In the book of James in the Bible chapter 4 and verse 8 it says draw near to God and God will draw near to you, and here is an important key that is also taught by the main religions. That is, by repeating mantras and prayers slowly, gently and silently, you connect and become one with what the name, word or sound represents. As you do this, you will feel deep love, light, beauty, peace, ecstasy, and an expansion of consciousness into new awareness and wisdom.

Using this practice along with focusing on your heart is one way to discover the love and beauty that lives within you. The more deeply you allow yourself to feel the love, beauty, and light that naturally resides within you, the more you will feel tremendously calm, whole, nurtured, supported, safe, connected, comforted, and loved. Do not underestimate the importance or profound nature of this practice. This is the establishment of your connection and awareness with who you really are that has been there, present with you all along. By not paying attention to it you have missed it. Now, by paying a little attention to it every day, you will discover some amazing truths about your real nature and your deep divine truth.

Many have found that repeating specific words and sounds can help open and integrate a person with their deepest spiritual connections. You may be drawn to words or phrases that come up more than others, perhaps due to previous religious background and associations. I suggest that you try several until you find the ones that have the most meaning and effect for you.

Mantras are words or phrases used to facilitate transformation and spiritual realizations. There is value in the vibrations that sounds produce, as well as in the meaning and intentions behind words and sounds.

Suggestions for the use of mantras

1. Use only one or two mantras in any given meditation session.

2. Repeat the word or phrase out loud several times and then begin to repeat it silently.

3. Even if you are repeating the mantra silently, you will find it helpful to move your lips.

4. This process is often found to be most effective when done in the middle of the night or early in the morning.

5. There are often changes or advances at 20 minutes, 40 minutes and 60 minutes.

6. As you repeat the mantra try to connect more and more deeply with the intention behind the words or sounds.

7. Use one or at most two mantras for a particular meditation session. Repeat it silently to yourself and be aware that the embodiment of the mantra lives within your heart.

The realization of your divine nature and the Supreme Self is the goal of mantra practice. Listen and tune in to the qualities that emerge within you as you repeat the mantra. A message will reveal itself to you as you continue this practice. Here are some common mantras from various traditions that are simple and effective.

Mantras of the mystical Jewish tradition

elohim – (The highest Creators. A powerful mantra.)

YHVH (Yod Hay, Vod Hay. The Divine Father aspect of God.)

Kadoish, Kadoish, Kadoish, Adonai Tzebayoth (Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God of hosts.)

western mantras

I am the I am

I am god

Be still, and know that I am God

I feel a deep love

buddhist mantras

om mani padme hum (The jewel [of compassion] in the lotus [of the heart]. This is considered one of the most powerful mantras in the world today.

Buddha

quan yin

christian mantras

Jesus Christ

Ave Maria

Lord’s speaker

hindu mantras

ATM gold OM

so ham (I Am He, or I Am the Being. This is said to be the sound when God hears the breath of humans. As you inhale, say: Sowhen you exhale you say ham. Let the breath direct the meditation and the mantra.

sai ram

om shanti (peace mantra)

branch (Name of God. The one who fills us with permanent joy)

Om Namah Shivaya. Greetings to Shiva. I bow (or surrender) to Shiva.

Shiva is the Consciousness that dwells in everyone and everything. The shape of it consists of sat chit ananda – Existence, Consciousness and Bliss. Shiva he is also sometimes seen as the destroyer, the one who destroys the sins and impurities of those who repeat the mantra. Each syllable of this mantra has a meaning. Namah Shivaya has 5 syllables which are the form of the 5 elements.

N/A = land; My = Water; shi = fire; Goes = air; already = ether.

A final word on mantras

Of course, there are hundreds of other mantras to choose from and you will probably feel more comfortable using those based on familiar traditions, but you should experiment with others as well.

After repeating the mantra for the designated time, you have decided to make the mantra stop and remain in a state of peaceful stillness or bring a query to mind. Allow God consciousness to reveal itself to you in whatever form it emerges. Surrender to the stillness and allow yourself to receive.

Speak in the stillness and ask for further clarification or elaboration. Questions like “Is there anything important I need to know right now?” So be receptive to see or hear what comes up. Periodically ask, “Is there anything else I should know?” or “tell me more”. Allow ideas to surface. They may come as flashes or glimpses. Sometimes they come as single words, sometimes as feelings, and at other times deeper insights develop.