I want to share with you an idea that had a big impact on my life.
It’s a concept I learned from spiritual thought leader and Mindvalley trainer Michael Bernard Beckwith.
And it’s called Kensho and Satori.
Kensho and Satori: What Does It Mean?
Understanding the Kensho and Satori meanings reveals two distinct paths of our growth journey, each unique in its approach. According to Michael, we can choose to grow in our lives through pain. Or we can grow in our lives through insight.
Kensho translates to “seeing into the true nature of things” and is about growing through pain. It’s those moments of suffering that jolt us into change. Imagine the end of a relationship or a career setback—these painful moments, although tough, are catalysts for profound personal transformation.
On the other hand, Satori is growing through insight. These are the sudden bursts of understanding, “a-ha” moments, or enlightenment that elevate us to higher consciousness, which often emerges from personal development activities, meditation, or a profound book.
Below is an image taken from my book that I want to share with you, which shows how Kensho and Satori moments affect our quality of life over time.
So, insight or pain. Satori or Kensho. It sounds simple, doesn’t it?
Both of these elements dance with us throughout life. And they’re designed to help us grow as individuals, as souls, and as human beings.
Difference Between Kensho and Satori
The key difference between Satori vs. Kensho lies in the tempo and nature of growth.
Kensho is often gradual and subtle.
These are Kensho moments. As small and subtle as they are, they build up over time. And, in fact, you might not even realize the significant progress you’ve made until you look back and reflect on how far you’ve come.
Chances are, if you just think about who you were three years ago versus who you are now, you’ll see that you’re a completely different person.
Now, the second way we grow—Satori—is far more pleasurable. But it happens far less frequently.
A Satori moment comes from a sudden spiritual awakening. And they can seem to come to you almost at random:
An idea you picked up from a personal growth program.
A revelation you get from a retreat or a seminar.
A new form of wisdom you may gain from a book or a meditation practice.
It’s like a flash of lightning—instant, illuminating, and transformative. But it’s pleasant. It’s pleasurable. And best of all, it levels you up in a way where the things that used to scare you are just a distant memory.
You operate at completely different levels of consciousness, and you can take on new life challenges (ones that you wouldn’t have taken before) with confidence and courage.
How to Go From Kensho to Satori
While life inevitably throws a Kensho moment after another our way, the key lies in transforming them into stepping stones for Satori.
Here are a few ways to help you navigate this process:
1. Immerse yourself in personal growth practices
The idea of Satori made me realize just how important it is for us to fully embrace personal growth.
Yes, Satori moments happen infrequently. But by doing shadow work and immersing ourselves in our personal growth, we put ourselves in the best position to receive inspiration.
And life, it becomes an ever-growing unfolding of new ideas, insights, and awakenings.
2. Embrace a growth mindset
People with a growth mindset, according to Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, tend to be more resilient, persistent, and successful in the face of challenges. It’s particularly relevant when it comes to navigating Kensho moments.
It made me see and experience “painful” moments in my life in a completely different light. “Pain” was no longer something that would pull me down.
Instead, pain became an indicator for me that I was on the cusp of new growth. It was just a matter of ego death to course-correct the direction of my life to find that path to level up.
3. Engage in introspection
Science shows that self-reflection can lead to increased self-awareness, better emotional regulation, and improved decision-making.
So when you experience a painful moment, as we all do in life, ask yourself this:
What have I learned from this, and how can I grow?
And when you do, you’ll quickly realize that pain is nothing more than the universe’s way of directing you to take the next step in life.
Expand Your Consciousness
Whether through the slow burn of Kensho or the sudden clarity of Satori, each moment is a step towards becoming our best selves.
Now, reflect on your own Satori and Kensho moments. How have you grown recently? Have you been guided by pain or propelled by insight?
Understanding these two concepts had such a profound impact on me. And I hope it does for you, too.
And if you’d like to continue your spiritual growth journey, Mindvalley can offer you a customized transformative learning experience with world-class experts.
Mindfulness is a skill that can help us maintain a sense of balance and peace as the world rapidly changes around us. However, understanding our mind and navigating its complexities on our own is a challenging task.
That’s where a mindfulness coach comes in.
Let’s explore how you can help your clients manage their emotions and maintain balance in their lives with this powerful coaching method.
What Is a Mindfulness Coach?
A mindfulness coach is essentially a life coach who helps their clients cultivate and integrate mindfulness practices into their daily lives. They teach them new tools and techniques so they can become more present in the moment and ward off distractions.
As a result, clients can cultivate a state of flow where their worries about the past and the future disappear.
“We have only now, only this single eternal moment opening and unfolding before us, day and night.” — Jack Kornfield
Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness reduces stress and anxiety and helps people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. It allows them to enjoy the present moment, improve their concentration, and cope with events out of their control.
What Do Mindfulness Coaches Do?
Mindfulness coaches guide their clients through anchoring and grounding exercises that help them focus on their thoughts and emotions without reacting sharply. It’s a way of making people aware of what’s happening in their minds in different scenarios while also teaching them not to get absorbed in all those thoughts and feelings.
Mindfulness training is a type of attention training that focuses on the present and helps the client understand themselves better. A mindfulness teacher helps clients learn how not to be overwhelmed by stressors in their daily environment.
Unlike therapists who diagnose and treat mental health conditions, mindfulness coaches operate in the wellness sphere, focusing on preventative and personal growth practices.
They might:
Teach mindfulness techniques like meditation, breathwork, mindful movement, and body scans.
Help clients identify areas in their lives where they want to cultivate more mindfulness.
Facilitate self-reflection and awareness through coaching exercises
Help the client develop coping mechanisms and healthier ways to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions.
Hold clients accountable for their mindfulness practice and track their progress in improving their well-being.
The Benefits of Mindfulness Coaching
With the constant hustling and planning of the future, we often forget to live through those smaller moments that make up most of our happiest memories. It is all well and good to be ambitious and driven, but it should never be at the cost of enjoying the present.
Mindfulness coaching is essential in this sense, especially in a corporate culture-driven world where everyone is competing with each other. It can help to…
Maintain a work-life balance.
Keep track of our biggest priorities in life.
Remain grounded, even in the most tragic of moments.
Understand our emotions better.
Maintain better relationships with other people.
Encourage self-love and care.
Make taking care of our mind and body a priority.
Keep in mind that everyone is unique, and their results may vary. With that being said, many people do find mindfulness coaching to be a valuable tool for enhancing their overall well-being and navigating life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity.
What Kind of Results Can You Get From Mindfulness Coaching?
The results of having a mindful living coach can vary depending on a person’s goals, commitment to practice, and existing mental and emotional state. However, some common positive outcomes people experience include:
1. Increased self-awareness
Mindfulness coaching can dramatically improve people’s physical, mental, and emotional awareness. When they have a better sense of themselves and their capabilities, they’re more likely to make the right choices at the right times.
2. Higher levels of satisfaction and joy
“By breaking down our sense of self-importance, all we lose is a parasite that has long infected our minds. What we gain in return is freedom, the openness of mind, spontaneity, simplicity, altruism: all qualities inherent in happiness.” — Matthieu Ricard
Being mindful helps people find satisfaction and happiness in each moment. By anchoring them in the present, mindfulness coaching can help clients find stability and joy in who they are, what they have, and what they do in the present.
3. Increased emotional regulation
Another potential benefit of mindfulness coaching is that it helps clients identify and manage their emotions. This means that emotions can be amplified or kept at bay according to circumstances and needs. This ability can play an important role in psychological well-being.
4. Lower levels of anxiety and stress
Chronic stress is a serious problem for many adults. It can cause a variety of health problems, including an increased risk of depression and anxiety. As a matter of fact, according to the American Psychological Association, mindfulness helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress.
Another study has shown that individuals diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder achieved a drastic reduction in their anxiety levels through a consistent mindfulness practice.
5. Better memory
A mindfulness coach can also improve their clients’ memory. In a 2019 survey, participants received either a four-week mindfulness training session or a creative writing class. Memory tests showed that those trained in attention practice showed the greatest improvement in short-term memory.
However, participants did not just remember things better; they also showed visible changes in their brains. Brain imaging showed that participants in mindfulness training experienced changes in the hippocampus, a region associated with memory.
6. Stronger cognitive function
Research shows that mindfulness can not only help a person focus on their thoughts and remember things more easily but can play a role in their ability to think flexibly and clearly.
A mindfulness coach may use techniques to teach clients how to focus attention for a while (sustainable attention), direct their thoughts and attention despite distractions (cognitive flexibility), and keep other thoughts at bay.
These cognitive skills are important for a variety of daily tasks. They allow us to think quickly and adapt to changing information. These skills also help us easily move from one task to another, making it easier to focus on the task and solve the problem more efficiently.
What Makes a Good Mindfulness Coach?
A mindfulness coach can significantly impact a person’s experience and the results they achieve. Here are some key qualities of a good one:
1. Connects well with their clients
Great coaches go beyond being likable; they cultivate genuine connections with their clients through empathy, compassion, and respect. This translates to:
Active listening that shows they truly care and understand.
A safe and supportive space to share thoughts and feelings openly.
Personalized guidance that meets their clients’ unique needs and goals.
These connections foster trust, motivation, and a sense of security.
2. Practices mindfulness in their own life
Imagine taking advice from a mindfulness meditation coach who never practices mindfulness meditation. It wouldn’t inspire much confidence, right?
That’s why the best coaches actively walk the walk. “Practice what you preach,” as the saying goes. If not, then no one will want to listen.
3. Guides well and pays individual attention to each client
The best mindfulness coaches don’t just tell their clients what to do. They explain things in a way that’s easy to understand, using examples and stories anyone can relate to.
They also pay close attention to what their client’s feelings and thoughts are and adjust their teaching style to fit their needs. This makes learning mindfulness less confusing and more enjoyable.
4. Encourages questions and curiosity
Curiosity is the engine of growth. By fostering it, coaches equip their clients with the tools to navigate their mindfulness journey, long after the sessions end.
Here are a few ways to ignite curiosity and fuel deeper learning:
Ask open-ended questions.
Create a safe space for exploration.
Actively listen and respond.
Connect the dots.
5. Knows how to take charge of a group
Leading a mindfulness group can be challenging with different personalities and energy levels. But the coach is the guide, helping everyone feel comfortable and learn together.
They can set clear rules, be flexible and pay attention, encourage connection, and handle any disruption calmly. By doing so, they create a space where everyone can learn, grow, and connect through mindfulness.
Mindfulness is more than just “being present.” Here are some scientific methods to train your clients on this important skill.
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR)
Built around mindfulness practices, MBSR focuses on uplifting a client by focusing on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being. It has paved the way for many other behavioral coaching techniques.
MBSR therapy has shown promising results, including:
Reductions in physical and psychological symptoms.
Higher tolerance, especially in the case of chronic pain.
Higher energy and motivation levels.
Better reactions to stressful situations.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
A type of psychotherapy that combines cognitive therapy, meditation, and mindfulness-based development. Studies have shown that MBCT may be effective in helping people who have experienced multiple episodes of depression.
Originally developed to treat depression, it has also proven to be effective in other uses, including:
Anxiety disorders.
Bipolar disorder.
Depression associated with medical illnesses.
Low mood.
Unhappiness.
Treatment-resistant depression.
Depression-relapse prevention.
Mindfulness-based recurrence prevention (MBRP)
Developed to combat addiction, MBRP applies the concept of mindfulness to the management of impulses and the maintenance of moderation that can interfere with addiction. Through MBRP, individuals learn to take a step back and witness the moment, recognizing that there are multiple possible consequences for the situation and that they have control over it.
The main technique used in MBRP is called “urge surfing.” It refers to using a mindfulness strategy to ride a wave of impulses rather than succumb to them.
Instead of falling into an automatic emotional response to the trigger, you can take a moment to react intentionally. By developing this ability, you will experience fewer negative emotions because you are not exacerbating difficult situations through your own actions.
How to Become a Mindfulness Coach: 4 Things to Check Off Your List
You can become a mindfulness coach by following the steps below:
1. Assess if mindfulness coaching is right for you
Before becoming a mindfulness coach, take a moment to reflect on your motivations and interests.
You can ask yourself:
Does guiding others toward inner peace and balance resonate with you?
Are you passionate about mindfulness and its power to transform lives?
Do you find joy in helping people navigate stressful situations through self-awareness and mindful approaches?
Are you comfortable guiding others on a journey of self-discovery and inner exploration?
If these questions spark a sense of purpose and excitement, then mindfulness coaching could be the perfect niche for you.
2. Complete a certification
Formal training is crucial for building your foundation as a mindfulness coach. But where can you start?
Your options include mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs or coach-specific mindfulness certifications. Additionally, you can opt for a program accredited by recognized organizations, like Mindvalley Coach.
3. Practice
No amount of textbook knowledge can substitute for the real-world experience of guiding others on their mindfulness journey. But you don’t have to jump into the deep end of the pool; start small.
Offer workshops or group coaching at a discount to practice your skills in a safe space and attract potential clients. You can also volunteer your services to gain experience and help others. Additionally, you can learn from established coaches through mentorship or online communities.
As you gain confidence and happy clients, your coaching practice will naturally grow.
4. Expand your services
Once you feel more confident in your coaching skills and expertise, you can expand your business to find more people to work with. Holding free webinars or being active on social media is a great way to showcase your expertise and attract new clients.
With an average mindfulness coach salary of $99,000 a year, you can build a career that’s both lucrative and meaningful.
Make Mindfulness Coaching Your Next Career Move
Building a coaching business takes long-term commitment and some risk. If you’re still toying with the idea of becoming a mindfulness coach but you’re not quite sure you’re ready to make a career transition, here’s a class that will help you test the waters.
The free Become a Mindvalley Certified Life Coachmasterclass can help you turn coaching into a prosperous full-time career. Discover how you can create massive breakthroughs for your clients that will make them stick with you.
Whether you’re trying meditation for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, mantra meditation can have a profound impact on your practice.
But what is mantra meditation? Or better yet, what is a mantra? And how can it be used to augment your spiritual, personal, and yes, even professional development?
You’ve probably heard the word mantra before. But what you might not know is that this is a spiritual practice that is as ancient as it is profound.
What Is a Mantra?
Simply put, a mantra is a word, sound, syllable, or phrase that is repeated over and over again during meditation. It is said to have a powerful vibrational resonance.
They’re used in meditation, yoga, and the spiritual practices of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
What is the purpose of a mantra?
Music (including binaural beats), focusing on the breath, or focusing on an object are other ways of altering your consciousness, but there is something almost mystical about the sound of your own voice repeating a meditation mantra.
What is your personal mantra?
A personal mantra is a statement that motivates and inspires you to be your best self.
With a personal mantra, you affirm the way you want to live your life, as it often represents one’s core values. And it can help motivate you to complete your goals, both personally and professionally.
What Is Mantra Meditation?
Meditation mantras are words or phrases you can sing, chant, hum, or repeat silently in your mind as you meditate. They come in many forms. Some are short, others are long. But they’re all designed to bring you into a state of deeper presence and awareness.
What is the purpose of mantra during meditation?
Mantras are a popular tool in meditation. They serve as an object of focus for the practitioner. Although many people use mantras, you can also use objects like candles, a bowl of water, a picture, or meditation music.
So, how do meditation mantras work? Why would repeating the same word or phrase over and over help you meditate?
Well, firstly, meditation mantras are designed to give the mind an object to focus on. When you have an object of focus, it becomes easier to steady the mind.
Secondly, ancient mantras have specific sound frequencies and meanings that soothe the senses and facilitate greater mindfulness. That’s why mantras have been used by sages and gurus around the world for many centuries.
What is a meditation phrase?
Meditation phrases are most commonly known as mantras. Most mantras are phrases. Repeat phrases that you find calming or that energize you. The most famous meditation phrase is most likely “Om Shanti”, meaning “peace”.
Sometimes, a mantra is a single word, like peace, emptiness, or abundance.
What do you say when you meditate?
Picking a mantra depends on your personal beliefs, interests, and, most of all, your goals.
When you select a mantra, you should find something that moves and motivates you. Something that will help you connect to what’s important in life. Something that will keep you calm and focused.
A mantra can be a word or a phrase that calms you and that you can easily chant to yourself, whether alone or with others.
If you want to explore some mantras yourself and you’re wondering, “What are some good mantras?” Well, ask no more, because below we’ve listed some tried-and-true mantras to help you use meditation for transformation.
Meditation is the solid foundation on which you build your spiritual temple.
But first, let’s cover the types of meditations that you can use mantras with.
What type of meditation uses a mantra?
There are many different types of meditation. But seven of the most prominent are:
A mantra can be incorporated into any form of meditation practice. But traditionally, the two types of meditation that make use of mantras are transcendental and Metta meditations.
Transcendental meditation is a technique in which you sit with your eyes closed and repeat a mantra to yourself twice a day for 20 minutes.
The mantra that you use in transcendental meditation is the one that you choose for yourself and that has a positive effect on you. This can be a word or a phrase, but the mantra itself is entirely up to you. This technique will help you calm down and find inner peace and relaxation.
Metta meditation, or loving-kindness meditation, is one of many meditation mantras in which good wishes are directed toward someone else.
Mantra Meditation Benefits
Meditation can be a transformative practice, and that has been confirmed by science. It is an excellent way to:
Open and balance your chakras
Concentrate your energy
Boost self-knowledge
Develop your psychic awareness
Help pave the way for emotional healing
Some experienced meditation masters explain that these spiritual phrases, once unlocked, can raise your consciousness.
But using mantras for meditation involves a lot more than just sounding like a broken record. They’re generally sacred in nature—a name or sound that both uplifts you and helps keep you focused during meditation. Or, in other words, they’re designed to change you.
Mantras give your brain something to do. Yes, spiritual mantras are meant to transform you just by uttering them again and again, but there’s a lot to be said for saying something just to keep nonsense babble at bay.
And speaking of nonsense babble, rather than just giving you some meaningless drivel like “my shoes are green” or “I love pickled herring,” (which, for keeping your mind busy during meditation, does have its benefits. But let’s face it, this is “broken record” material and nothing more).
How to Do Mantra Meditation for Beginners (With Examples)
Here’s how to start and stick with your practice:
Find a quiet place.
Set the intention for your meditation and begin your mantra—out loud or in your head.
Simply repeat your mantra slowly and with intention.Remember, it’s not a race. You can say it as many or as few times as you’d like.
Think about what your chosen mantra means. Dwell on the individual words.
Let it resonate and vibrate with each syllable.
How to practice the loving-kindness mantra meditation
This form of meditation practice is a powerful one. Even if you’ve never tried it before, you’re bound to experience transformative results. Give it a try.
May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful and free from suffering.
To practice the loving-kindness mantra meditation, find a comfortable spot, sit, relax, and after a few deep breaths, repeat these words for a couple of minutes.
After you’ve repeated this phrase for several minutes, picture a loved one in your mind’s eye and repeat the phrase again, but this time using “you” instead of “I.”
As you continue with this meditation, you can start to direct this practice of loving-kindness out into the world. Imagine those who have hurt you or who you have difficult relationships with.
As you direct kindness and love toward them, you can bring greater peace to both yourself and others.
9 ancient meditation mantras to try during your practice
Here is a quick list of nine of the most commonly used simple mantra words and phrases for meditation:
“Aum” or “Om”
“Ham-Sah” “
Aham Prema”
“Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti”
“Om Tat Sat”
“Namo Amitabha”
“I am That I Am”
“I Love You; I’m Sorry; Please Forgive Me; Thank You”
“I Want Nothing. I Do Nothing. I Am Nothing.”
Meditation mantras are a powerful way to increase your mindfulness during meditation. They serve as a focal point for your attention, the same way you might use a candle, a photo, or a statue.
There are quite a few meditation mantras you can access for free. The best part? They act as a form of guided meditation to help you stay grounded and present.
Let’s dive deeper into the nine mantras we mentioned above, outlining their benefits.
1. “Aum” or “Om”
Said to mean, variously: It Is, Will Be or To Become, The “Om” mantra is considered to be the most sacred mantra (and arguably the most commonly used). Om is a Sanskrit word that is meant to convey the “original vibration of manifestation”—in other words, when intention manifests in the physical realm.
This is one word that pretty much anyone can feel comfortable using, no matter your spiritual inclinations. It is an incredibly soothing sound, especially when you allow the vibration to linger in your throat. You can literally feel your body vibrate when you repeat this mantra for a little while!
It has been said that the true meaning of Om can only be understood by revelation. In other words, you have to say it to understand it. For starters, you can focus on the silence from which Om originates and into which it dissipates. That will quickly give your mind something to focus on and help you enter and stay in meditation!
Many meditation masters suggest that Om helps open your chakras as it simultaneously soothes the mind. You can say it yourself or listen to it as it’s sung or chanted, but this is a mantra best practiced out loud to receive the full benefits.
2. “Ham-Sah”
The Hindu variant, meaning I am THAT.This helps remind us that we are observers and, thus, helps detach from our human experiences and suffering.
3. “Aham Prema”
Meaning: “I am Divine Love.”
4. “Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti”
Meaning: “Peace of mind, body, and speech.”
5. “Om Tat Sat”
Meaning: “All that is.”
6. “Namo Amitabha”
Meaning: Homage to the Buddha of boundless light.
7. “I am That I Am”
This is one of the Hebrew Torah’s most famous lines, and it was God’s answer to Moses when Moses asked for his name.
This is the ancient Hawaiian mantra practice known as Ho’oponopono. According to the Hawaiian worldview, it means: “Forgiveness and reconciliation practice, cleansing of “errors of thought”—the origin of problems and sickness in the physical world.”
And it is a real heart-opener. By repeating these words, you open yourself up to clearing the stagnant energy trapped in your body.
These four short phrases are simple but powerful. By asking for forgiveness, you open yourself up to all sorts of transformative healing energy.
9. “I Want Nothing. I Do Nothing. I Am Nothing.”
This mantra was suggested by spiritual leader and Mindvalley teacher, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. He explains that these three ideas are the golden principles of meditation.
Sri Sri suggests that you meditate on each phrase in turn. Meditate on each phrase for a few minutes, letting your body and mind sink into each.
This liberating meditation mantra can help free you from toxic attachments.
More Examples of Mantras
Now, just because mantras are a 3,000-year-old spiritual practice doesn’t mean they aren’t just as effective today as they were back then!
In fact, mantras have changed over the years to accommodate our modern attitudes and perceptions.
A mantra doesn’t need to be pronounced in Sanskrit to hold power. A mantra just needs to be something that resonates with you on a profound and personal level.
Mantras are often used in meditation as a way to stay focused and centered. But you can use mantras in lots of different ways.
Print one out to put up on your wall. Write one down on the community board at work. Slip a Post-it mantra into your friend’s purse for an added dose of inspiration.
18 popular modern mantra examples in English
I am enough.
Every day, in every way, I am getting stronger.
I am a magnet for health, wealth, and happiness.
I love you. I’m sorry. Please forgive me. Thank you.
In me, I trust.
I am open to the possibilities of the Universe.
Disconnect to reconnect.
I am in an attitude of gratitude.
Inhale the future, exhale the past.
I am the change.
Everything I need is within me.
I can and I will.
I love myself, I believe in myself, I support myself.
Life is short. Smile while you still have teeth.
“I change my thoughts, I change my world.” — Norman Vincent Peale
“Every day in every way I’m getting better and better.” — Émile Coué
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” — Gandhi
“Love is the only miracle there is.” — Osho
The “love” and “I am” mantras
As you practice some mantras from this list or when you want to create your own mantra meditation, you’ll find that these two words tend to be incorporated into many others.
“Love”
Saying the word “love” while focusing on the feelings of love is a powerful way to create an atmosphere of love. Focus on the physical feeling you get when you say the word, “Love.” It’s such a great feeling! Even if you’re feeling depressed, angry, or upset, you can literally feel love washing over you when you repeat the word. Feel the love radiating outward from your heart…
“I Am”
This is the most powerful manifesting mantra. Think about it. Whenever you say, “I am sick,” how do you feel? Whenever you say, “I am happy,” how do you feel? In meditation, you can use “I am…” alone to honor and acknowledge your existence. And you can take it a step further and honor and acknowledge your divinity and oneness with all that is.
You can also add positive affirmations while you meditate to help paint a mental picture of what you want out of life. For example, “I am a successful [what you want to be]” and so on.
It all started with the ancient Hindus, but the use of mantras for meditation has since spread—mostly through the Far East—among Buddhists, Taoists, Sikhs, and others. Today, Western peeps on a spiritual path also create mantras.
Many of them seem more like affirmations, but the ones that are short and sweet still work nicely for that all-important transformative effect.
3 traditional Buddhist mantras for mindfulness, presence, and power
The very first mantras were used by Hindus in India over 3,000 years ago. Several hundred years later, after Buddhism began to flourish, mantras began to be incorporated into their spiritual practice too.
Buddhist mantras are based on the holy teachings of the Buddha and the bodhisattvas.
Here are three traditional Buddhist mantras you might not have heard of before:
1. “Om Mani Padme Hum”
This one’s from Tibet, and it means, roughly, “Hail the Jewel in the Lotus.” The jewel, in this case, is the Buddha of Compassion. This mantra is used in Tibetan Buddhism.
This is a practice of compassion. It’s used to seek and spread empathy for oneself and others.
2. “Om Muni Muni Mahamuni Shakyamuniye Svaha”
This means, “I invoke the Universal sound, Buddha-nature, and the wise one, wise one of the Shakyans, hail to thee!”
Also called the Shakyamuni Mantra, this mantra is meant to encourage the development of what Buddhists call “Buddha-nature,” or the seeking of Enlightenment.
3. “Om Vasudhare Svaha”
Also called the Buddhist money mantra, it’s used as a prayer to the bodhisattva of earth and abundance, Vasundhara. In Buddhism, it’s thought to be the embodiment of the feminine spirit and is the counterpart to the Hindu goddess Lakshmi.
What Is Mantra Healing?
It’s been proven that chanting, music, and mantras have a strong impact on our brains.
In fact, according to Deva Premal and Miten, mantras are energetic sound formulas that slow us down and allow us to see everything clearly. They give us perspective.
Dr. Alfred A. Thomas from the Paris School of Medicine claims that chanting calms the body and activates a number of natural bodily functions and processes. It can also help in healing the mind and body from addictions like smoking or alcohol. What’s more, chanting can strengthen the immune system.
Additionally, Dr. Watkins, a senior lecturer in neuroscience at the Imperial College of London, found that chanting can lower blood pressure, reduce stress levels, increase hormone level performance, and decrease anxiety and depression.
Who would have thought that this simple practice could have such power?
Just remember that in the process of finding a pull and fascination for healing others, you, yourself, can become healed.
Om Shanti meaning in yoga
Om Shanti is perhaps one of the most well-known and accessible mantras used today. If you’ve ever set foot in a yoga class, chances are you’ve heard it.
So, what does Om Shanti mean? Well, there’s actually no direct translation for Om Shanti. That’s because Om isn’t so much a word as it is a sound, a feeling, and an energetic resonance.
Om is said to be the sound of the universe. This single syllable encompasses the cycle of death and rebirth. Chanting the word Om brings you into energetic alignment with the universe.
So, what about Shanti? Well, Shanti is a Sanskrit word that means “peace.” Together, the Om Shanti meaning is meant to convey: Universal Peace.
It’s often used as a greeting in yoga as a way of acknowledging a fellow practitioner and wishing them peace.
Make Meditation a Habit
When it comes to sticking to your meditation practice, it’s crucial to let go of the myths that may be holding you back.
If you want to learn how to prime yourself for effective meditation, enroll in The 6 Phase Meditationcourse with Vishen, Mindvalley founder and world-renowned meditation expert.
Thanks to this transformative practice, hundreds of Mindvalley members raised their levels of energy, achieved goals, enhanced their intuition, and more.
