WHICH MANTRA TO CHOOSE
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​What Are The Different Types of Mantras?

The ancient tradition of mantras has come very alive in today's modern world. Mantras are used to promote meditation, healing, balance, and to bring peace to oneself or others. There are many mantras that can be used for different purposes.
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Originally, mantras are rooted in ancient traditions as a tool for meditation and transformation. However, in these modern days, the word ‘mantra’ has gotten different meanings. It can refer to the practice of reciting traditional mantras, but also to the usage of words or phrases as a positive reinforcement technique to change your vibration and belief system and affirm new qualities into your life.  For the sake of simplicity, we will divide the concept of mantras into 2 categories to be considered: 

· Traditional mantras – these are mantras as we know them from Vedic, Buddhist or other ancient traditions. 
· Affirmative mantras – to affirm and align yourself with certain positive vibrations  (in e.g. English or your native language)
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TRADITIONAL MANTRAS

Mantras are well ingrained in the Vedic traditions, and many mantras we know stem from there, but equally we can find many mantras rooted in Buddhism, as well as from Sufi, Sikh, Jewish, Hawaian, Christian traditions mantras. They all can support us on our journey of transformation. It is said however that certain languages contain ancient codes, and have a powerful vibration, such as Sanskrit and Hebrew, among others.. 

There are many traditions that also speak of the importance of mantras being passed on by a teacher, with specific instructions on how to practice with the mantra.
I believe this can indeed be a powerful experience, however, many do not have this opportunity, and in my own experience, I have reaped many benefits from intuitively researching and practicing mantras from various traditions.

Each mantra is believed to have a distinct meaning, unique vibrational frequency, and distinctive healing effects. Regardless of whether you know the exact meaning, if practiced with intention, humbleness, and devotion, the vibrational effects of the mantras have transformational abilities.


AFFIRMATIVE MANTRAS

Here we speak about a more modern approach to the word mantra. This type of practice is also referred to as mantra practice because we also use a phrase or a word repetitively in order to change our vibration, our state of being, or to manifest a specific outcome in our lives.
Positive affirmations are reminders of positive thoughts, images, and beliefs. Here the meaning of the word or phrase is helping us to focus on a certain vibration, and it is through aligning with this frequency that our vibrational field will change as well. The key here is to really FEEL how it feels like to be in this state. If you would be using the phrase ‘I feel safe’, it would be key to be trying to evoke that feeling of safety from deep within. In this way, you can also change the state of our being, improve your self-confidence and positive attitude. 

SOUNDVIBRATION

Technically this is not falling under the term mantras, but I also wanted to mention it because there lay great gifts in toning and using intuitive sounds, to recalibrate oneself. And let's not forget the mantra 'OM' that is chanted and seen as 'the sound of creation'. In Tibetan buddhism every vowel is connected to a certain organ, as well as in Chinese Medicine, as well as in yogic practices, where certain vowels are linked with certain chakras for example.
The intention is key! ​
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FOLLOW YOUR INTUITION

My greatest advice to you would be to follow your intuition. There have been times where you will be attracted to chant traditional mantras, and other times you will be deeply transformed by simple but profound ‘modern-day’ mantras that speak directly to your heart and soul.

You can look up the meaning of certain mantras, and based upon this information find and practice with a specific mantra because you resonate with a certain transformational quality they bring. 
Or perhaps you will hear a mantra and the melody is touching you so deeply that you want to sing this one over and over again. The specific melody is directly resonating with certain emotional layers of your being, and in combination with the vibrational effect of the mantra, this can be just the medicine you need, even without knowing the meaning of the mantra.

 It is not essential to know the meaning of a mantra in order to receive results. Not all mantras have an exact literal meaning, and yet have a powerful and profound vibrational effect (think of the mantra ‘AUM’)

Or perhaps you feel the call to work with affirmative mantras that resonate with certain values, beliefs, or ambitions you want to nourish in your life. That can help you to stay grounded during times of stress and uncertainty and remind you of the full potential that lays within you. 

In essence, follow your intuition when it comes to choosing a mantra.
​Try out various mantras, see which calls you. Perhaps you will want to stick with one for a long time, perhaps you feel like you want to change more frequently or work with just a few. 
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When first starting your mantra practice, or If you need more inspiration for starting your mantra practice, click here to receive my ‘ FREE MANTRA MEDITATION STARTERS KIT’