MANTRA & PRAYER

Mantra

Mantra is the use of sound to affect consciousness; man means mind and trang means wave or projection. Every mantra produces a unique sound and vibration that, when recited can stimulate various areas of the brain, bringing about positive results that include relaxation, clarity, and natural healing. Through the “waves” of sound, the mind is brought to a “natural” calm, centered, and connected state. Here are some beginning level mantras to learn and recite.

Try it for 40 days and see what arises!

  • Om Namo

    The mantra connects each and every one to the other. It is also known as the golden chain, which refers to the energetic link that exists between a teach, their teacher, their teacher’s teacher, and so on. This mantra reminds us that we are our own greatest teacher.

    Om namo,
    Guru Dev, namo.

    I bow to the “all that is”; I bow to the Divine Wisdom within myself.

  • Dance of Ganesha

    Lord Ganesha is thought to bring prosperity, good luck, and success. He is also thought to remove all obstacles to our true path. It is said that chanting this mantra brings clarity to our lives and activities.


    Om gam ganapataye namaha
    Om gam ganapataye namaha


    Salutations to the Lord Ganesha, may your power remove obstacles to success.

  • Shanti Mantra

    This mantra is recited to create a serene environment, and to calm the mind and create inner peace.


    Om Asatoma sad Gamaya
    Tamasoma Jyotir Gamaya
    Mrityor ma Amritam Gamaya


    Lead me from the unreal to the real,
    Lead me from the darkness to the light,
    Lead me from death to immortality.

  • Maha Mrytanjaya

    This is also known as the Tryambakam Mantra. It is offered to the ancient Hindu diety Shiva. It is believed to help overcome illness and disease and nourish those who recite it with renewed energy and clarity.

    Om Tryambakam Yajamahe
    Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam
    Urarukamiva Bandhanam
    Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat(e)

    I worship the frangrant Shiva of three eyes, the one who nourished all living entities.

  • Medicine Buddha

    This is the Tibetan Buddhist mantra to one of the manifestations of the Buddha. You can watch a video of His Holiness the Dalai Lama here.

    Tayate
    Om Bekanze
    Bekanze
    Maha Bekanze
    Radza Samudgate Soha

    May all sentient beings who are sick, be freed from sickness soon.May all the sickness of beings never arise again.

  • Ocyrhynchus Hymn

    The Oxyrhynchus mantra or hymn, is the earliest known manuscript of the Christian era dating from the 3rd century AD. The original language of this writing was Greek.

    Let the world be silent Let not the stars shine their lights
    Calm the winds, silence the rivers
    Let all praise the Father, the Son and the Holy spirit
    Let all sing together Amen, Amen.

Earth Teach Me

Earth teach me quiet ~ as the grasses are still with the new light.
Earth teach me suffering ~ as old stones suffer with memory.
Earth teach me humility ~ as blossoms are humble with beginnings.
Earth teach me caring ~ as mothers nurture their young.
Earth teach me courage ~ as the tree stands alone.
Earth teach me limitation ~ as the ant that crawls on the ground.
Earth teach me freedom ~ as the eagle that soars in the sky.
Earth teach me acceptance ~ as the leaves that die each fall.
Earth teach me renewal ~ as the seed that rises in the spring.
Earth teach me to forget myself ~ as melted snow forgets its life.
Earth teach me to remember kindness ~ as dry fields weep with rain.

Prayer

There are a million kinds of prayers. There are foxhole prayers, prayers for others, prayers that bargain, prayers that supplicate, and prayers that celebrate.

Prayer is an essential tool in living a spiritual life. It can be a profound activity that connects us more deeply to our path. I encourage you to try writing your own prayers, a practice that has the effect of deepening our connection to something far greater than ourselves.

As with mantra, try one prayer for 40 days and see what happens!

Universal Prayer

Universe,
Put me in the places you want me to be in,
With the people you want me to be with,
Doing the things you want me to do.
Thank you for the joys and challenges of my life.
I accept myself completely.
Amen.

Tommy Rosen

I Will Drink Thy Joy

I will drink vitality from the golden fountain of sunshine;
I will drink peace from the silver fountain of mooned nights;
I will drink Thy power from the mighty cup of the wind;
I will drink Thy consciousness as job and bliss from all the little cups of my thoughts.

Paramahamsa Yogananda

Kimberley’s Prayer

May Light continue to shine in my life.
May I be slow to react and quick to respond with love, understanding and compassion.
May this day be focused on the positive.
May I listen more and speak less.
May I accomplish what I set out to do.
May today unfold with ease.
May I accept what is give to me today with grace.

Sioux Prayer

O our Father, the Sky, hear us and make us strong.
O our Mother, the Earth, hear us and give us support.
O Spirit of the East, send us your wisdom.
O Spirit of the South, may we tread on your path.
O Spirit of the West, may we always be ready for the long journey.
O Spirit of the North, purify us with your cleansing winds.