Writing a mantra
impresses the vibratory quality of the mantra on the Subconscious mind.
It can act like an affirmation, processing the content of the subconscious
and replacing it with a new impression, or samskara.
Chanting means to
repeat a mantra aloud, to speak it or to sing it. Singing the mantra is
called bhajan, puja or sankirtan. Its effect is to awaken awareness into
the inner vehicles; sometimes it absorbs the attention in these altered
states of awareness.
Whispering a mantra
heightens the effect on awareness, allowing you to recognize more subtle
changes in your awareness.
Breathing a mantra
associates the mantra with the currents of life force, and the deep pranic
vibrations of the inner vehicles. Breathing a mantra is used to awaken
the Kundalini Shakti and in Kriya Yoga practices.
Thinking a mantra
moves the attention inward and absorbs it in the resonant vibrations of
the mantra on each Plane. If the attention becomes fixed at an inner gate,
the awareness continues to awaken. In this form, this practice is called
remembrance, zhikir, or simran. When the attention is carried along with
the mantra, and becomes deeply absorbed on the inner Planes, it is called
laya or samadhi.
Three specialized forms of thinking a mantra can be
characterized:
- A centering mantra focuses the attention
on a nucleus of identity, or the ensouling entity.
- A contemplative mantra focuses the attention
on the spirit.
- An awakening mantra focuses the attention
on the attention principle, and promotes inner alertness and mindfulness.
Following a mantra with the attention,
also called the thought bubble technique, heightens absorption and brings
about profound states of relaxation.
Repeating a mantra with intention
empowers the mantra with the force of Spirit and Divine Light. This method
for repeating a mantra is used to activate a transformational or bija
mantra.
Spontaneous mantra chanting may also occur
when the Kundalini rises up or when one is filled with the Holy Spirit
or Shakti. Here this ecstatic utterance arises from the unconscious, without
conscious attempts to repeat or remember the mantra. This spontaneous
chanting may take the form of Divine Identity Affirmations, such as
Anal Haq (I am one with Immortal Truth). Aham Brahmasmi (I
am one with the Supreme), or the Father and I are One. Alternately,
it may give rise to sustained vowel sounds (intoning), babbling in an
unknown tongue (glossolalia), or affirmations of inner truths.