Listening/chanting/writing mantras. In need of opinion.

[Cerridwen33]

First of all, I'm not Hindu. If you want to know more about my beliefs and who I am read my introductory post here: Hello Everyone! My dad and I and how all started.
When my father died I started practicing meditation to help me cope with grief. I remember it helped a lot at that time. In 2015 I was diagnosed with asthma and in July 2016 I almost die from pneumonia. I was hospitalized a month and a half and my Dr. did everything at his reach to save my life. But it seems asthma many times comes together with anxiety issues, so I am unable to meditate anymore. I used to be a bookworm as well and now I cannot focus enough to finish a book.
So I came across online this Hindu guy who is trying to help me with my mother's depression (which makes me more anxious) and my health related anxiety. He mentioned the mantra Om Namah Shivaya and that I should chant it 108 times.

Of course I did my own research on mantras and found out a lot of interesting stuff, to wit: That it was very relaxing and miraculously beneficial to write them as well. Source: How to Practice Likhita Japa (Mantra Writing) And Dissolve Stress Instantly
I never do what I'm told without some research of my own.

I would like to know your input on the subject, for instance: Why repetitions are often 11, 21, 51, or 108? Is it the same chanting them inwardly than listening or chanting out loud? What are your thoughts on writing the mantra instead?

All respectful opinions are welcome!

 

[YmirGF]

I doubt this is what you want to hear, but the manta(s) are merely a redirection of your focus, taking your mind away from fixating on given problem areas. It isn't the mantra itself that is beneficial, but rather, the redirecting of your energy away from the area of fixation. It's the same as going outside and doing some work for a few hours because you have to redirect your focus to finish a given task.

 

[Cerridwen33]

Understood. In any case, redirecting my energy/focus will be helpful as well. Thanks for your input!

 

[Fool]

First of all, I'm not Hindu. If you want to know more about my beliefs and who I am read my introductory post here: Hello Everyone! My dad and I and how all started.
When my father died I started practicing meditation to help me cope with grief. I remember it helped a lot at that time. In 2015 I was diagnosed with asthma and in July 2016 I almost die from pneumonia. I was hospitalized a month and a half and my Dr. did everything at his reach to save my life. But it seems asthma many times comes together with anxiety issues, so I am unable to meditate anymore. I used to be a bookworm as well and now I cannot focus enough to finish a book.
So I came across online this Hindu guy who is trying to help me with my mother's depression (which makes me more anxious) and my health related anxiety. He mentioned the mantra Om Namah Shivaya and that I should chant it 108 times.

Of course I did my own research on mantras and found out a lot of interesting stuff, to wit: That it was very relaxing and miraculously beneficial to write them as well. Source: How to Practice Likhita Japa (Mantra Writing) And Dissolve Stress Instantly
I never do what I'm told without some research of my own.

I would like to know your input on the subject, for instance: Why repetitions are often 11, 21, 51, or 108? Is it the same chanting them inwardly than listening or chanting out loud? What are your thoughts on writing the mantra instead?

All respectful opinions are welcome!

meditation can be accomplished by walking a maze, listening to music, to dancing, there is no fixed form. the only thing i can really emphasize is the movement of the mind from evolving to involving.

i started mine with an album that last approximately 35+ minutes. walking, hiking, can put one into an introspective state, gardening, anything that will allow you to disconnect from everyone and anything apart from self.

don't forget about self. love doesn't exclude self.

 

[YmirGF]

Understood. In any case, redirecting my energy/focus will be helpful as well. Thanks for your input!

Thanks. I do have considerable experience with mantra's and meditation and agree that they could provide relief but, as stated, one could also expand this to many different areas of activity as well that could also be quite beneficial.

 

[Cerridwen33]

Thanks. I do have considerable experience with mantra's and meditation and agree that they could provide relief but, as stated, one could also expand this to many different areas of activity as well that could also be quite beneficial.

As having experience with mantras, could you answer some of the qestions I posted. I have tried many things, believe me, without success. I was just thinking this is sth I could do...

 

[Vinayaka]

First of all, I'm not Hindu. If you want to know more about my beliefs and who I am read my introductory post here: Hello Everyone! My dad and I and how all started.
When my father died I started practicing meditation to help me cope with grief. I remember it helped a lot at that time. In 2015 I was diagnosed with asthma and in July 2016 I almost die from pneumonia. I was hospitalized a month and a half and my Dr. did everything at his reach to save my life. But it seems asthma many times comes together with anxiety issues, so I am unable to meditate anymore. I used to be a bookworm as well and now I cannot focus enough to finish a book.
So I came across online this Hindu guy who is trying to help me with my mother's depression (which makes me more anxious) and my health related anxiety. He mentioned the mantra Om Namah Shivaya and that I should chant it 108 times.

Of course I did my own research on mantras and found out a lot of interesting stuff, to wit: That it was very relaxing and miraculously beneficial to write them as well. Source: How to Practice Likhita Japa (Mantra Writing) And Dissolve Stress Instantly
I never do what I'm told without some research of my own.

I would like to know your input on the subject, for instance: Why repetitions are often 11, 21, 51, or 108? Is it the same chanting them inwardly than listening or chanting out loud? What are your thoughts on writing the mantra instead?

All respectful opinions are welcome!

That (Namasivaya) is THE mantra of Saivism. In many stricter sampradayas (like mine) it is the only mantra used for japa, and anyone initiated is obliged to use it. For us the repetition number is 108. I personally use a mala but you can count on fingers as well. Once a day, for the initiated is mandatory, but make-up can be done if a day is missed. It is good to have had instruction as then the sound is more likely to be accurate, but more importantly the timing. Usually the correct timing would be the 108 to take around 7 or 8 minutes. Some people do 'speed japa' but I would consider that far less effective, if effective at all.

We also write it out once a year at Guru Purnima time as part of our annual rededication procedure.
Not sure if that helps.

 

[YmirGF]

As having experience with mantras, could you answer some of the qestions I posted. I have tried many things, believe me, without success. I was just thinking this is sth I could do...

The manta is a repetitious act that provides focus, sort of like an inner surfboard, complete with tumbles back into ordinary thought, getting back up on the board and sailing further along. Some will tell you that they are imbued with a spiritual aspect, a blessing of sorts and depending on your beliefs systems they could trigger deeper responses from the psyche.

I've never been anal enough to count the number of iterations, though that too could be relaxing if done with something like puja/jappa beads. In other words, you are not really counting, you are simply moving to the next bead after the completion of the mantra. The beads are often used in conjunction with the idea that the mantra itself confers a blessing.

I've never encountered the writing aspect of this, but can see how, for some, it might be helpful.

 

[Cerridwen33]

meditation can be accomplished by walking a maze, listening to music, to dancing, there is no fixed form. the only thing i can really emphasize is the movement of the mind from evolving to involving.

i started mine with an album that last approximately 35+ minutes. walking, hiking, can put one into an introspective state, gardening, anything that will allow you to disconnect from everyone and anything apart from self.

don't forget about self. love doesn't exclude self.

Thank you!

 

[Fool]

Thank you!

you're welcome. best wishes in your wandering wonder.

 

[stvdv]

I never do what I'm told without some research of my own
Is it the same chanting them inwardly than listening or chanting out loud? What are your thoughts on writing the mantra instead?

I never do what I am told without some research on my own. Very good.

Same here. People told me "Om Namah Shivaya" is very powerful. I liked this whole Shiva thing. So when I was in India in an ashram, I said to Shiva "Oke, bring it on: I will do it 21min". I never did this mantra again. Reason, after about 20min there stood a Cobra in front of my face. And I do have a kind of anxiety problem, when it comes to cobras face to face [Lucky for me there was like 1m distance, but still .... heart was racing crazy]

I do other mantras. And it works for me. But don't believe me. I always test it for myself. That I call science. Most times I test 3 times, with exception of above mentioned Shiva mantra. Mantra's have done wonderful miracles to me. Before Atheists start humming, for me "breathing" is also a mantra, called Sohum. So don't tell me you don't do/like mantra, or that mantra is not needed. Easy to proof

For some people mantras is everything, for others it's not. I like to test things out, jump into it kind of blind, and feel if it's for me. Lateron I might read.
[Not with everything of course. Marriage I would rething twice, but as regards to spirituality I have no doubts or fear]

As to your question: My master told me that aloud chanting = 1x, Silent wisper = 10x, Mental repetition = 100x stronger.

I read your story you wrote about yourself. So many interests, for sure not boring.

Enjoy your journey, whichever you choose is the best for you IMHO.

 

[stvdv]

I doubt this is what you want to hear

You know "SoHum" mantra = Breath. Kind of needed.
When I don't see your lovely POSTs anymore I know you stopped doing mantra

 

[Cerridwen33]

I never do what I am told without some research on my own. Very good.

Same here. People told me "Om Namah Shivaya" is very powerful. I liked this whole Shiva thing. So when I was in India in an ashram, I said to Shiva "Oke, bring it on: I will do it 21min". I never did this mantra again. Reason, after about 20min there stood a Cobra in front of my face. And I do have a kind of anxiety problem, when it comes to cobras face to face [Lucky for me there was like 1m distance, but still .... heart was racing crazy]

I do other mantras. And it works for me. But don't believe me. I always test it for myself. That I call science. Most times I test 3 times, with exception of above mentioned Shiva mantra. Mantra's have done wonderful miracles to me. Before Atheists start humming, for me "breathing" is also a mantra, called Sohum. So don't tell me you don't do/like mantra, or that mantra is not needed. Easy to proof

For some people mantras is everything, for others it's not. I like to test things out, jump into it kind of blind, and feel if it's for me. Lateron I might read.
[Not with everything of course. Marriage I would rething twice, but as regards to spirituality I have no doubts or fear]

As to your question: My master told me that aloud chanting = 1x, Silent wisper = 10x, Mental repetition = 100x stronger.

I read your story you wrote about yourself. So many interest, for sure not boring.

Enjoy your journey, whichever you choose is the best for you IMHO.

Thanks for your story and input, very insightful. Glad that I didn't bore you to death lol
I will test mantras myself, you're right.

 

[Cerridwen33]

You know "SoHum" mantra = Breath. Kind of needed.
When I don't see your lovely POSTs anymore I know you stopped doing mantra

I suffer from asthma so breathing becomes very hard at times. But I think you'll see my posts for a while still

 

[stvdv]

I will test mantras myself, you're right

I think that they advice you to NOT stick your tongue out while meditating, although there might be one or two exceptions

 

[Vinayaka]

I suffer from asthma so breathing becomes very hard at times. But I think you'll see my posts for a while still

You have me curious. When you say hard breathing, do you mean you have to quicken the pace, (huffing and puffing) or do you mean that you have to work harder to get anything.

There are many pranayama (breathing exercises one can do) methods in Hinduism. The most basic is a simple 9 counts in, 9 counts out rhythmic breathing. It's a preparation for meditation, and I'd term it relaxation. It can, if done correctly, reduce both heart rate and blood pressure. (As a personal testimony, I once was in for a dental procedure, and they woouldn't do it because of my high blood pressure. Knowing this, I asked for a half hour wait period, did the pranayama, and reduced the blood pressure enough for them to go ahead. Saved me coming back a week later.)

So that, in my view, would be better for relaxation/anxiety than a mantra.

 

[stvdv]

So that, in my view, would be better for relaxation/anxiety than a mantra

I agree, they call it Sohum mantra. Conscious Breath.
[I have sometimes intestinal cramps when walking; within 3 or 5 breath sometimes pain gets less]
[I do very simple: IN, OUT; both slow and deep; maybe 4 times per minute speed]
[Normal breath speed is about 15/min; just trial and error which works your miracle]
[SoHum meaning = God, I am = That, I am = Consciousness, I am]

 

[YmirGF]

You know "SoHum" mantra = Breath. Kind of needed.
When I don't see your lovely POSTs anymore I know you stopped doing mantra

I actually no longer need a mantra, as after 40+ years, I just go into "the zone". I still use one, like with the surf board metaphor, but my focus is good enough to sustain given states without it. You just learn tricks along the way.

 

[Vinayaka]

I actually no longer need a mantra, as after 40+ years, I just go into "the zone". I still use one, like with the surf board metaphor, but my focus is good enough to sustain given states without it. You just learn tricks along the way.

These days, the pranayama I do only needs about a 3 time repetition before it 'sticks'. So it's close to automatic.

 

[YmirGF]

You have me curious. When you say hard breathing, do you mean you have to quicken the pace, (huffing and puffing) or do you mean that you have to work harder to get anything.

There are many pranayama (breathing exercises one can do) methods in Hinduism. The most basic is a simple 9 counts in, 9 counts out rhythmic breathing. It's a preparation for meditation, and I'd term it relaxation. It can, if done correctly, reduce both heart rate and blood pressure. (As a personal testimony, I once was in for a dental procedure, and they woouldn't do it because of my high blood pressure. Knowing this, I asked for a half hour wait period, did the pranayama, and reduced the blood pressure enough for them to go ahead. Saved me coming back a week later.)

So that, in my view, would be better for relaxation/anxiety than a mantra.

Very good advice. Very good.