Sanscrit was the sound that awoke the earth – the sacred and first language that announced the names of the birds, flowers, and insects, evoked them into their very being. On arriving in Rishikesh, high in the Himalayan foothills, I am ravished by the sight of a page of sanscrit script. The beautiful shapes, the shapes of existence, dance across the page like lightning vibrations of being. Who, on seeing their beauty can doubt the sacred truth and power they convey?
A mantra is a combination of words and ideas, most of them very ancient. Mantras exist in many languages, but I am focusing on sanscrit here. The first mantra in Sanscrit, is ‘om’ which is like ‘amen’. These words are the seed sounds of creation and build upon each other like building blocks, a bit like the simple binary ones and zeros that underpin computer programs to form complex ideas, shapes, and creations.
In essence, a mantra is an idea, a request, or a prayer, that is sent out into the universe in the form of a sound wave, a repeated chant. Using sound is powerful because the actual vibration of the air in your body as you recite the mantra emanates out into the world physically, going directly from you and sending your request out into the universe where it can be fulfilled.
Chanting Your Own Name Meditation
Your own voice is one of the most powerful things you can listen to. So it’s good to actually chant along with mantras, not just listen. Meditating on your own name, chanting it repeatedly, is an interesting exercise to try. Allow yourself to break into song if you wish! Sit comfortably with a straight yet relaxed spine, take a deep breath, focus at the third eye with eyes closed, and begin chanting your name. Notice any feelings or ideas that arise as you do this (you may wish to keep a notebook by your side to write down any insights). When you are ready, gently return to the room and notice how you feel, and how you feel about your name, and what you mean to you.
SAT KRIYA
This mantra is powerful and you will notice an energy shift in the sound and in your being, as you do it. It’s powerful to do in a group. Sit cross-legged, with a straight yet relaxed spine. Tuck the chin slightly, focus at the third eye with eyes closed. Clasp the hands together with both first fingers pointing together and thumbs crossed (like a steeple). Raise your clasped hands high above your head, pointing up, so that your inner elbows clasp your ears. Begin repetitively chanting ‘Sat Nam’ (it means ‘truth is my name’) taking a small sniff of breath before the SAT and exhaling naturally on the NAM. You will notice a lot of action in your navel chakra which gets pumped and strengthened. The combined exercise (from Kundalini Yoga) and the mantra evoke your personal power, for charisma and action. It’s a good one to use any time you are feeling powerless, weak, or threatened. As you chant (ideally for 2 1/2 or 11 1/2 minutes) you will notice a change of tone and an energy shift.
Mantra for Overcoming Money Blocks
Inhale in 4 parts as you turn your head to either side twice. Left right, left right. Then chant: ‘Har Har Har Har Wahay Guru Sat Nam Har Hari’. Continue breathing/chanting pattern for as long as you like. This is for abundance and overcoming money blocks. As you chant ‘Har’ the mouth is open in a 3/4 yawn. The ‘r’ is trilled. Feel Har in the navel area, pulling the navel in. Resonate Wahay Guru at the heart. Sat Nam is felt at the throat. Mentally place the singular Har at the brow. The next Har is at the top of the head. Perceive Hari resounding above the top of the head.
Like patting your head and rubbing your tummy, this complex routine occupies the conscious mind so you effortlessly enter a deeply relaxing meditative state – and release money blocks.
Singing your dreams
Make up a little song or limerick about something that you wish to manifest in your life. Sing or chant it often, with the intention of it being fulfilled ‘in accordance with the highest good’. When you have finished, release and let go your desire – feel indifferent and free as to whether you have it or not and know that you don’t really need it. This enables the universe to come forward to meet you and provide it.
NEXT ISSUE: The spirit of the land
Jelila is a gifted natural intuitive who travels internationally. Jelila will be in Bali in May/June 2005. For information and bookings about transformational healing sessions and ‘Having it all – NOW!’ workshops, please email.
Jelila has some new Healing CDs available in Singapore, including ‘Goldensong’ for total abundance. Please visit www. holisticliving.com.sg for Singapore stockists.
Jelila welcomes comments and may be contacted on:
Email: jelila@jelila.com
Website: www.jelila.com or www.imagine-retreats.com
