How to Chant Mantras? (5 Simple Steps)
How to Chant Mantras? Complexities and Mystery shroud this question. However, the process is actually very simple. Let’s demystify this.
Mantras have a special significance in remedial astrology. We all have knowingly or unknowingly recited a mantra at some point of time in our life. For instance, the divine OM in itself is a powerful mantra that we have often chanted. The Rishis created Mantras for the benefit of the whole society. Unfortunately, it became the prerogative of a selected few who only could recite them. Therefore, the knowledge of mantras became very restrictive. The one who possessed this knowledge, manipulated them to suit self-interests. As a result, a cloak of enigma encircled the process of chanting mantras.
FAQs on How to Chant Mantras:
There are several issues revolving around the question of how to chant mantras. Let us address the most common ones:
Q. 1. Is there a particular method to chant a mantra for maximum effectiveness?
Ans. The Classical texts do not prescribe a clearcut method to chant a mantra for maximum effectiveness. A lot has to do with proper Astro diagnosis and the ‘faith’ element which we can impart while chanting a mantra.
Q. 2. What is the best time to chant a mantra? Is it compulsory to chant mantras in the morning? Can we chant mantra after sunset or at night?
Ans. For almost 99% of the mantras, any time is auspicious for chanting. (Although, for doing some specific mantras, the classics prescribe particular Ghadi or Prahars). Above all, the mental state while chanting mantra is more important than the time of chanting. Most people prefer to chant mantras in the mornings as they feel fresh after a night’s sleep. Similarly, some others prefer to chant mantras in the evening after finishing the day’s chores. In other words, an individual should decide the time of chanting based on the comfort level of the mind.
Q. 3. Should I chant several mantras in a day or do I have to chant a single mantra each time?
Ans. There is no restriction on chanting Vedic mantras individually or in a combination. However, it is beneficial to recite specific mantras for a specific purpose as per the horoscope.
Q. 4. Is it compulsory to chant the mantra aloud? Can’t I chant them silently?
Ans. The process of chanting Mantra is also called JAPA. Mantra Shastras prescribe various forms of Japa such as Vaachik, Upanshu, Mansik, Sagarbh and Agarbh depending on whether Mantras are chanted aloud or in silence or variation of breaths etc. Let’s leave the complexities. The bottom line is that we can chant the Mantras silently. It’s not a compulsion to speak them aloud. Many people feel they are more focused on the mantra when they are chanting it aloud. The focus and faith are important factors in chanting mantras. If someone can get this focus while chanting the mantras silently, it is absolutely fine to do mantras in this way. In addition, we should not chant Mantras mechanically or in a hurry or for the sake of formality.
Q. 5. Should we have to chant any mantra for a specific number of days such as 40 days or 51 days continuously?
Ans. Each recitation of mantra has its benefits and all recitations add up. In other words, it is a myth that a mantra needs to be chanted for say 40 days, 51 days or 108 days continuously for any benefit. For instance, if we just take a deep breath and release it with a sound of OM. We can instantly feel a certain calmness and relaxation.
Q.6. How to chant a mantra correctly? Would there be any harm if I am not able to pronounce the mantra correctly?
Ans. The ‘Bhava’ or the ‘devotion’ to the letters and syllables of the mantra is more important than the manner of chanting the mantra. Sam Veda gives several methods to chant mantras. Several mantras are ‘self-correcting’. As we continuously recite them, their chanting automatically gets corrected over time. Several classical texts emphasis on Akshar Shuddhi, Matra Shuddhi and Swara Shuddhi. With so many feedbacks received so far in my Astro journey, I feel that even though these Shuddhis are important, the ‘focus’ and ‘faith’- the Shraddha or devotion is far more crucial. A concise note on basics of chanting mantras can be read by clicking on Intonations_Tutor. I have downloaded this document from Vedam Tutorials section on the website of Sri Sathya Sai Books and Publication Trust.
Please rest assured that there is no harm in incorrect chanting of Mantras. Mantras are sattvik in nature. The Great Sages have created these Mantras with eternal and divine love towards humanity. If their recitation is not proving to be beneficial, they will never ever cause any harm what so ever. Therefore, we should not worry about any incorrect pronunciation of Mantras and the consequences thereof.
Q. 9. What is the correct posture for chanting mantra? Can I lie down while chanting a mantra?
Ans. We should chant a mantra in any posture which is most comfortable- sitting, lying, standing. The posture doesn’t matter. An ancient school suggests that the spine should be straight in line with the head so that when the Kundalini rises it should not find obstruction in moving up. However, my view is different. First of all, the rising of the Kundalini is one of the last stages of deep meditation which can be achieved only by constant sadhana and renunciation. This is not possible in our lives which deals with materialism day in and out. Secondly, Mantra realigns the neuron pathways. In other words, it is mental work. Mental work can be most efficient when the physical part is comfortable. Therefore, it is best to recite the mantra in the most comfortable physical posture.
5 Simple Steps for chanting mantras in today’s modern times:
Chanting Mantras or JAPA as prescribed in Vedic literature is complex and complicated. In addition, it requires complete renunciation and Saadhna to reach the stage of Mantra Siddhi. In today’s world, when everyone is short of time, we need to adopt those methods of JAPA which are practicable and workable. I humbly submit that after having hands-on experience on hundreds of horoscopes, I have seen that the following steps may be followed while reciting mantras for an effective remedial experience:
Conclusion:
Mantras are sattvik and divine vehicles for spiritual upliftment. Above all, for thousands of years, Mantras form an important component of remedial astrology. Let’s not complicate their chanting and take them away from the masses. Our great Sages were practical people. Moreover, they gave these mantras for the benefit of society. Let’s demystify the process and benefit by listening or chanting them.
In conclusion, for those who are still conscious of pronunciation errors, the Sages have prescribed a special Mantra that can be recited before chanting any other Vedic mantra. This Mantra invokes Goddess Saraswati and is said to take care of the pronunciation errors etc. Further, even a long chanting of OM does that.
Let’s pay our respects to the Great Sages and use the power of Vedic Mantras in the betterment of our material existence.
Om Tat Sat
About Author
Anish Prasad
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Just a little observation here that for the sadhak knowing the correct word and pronunciation is important as one word has connection to another for example repeated chanting in any mantra word Aum might sound like hum but they are two different words/ syllables and have different effects. so many of them might not be self correcting.
Also, though there is no such thing as specific days or numbers for mantras but if a samkalp is taken by sadhak for a specific mantra then that amount or days are esssential.
Thanks for the words of wisdom Mam. Many of the mantras are not self-correcting as you rightly said. Further, you have aptly stated that for a Sadhak it is of utmost importance that specific mantra should be chanted for a specific number of times for a specific period. Otherwise, the Sadhak would lose the way in between. As you are yourself so knowledgeable in this field, you would resonate with my contention that Mantra Siddhi is an extremely complex path which often demands renunciation. In fact, the complexities are so daunting that Mantras slowly went away from the masses in the hands of very few persons who do the chanting as a full-time occupation in either temples or similar places. For most of the others, including us, it’s not possible to commit ourselves to Mantra Siddhi by becoming a Sadhak as per the stringent prescriptions which are given in the Vedas. But at the same time, we should still explore strategies to benefit from the power of Mantras which the Great Sages created for all of us. RationalAstro is just a humble beginning in that direction. It would be greatly satisfying if all of us, who are associated with Astrology or Spirituality strives to bring the knowledge of the ancient texts back to the masses for benefit of all. Warm Regards, Anish
Good evening sir , very fruitful knowledge.
Dr Saloni ,regards
Thanks, Dr Saloni. The knowledge connected with Mantras is like an ocean. It’s beyond my capabilities to even attempt to gain the entire knowledge of Mantras. We should just keep making efforts and progress bit by bit in our spiritual journeys.
Listening to the mantra chanted by you gives so much relaxation and inner peace. Thanks for making us feel spiritual.
Thanks, brother. I am equally benefited by the spiritual high that mantra chanting gives. The Sages say that the energy and vibrations generated from the chanting of Mantras stay in the environment for a very very long time purifying the souls wandering in the Universe.
Sir this mantra spoken by you contains combinations of syllables and your way of pronouncing this mantra is encouraging.
Thanks. The syllables in the mantra are the most significant part. Once the mantra gets into our memory, they become self-correcting over time.
It was the reality on ground in drescribing all. Very well descriptions sir.
Very nice piece. Hits the bulls eye while mentioning that the state of mind, the bhaav while chanting mantras is the key irrespective of every other thing like posture, time, pronunciation, etc. The ultimate aim is to be One with the One which can happen only when there is an intense, continuous, consistent and unbreakable connect with the inner force.
Very well said Sudhanshu. The “intense, continuous, consistent and unbreakable connect with the inner force” is the main reason behind the spiritual energy which is generated by the chanting of Mantras. The sound of Mantra re-aligns the neuron pathways. When we go about our lives with an aligned frame of mind, we experience that ‘feel-good’ moments which have now become very rare in today’s times.
Thanks. We should keep striving for practical application of ancient wisdom.