Included as examples here are mantras where the name and title of a deity (kami) is recited repeatedly as the mantra, although there are other phrases used as meditation mantras depending on the shrine or sect of Shinto. The following is a listing of the mantras in this collection:Ĭertain shrines or sects of the Japanese religion Shinto have developed their own mantras for meditation primarily in response to Buddhism's use of mantra meditation. Also, note that often recitations are done a specific number of times (such as 108 in Hindu and Buddhist rituals), but when used solely for meditation can be recited indefinitely any number of times. However, these mantras can be recited with various speeds, rhythms, and melodies which differ among temples and organizations of a particular religion. In this collection, we have selected popular mantras used in meditation as well as ceremonies from four large Asian religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Shinto. One must also remember that in many religions there are certain mantras that are used specifically for rituals, requests, or incantations which are not suitable to be used as meditation objects. However, the recitation must be sincere, done with morally pure intentions, and practiced with a clear mind for this to occur. It is differentiated from many other common forms of meditation (which use different objects of focus) because it is not only used to enter meditative concentration, but is simultaneously a prayer and is considered to produce spiritual benefits or effects for the practitioner (such as a mental connection to a deity as well protection and blessings from deities).
Mantra meditation uses the silent or verbal repetition of a mantra as the object of meditation. When it is for a god or goddess, it is called a "divine mantra" or "deity mantra" (神咒) in Chinese and Japanese religions. The practice was created in Hinduism and passed on to or developed by other Asian religions. Either the name or "sacred title" ("Shèng Hào", 圣号 / 聖號) of a deity can also be recited, although all terms can be generally referred to as a "mantra" (口头禅). In Sanskrit it is known as "Japa" (जप) and in Chinese it is generally known as "Niàn Zhòu" (念咒) when a dharani or sacred phrase is recited. This form of meditation practice is called "mantra meditation" or "chanting meditation" in English. When followed by silent meditation, om namo narayanaya can be a powerful tool to unite individual consciousness with the Divine.This is a collection of audio files of mantra chanting or recitation, which is used as a spiritual meditation practice. This humanitarian connection may explain why om namo narayanaya is often chanted with the intention of sending positive energy to all people of the world.Īs well as assisting in self-realization, om namo narayanaya can be used as a chant for peace, health and happiness for all human beings, particularly when accompanied with visualizations of all beings as interconnected and divine.įor maximum effect, this mantra should be chanted repeatedly out loud, in order to connect with its sacred vibration. As such, narayanaya can be interpreted as the “direction of a human” or that which helps an individual toward their goal of self-realization. Alternatively, nara can also mean “living entities,” so narayanaya may refer to the “resting place of all living entities.”Īnother commonly cited translation of nara is human, whilst anaya can be understood as “direction” or “goal”.
This is reflected in the Tarasara Upanishad, which states that those who practice this mantra will reach Vaikuntha, the abode of Vishnu. Om namo narayanaya can therefore be understood as a reverent and respectful means of unifying individual and universal consciousness.Īnother interpretation of narayanaya comes from its Sanskrit roots nara, meaning “water” and anaya meaning “resting place” or “shelter.” Narayanaya may thus be representative of the Hindu god, Vishnu, whose resting place is water. Narayanaya has more complex roots and interpretations but is believed to be symbolic of Brahman or the inner self. Namo represents the nature of prakriti, and can be translated from Sanskrit as “to bow to” or “to pay homage to”. It is believed that this mantra revealed its significance and meaning to these Vedic seers through their penances, after which they shared it with seekers as a means of self-realization.Īccording to the Tarasara Upanishad, om is the divine sacred syllable that represents the nature of Atman, encompassing all universal energy and consciousness. In the Sama Veda, om namo narayanaya is said to have been taught by Vedic seers to the seekers who came to them for wisdom.
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