be learning a traditional mantra as as learned from her teacher Anto Antony from Kerala, South India passed down from his guru.
Too often, people chant during their yoga classes without understanding why they’re doing it. With this in mind, we want to explore the mantras today. As well as looking into the practice and learning some of the most common examples, we’ll also see how they integrate with sun salutations (something done brilliantly in our Morocco yoga retreats. For those students of yoga interested in Mantras simply request Miss Stephan to teach the mantras to you. You will be learning a traditional mantra as as learned from her teacher Anto Antony from Kerala, South India passed down from his guru.
What’s a Mantra?
Traditionally from Buddhism and Hinduism, the word ‘mantra’ describes any sound or word that is repeated during meditation in order to boost concentration and focus. Over the years, it started to grow in importance for those who practiced yoga and developed in this field ever since.
Traditionally from Buddhism and Hinduism, the word ‘mantra’ describes any sound or word that is repeated during meditation in order to boost concentration and focus. Over the years, it started to grow in importance for those who practiced yoga and developed in this field ever since.
If we look at the word itself, we may split it into two:
• Man - the mind
• Tra - the vehicle
Essentially, we’re saying that it’s an instrument of the mind. By chanting mantras, we help the mind to relax, which is pivotal in both meditation and yoga. Elsewhere, the word ‘intention’ is often linked with mantras and this is absolutely right. With mantras, they are a seed we plant in the mind. Over time, we nurture them and hope that they come to fruition in the future.
The Science Behind Mantras
Before we look at examples, we wanted to touch on the science behind it all because it’s very interesting. Of course, mantras have been used for thousands of years in some shape or form. Whether whispered, repeated in the mind, or chanted, they have only grown in popularity. Now, Western science is finally catching up and finding explanations as to why they’re so effective.
Thanks to brain imaging technology and clever neuroscientists, we know that mantras can help to keep the nervous system calm while also reducing the amount of clutter in the mind. In a recent study in Sweden (Linkoping University), it was found that mantras are more effective than finger tapping and other techniques in reducing distractions. Although it won’t save lives, it does help with a centred and calmed mind.
Before we look at examples, we wanted to touch on the science behind it all because it’s very interesting. Of course, mantras have been used for thousands of years in some shape or form. Whether whispered, repeated in the mind, or chanted, they have only grown in popularity. Now, Western science is finally catching up and finding explanations as to why they’re so effective.
Thanks to brain imaging technology and clever neuroscientists, we know that mantras can help to keep the nervous system calm while also reducing the amount of clutter in the mind. In a recent study in Sweden (Linkoping University), it was found that mantras are more effective than finger tapping and other techniques in reducing distractions. Although it won’t save lives, it does help with a centred and calmed mind.
Examples of Mantras
‘Om’ is probably the most famous mantra and it’s one used all around the world. While some think it’s just a simple sound that can be uttered by everybody, there’s a reason we use this sound. Thought to be the first sound of when the universe was created, makes it a sacred sound.
Elsewhere, another popular mantra is ‘Om śāntih śāntih śāntih’. Literally translated, this mantra means ‘peace, peace, peace’ and this is a message we will always support. Couldn’t we all do with a little more peace in the world? Especially when on a yoga retreat in Marrakech, you want to leave the stress of life behind and encourage peace of mind to come to peace with whom or what troubles you.
In truth, there are hundreds of different mantras and this allows you to find one that resonates with you. While meditating or performing yoga, just repeat the mantra. Although your mind will drift a little, just gently direct yourself back in the direction of the mantra and hopefully you will soon notice a difference. As mentioned previously, our brilliant teacher on your Morocco yoga retreat will help in this area. Likewise, they will help with the following.
‘Om’ is probably the most famous mantra and it’s one used all around the world. While some think it’s just a simple sound that can be uttered by everybody, there’s a reason we use this sound. Thought to be the first sound of when the universe was created, makes it a sacred sound.
Elsewhere, another popular mantra is ‘Om śāntih śāntih śāntih’. Literally translated, this mantra means ‘peace, peace, peace’ and this is a message we will always support. Couldn’t we all do with a little more peace in the world? Especially when on a yoga retreat in Marrakech, you want to leave the stress of life behind and encourage peace of mind to come to peace with whom or what troubles you.
In truth, there are hundreds of different mantras and this allows you to find one that resonates with you. While meditating or performing yoga, just repeat the mantra. Although your mind will drift a little, just gently direct yourself back in the direction of the mantra and hopefully you will soon notice a difference. As mentioned previously, our brilliant teacher on your Morocco yoga retreat will help in this area. Likewise, they will help with the following.
Integrating with Sun Salutations
If you want to bring a sense of sacredness to yoga, a great way to do this is to perform sun salutation mantras during sun salutation. If you haven’t seen this previously, sun salutation practice is essentially a way to energize the body, boost the circulation of blood, and enjoy a whole host of physical benefits while also honoring the sun - the body that brings us light and allows us to enjoy life. Here is a Sun Salutation Intro.
Many years ago, ancient yogis would teach the relationship between the outer sun and the inner sun (in other words, the spiritual heart). It’s interesting that there’s this focus on the heart when yoga is normally about the mind, but the mind is seen as a reflection of the heart. In this way, the mind is considered the moon. If you don’t have the positive, brightly shining heart, you can’t enjoy a positive mind.
How do mantras fit in with sun salutations? On your yoga retreat in Marrakech, sometimes we chant while praising the sun. With this, you enjoy both the physical and mental benefits. With Ines, depending on the group, you may discover the 12 mantras or the beeja mantras (seed syllables) while practising the sun salutations.
As an example, you might be asked to chant ‘Om Bhanave Namaha’ which essentially translates to ‘salutation to he who illumines’. With this mantra, you praise the sun for providing us with light. Alternatively, we can see the sun as our friend and companion with the chant ‘Om Mitraya Namaha’, or as the giver of strength with ‘Om Pushne Namaha’.
If you want to bring a sense of sacredness to yoga, a great way to do this is to perform sun salutation mantras during sun salutation. If you haven’t seen this previously, sun salutation practice is essentially a way to energize the body, boost the circulation of blood, and enjoy a whole host of physical benefits while also honoring the sun - the body that brings us light and allows us to enjoy life. Here is a Sun Salutation Intro.
Many years ago, ancient yogis would teach the relationship between the outer sun and the inner sun (in other words, the spiritual heart). It’s interesting that there’s this focus on the heart when yoga is normally about the mind, but the mind is seen as a reflection of the heart. In this way, the mind is considered the moon. If you don’t have the positive, brightly shining heart, you can’t enjoy a positive mind.
How do mantras fit in with sun salutations? On your yoga retreat in Marrakech, sometimes we chant while praising the sun. With this, you enjoy both the physical and mental benefits. With Ines, depending on the group, you may discover the 12 mantras or the beeja mantras (seed syllables) while practising the sun salutations.
As an example, you might be asked to chant ‘Om Bhanave Namaha’ which essentially translates to ‘salutation to he who illumines’. With this mantra, you praise the sun for providing us with light. Alternatively, we can see the sun as our friend and companion with the chant ‘Om Mitraya Namaha’, or as the giver of strength with ‘Om Pushne Namaha’.
Summary
Whether you’re meditating or doing yoga, mantras are a great way to focus the mind, show your appreciation for things in life, and lay out your intentions. While mantras have been used for many centuries, the science is only now catching up and allowing us to see the benefits they bring to the body and mind. As well as the traditional mantras, there are special mantras set aside for praising the sun as part of sun salutations.
To finish, here are some tips for better sun salutations (things you may learn if you choose to attend Morocco yoga retreat!):
• Consider Preparation Sequences before getting started
• Practice the sun salutation with gratitude
• Keep an empty mind the movement are meant to be done meditatively
• Practice for slower and longer breaths synchronized with movements
• Breathe in while backward bending, breathe out while forward bending
Whether you’re meditating or doing yoga, mantras are a great way to focus the mind, show your appreciation for things in life, and lay out your intentions. While mantras have been used for many centuries, the science is only now catching up and allowing us to see the benefits they bring to the body and mind. As well as the traditional mantras, there are special mantras set aside for praising the sun as part of sun salutations.
To finish, here are some tips for better sun salutations (things you may learn if you choose to attend Morocco yoga retreat!):
• Consider Preparation Sequences before getting started
• Practice the sun salutation with gratitude
• Keep an empty mind the movement are meant to be done meditatively
• Practice for slower and longer breaths synchronized with movements
• Breathe in while backward bending, breathe out while forward bending
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