The Sanskrit language contains energy-based sound formulas known as mantras. The catalog of mantras, traditional forms, and uses is a resource for practice. These tools can open altered states and explore consciousness.
Buddhism and Hinduism did not treat these methods as abstract ideas. They preserved these methods because they were repeatable and tested through experience. They became prized practices for working with attention and awareness.
The traditional forms and uses were kept intact by clever use of metaphor and story. These became some of the first mnemonic memory systems for preserving knowledge.
Mantras as mechanisms to alter consciousness
Mantras predate written history; no one can say if they were created or discovered. Brahman Hindu priests were the first to document these formulas. The priests safeguarded and used them in their practice of maintaining cosmic order.
The priests began teaching these tools to raise humanity’s consciousness. More and more people were given access to this knowledge and began to explore the rainbow of consciousness. They gained an understanding of the power of words to shape reality.
The mantra is music, which allows us to join the alchemy of the Universe. — Guru Tua
What matters is that they produce a desired result and expand your mind. Mantras work differently from modern medical treatments. No one knows exactly how these therapies work. Still, they’ve been used for centuries to affect mental and emotional states. Recent studies suggest that repetitive sounds can help you relax. Meditation also supports focus and reduces stress.
If you are starting your spiritual journey, these tools are a must. Find one that resonates and follow its guidelines for use. Learn the difference between an emotional state and a true change in consciousness. It’s the difference between enchantment and enlightenment. Please don’t get them confused.
Using the advanced tools of consciousness
Most languages create words based on meaning, whereas these words and phrases are based on energy. We can think or vocalize them, and according to Vedic tradition, they work through energy centers known as chakras.
In practical terms, repetition, sound, and rhythm can also be used to stabilize attention. They can modulate the depth and duration of altered states.
The ancient rishis discovered these laws of sound alliance between nature and man. Nature reflects Aum, the Primal Sound. By using specific mantras or chants, people can control natural forces. ― Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi
We don’t know exactly how mantras work. The metaphors and analogies in ancient Hindu texts clearly explain these tools. Medical science is still trying to determine how vibration affects us. All we know is that they affect our physiology, consciousness, and awareness.
These are some of the first tools for exploring and altering consciousness. They create and align energy. Mantras have some unique characteristics:
- They are language-independent, with pronunciation remaining the same in all languages.
- Most derive from Sanskrit but are not direct translations.
- The sounds are only coincidental with the meaning of language.
Mantras, sutras, and affirmations
Mantras, sutras, and affirmations are often grouped together, but they operate in different ways.
- Mantras are sound-based formulas. Their effect comes from repetition, rhythm, and vibration. They do not rely on direct meaning. The forms and uses of mantras include a wide range from stabilizing attention to altered state induction.
- Sutras are concise statements or instructions. They carry meaning in language and are traditionally introduced at deeper levels of awareness. They are triggers to prompt a specific response or insight.
- Affirmations are meaning-based phrases used to influence thought patterns and beliefs. They work through repetition of language that reinforces a particular perspective or interpretation.
From another perspective, these tools can be seen as operating at different levels:
- Mantras influence through sound and repetition
- Sutras influence through precise instruction
- Affirmations influence through meaning and interpretation
While they may appear similar on the surface, the way they are used—and the effects they produce—can be quite different.
If you are working with affirmations as a separate practice, see our article on affirmations for a more detailed breakdown.
The catalog of mantras, traditional forms, and uses
Here is a short collection of some of the most valuable mantras. We will spell them phonetically and then show a rough translation or use. Remember, Sanskrit Mantras are energy-based sounds, not language-based.
Seed mantras
The simplest mantras are the seed sounds, which will expand your mind. These are the root sounds that form many longer mantras. Hindu tradition associates an anthropomorphic deity with each seed sound. It gives the seed sound a personification to help one visualize and remember the meaning behind the sound.
These associations can also be understood as symbolic representations. They are formulas that elicit specific qualities or patterns of experience.
You can chant these seed sounds or repeat them mentally. The 40-day approach is common. This method prescribes using the mantra for 40 days straight. Many teachers recommend chanting the mantra at least 108 times. Some prefer doing it all day.
These short seed sounds are advanced tools of consciousness and are the heart of the catalog of mantras, traditional forms, and uses. You can practice these tools to expand your mind.
Dum, pronounced doom.
This is the seed for Durga’s feminine principle, which invokes protection from that which is feared. Used repeatedly, this sound can help stabilize attention during fear-based states.
Eim, pronounced eye-m.
This is the seed sound of the feminine deity Saraswati. She prevails over artistic and scientific endeavors, music, and education. The same principle governs learning, memory, intelligence, and musical skills. This sound also tends to orient attention toward learning, expression, and cognitive clarity.
Gum
It is the seed sound of Ganapathi, son of Shiva and Parvati. Ganapathi is another name for the deity Ganesha. This deity removes obstacles and brings success to your endeavors. It is perfect for those just getting started with mantras and testing them. Its repetition is often used to support focus at the beginning of new efforts. It is one of the traditional forms that young children can use.
Haum, pronounced how-m.
This is the seed sound for transcendental consciousness. It is the masculine principle associated with Shiva. This seed sound is often used in practices that emphasize stillness and expansion of awareness.
Klim, pronounced kleem.
This is the seed mantra for the principle of attraction. It is sometimes combined with other mantras to attract what you want. As you chant the mantra, Klim, focus your power upon the desired condition. This can reinforce attentional bias toward desired outcomes.
Krim, pronounced kreem.
This is the seed sound associated with Kali, the primordial feminine energy. Her power burns away the negative ego. Often used in practices involving transformation and release of limiting patterns.
Om, pronounced oam.
It is a sound referring to our soul, or rather the essence of reality, sometimes called Brahman. It encapsulates everything within the Universe, truth, divine, supreme spirit. This sound also functions as a broad anchor for awareness and attention.
Shrim, pronounced shreem.
This is the feminine principle of abundance and is associated with the goddess Lakshmi. It is used to obtain whatever is needed, including financial wealth, good health, friends, food, and inner peace. Through repetition, this can orient attention toward perceptions of support and sufficiency.
Mantras for general or physical help:
Om Kshraum Narasimhaya Namaha
It is pronounced om, throum, nara-ish myha, nam aha. It means I salute and manifest energy, destroying the seemingly indestructible. The seed sound Kshraum rhymes with how’m; the ksh is aspirated but not vocalized. As the seed mantra for Narasimha, this sound is believed to free, release, and unlock things. It overcomes negative energies.
This mantra is often used to direct attention toward breaking through resistance.
Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha
This mantra is pronounced om, gum, gana-pat-a-yeh, and nam-a-ha, which translates to greetings to the remover of obstacles. Ganesha is the elephant-headed god that removes inner and outer obstacles. Ganesha is the unity principle. His mantra helps to harmonize.
Repetition of this mantra can support internal alignment and reduce cognitive friction.
Om Shri Shanaishwaraya Swaha
Pronounced om, Shri, Shana Ishwar-aya, swa-ha. This mantra roughly means Om and salutations to the one who removes obstacles, for which Gum is the seed. Systemic disorders such as chronic fatigue syndrome usually involve the spleen. As an added benefit, this mantra addresses issues of the skeletal system. Ganesh (or Ganapathi) is the supreme remover of obstacles. His mantra is, therefore, helpful for removing those blockages that cause illness. Often used in longer-term practices focused on systemic balance.
Mantras for attracting abundance:
Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyei Swaha
Pronounced om, shrim, ma-ha, laks-me-yah-he, swa-ha. It translates as greetings to she who provides great abundance. Hinduism’s feminine trinity includes Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati. These are the three ways spiritual power manifests. Lakshmi leads this trio. If you are younger than twenty-eight, replace Swaha with Namaha at the end of the mantra. This mantra is often used to orient awareness toward receptivity and perceived support.
Om Dum Durgayei Namaha
Pronounced om, doom, dur-ga-he, nam-a-ha. This powerful mantra means, Om and salutations to She who protects the pious. This mantra always ends with Namaha, regardless of your age. Used during periods requiring strength, protection, and stability.
Om Eim Saraswatyei Swaha
Pronounced om, eye-m ahara-swathe, swa-ha. It translates to Om and salutations to She who presides over manifestations, providing divine speech. Often used to support clarity, articulation, and learning.
Healing mantras:
Om Sri Dhanvantre Namaha
This mantra is pronounced om, Shri, Dan-van-tree, nam-a-ha. It translates to Salutations to the Celestial Physician. Ancient Vedic records describe a healer called Dhanvantre, the Celestial Physician. His mantra helps us find an appropriate healing method for any health problem. This mantra is often used to direct attention toward recovery and restoration.
Om Ram Ramaya Namaha
Pronounced om, ram, ram-eye-a, nam-a-ha. This mantra translates to Om and salutations to the energy of Rama. Rum (sometimes spoken as Ram) is the seed sound for our solar plexus chakra. It is home to healing energy. This mantra begins to awaken and activate all chakras and expand your mind. Often used in practices that emphasize vitality and internal activation.
Attunement mantras:
The most potent healing mantra is a freight train mantra because of its length. Those who need healing learn it quickly, and many have experienced extraordinary results. It is outlined below in two stanzas.
Om Apadamapa Hataram Dataram Sarva Sampadam Loka Bhi Ramam Sri Ramam Bhuyo Bhuyo Namam-yaham
It roughly translates to Om, most compassionate Rama! Please send your healing energy right here to earth, to earth (twice for emphasis). Salutations. This extended repetition can deepen immersion and stabilize attention over longer durations. In the catalog of mantras, this one takes the most work to memorize but becomes a focal point for ongoing alignment. In many traditions, mantras traditional forms are preserved through repetition.
Boundaries and considerations
These practices can influence internal experience in noticeable ways.
- If discomfort increases, reduce intensity or stop
- These tools are not a replacement for medical or psychological care
- Consistency is more important than intensity
In conclusion
The catalog of mantras and tools that leverage the capacities and mechanisms of the mind. They open the door to altered states without regard for spiritual belief. With them, we can journey into our subconscious and enhance our healing and learning processes.
The mantra that you are given in Transcendental Meditation, you keep to yourself. The reason being, true happiness is not out there, true happiness lies within. — David Lynch
References
- The Upanishads, translated by Eknath Easwaran.
- The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Eknath Easwaran.
- Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda.
- Mantra Yoga and Primal Sound, David Frawley.
- The Science of Mantra, Swami Sivananda.
- Meditation and the Brain, National Institutes of Health.
- Effects of Chanting and Repetitive Sound on the Brain, National Library of Medicine.
- Mindfulness Meditation and Stress Reduction, National Institute of Mental Health.
- Mantra, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
- Mantra, Wikipedia.