Mantra: Reflection

Everyone knows that a happy life requires good health. More important, but less well known, is the inner self’s need for spiritual nourishment and attention. If we ignore our spiritual health requirements, we become overwhelmed by negative tendencies such as anxiety, depression, and loneliness

The ability to develop full spiritual fulfilment is already present within us all. It must be uncovered by a genuine spiritual process. One such process is the chanting of the holy names of the Divine.

In this present age of Kali (the Kali –Yuga), the scriptures have recommended the chanting of the holy names of the Divine as a common platform for realization (which by the way, (drumroll please) is the common goal of ALL life: to realize that we are one with the Divine!! )

The process of mantra selection is unique to each devotee (a devotee being one who is devoted to their spiritual advancement). Some devotees are given a mantra by their Guru. This is known as Guru Mantra. Other devotees should do a little research, compile a list of mantra’s and determine which mantra they resonate with.. In order to do this, the devotee needs to ask God for assistance, sit quietly, chant each mantra on the list and then and decide which mantra “feels right”.

Of course there is no restriction to where the devotee may source the mantra. I have written down a few of the many mantra’s which I love and which I have used personally at different times in my life.

In Buddhism
Om mani padme hum

To Lord Shiva
Om nama Shivaya


To Lord Vishnu
Om namo Narayanaya

Maha Mantra
Hare Krishna Hare Krisha
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

To Lord Ram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
Ram Ram Ram Ram


To Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Haily Mary, Full of Grace
The Lord is with Thee
Blessed are Thou among woman
And blessed is the Fruit of Thou womb, Jesus
Holy Mary, Mother of God
Be with us your children
Now and forever
Amen


In conclusion, my experience of mantra, which really boils down to thinking of God often, has been life changing. The reason that I wish to share this, is that with sincerity and a little dedication, this practice can improve our own quality of life. And in so, doing, we elevate the quality of life of those around us. And so, while we personally reap these benefits, so does the greater society in which we live. This is how we can make a real difference in the world at large. I say “Think Big, Think God!”