Types of Mantra
8 Sep 2019 HYN Himalayan Yoga Academy
Primarily, there are 3 types of Mantra and are as follows:
- Pranava Mantra
- Deviya Mantra
- Divya Mantra
- Pranava Mantra-the hymn of the universe i.e. AUM or OM
Om – often referred to as the hymn of the universe – is considered the ultimate vibration because it contains every vibration that has ever existed and every vibration that will ever exist. It’s pure yoga – union.
Historically, Om is first mentioned in the twelve verses of the ancient Vedic text the Mandukya Upanishads, which explains the three basic states of consciousness: waking, sleeping, and dreaming. In its original spelling and pronunciation, AUM (pronounced ahh-uhh-mmm) is a blending of those three states of consciousness into the one-ness of three distinct syllables: A, U, and M. These three vibrations also represent the three stages of life: birth, living, and death.When the three individual vibrations are combined, a fourth vibration is created like a chord in music made up of individual notes.
AUM (pronounced ahhh–uhhh–mmmm) represents the fourth state of consciousness – transcendent consciousness or turiya – what we call enlightenment or one-ness. In Vedanta, it’s the unity of the divine made up of its three components: creation; preservation; destruction (and rebirth). Chanting Om (out loud or silently) is an ideal reminder of our universality.
2. Deviya Mantra
Chanting mantra for prayer and worshiping purposed to explore devotion, good senses, and feelings. E.g.
“Om Sahanavavatu, SahanouBhunaktu, SahaViryamKaravavahai,
Tejasvinavadhistamastu Ma Vidvisavahai” Om Shantih! Shantih!! Shantih!!!
Meaning: May he protect us both Master and Disciple! May he nourish us both! May we both work together with the great energy! May our study be enlightening and fruitful! May we not hate each other! Om Peace! Peace!! Peace!!!
- Divya Mantra: divine sounds/ words – specially recitation for Dhyana
Yoga; Kundalini Yoga; Raja Yoga
E.g. Rim; Krim; Shrim; Lrim; Brham; Yam; Hum; Rham; Rhim; Klim; Hreem; Swaha;
Ways of Mantra Chanting or Recitation
- VaachikaJapa (Verbal) –Chanting by loudly
- UpaanshuJapa (whispering) – chanting by internally with low action and effort
- ManasikJapa (Mental/ reminded) – reciting or reminding with action less or motionless
- AajapaJapa (Hearing inner sound) – hearing inner sounds like breath sounds, heart sounds, and any
inner vibrations. The mantra ‘SOHAM’ is very common in the beginning.
Types of Mala – 108 beads as significant in all sacred texts and 1 sumeru bead