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How Are Mantras Created?
by Kathleen Karlsen, Author of Vocal Medicine
Mantras have an ancient history. For thousands of years, the rishis of India (Hindu sages) experimented with mantra creation and the effects of chanting. In fact, mantras focused on the names of the gods and goddesses in the Hindu pantheon appear to be coded compilations of sound. These healing mantras are designed to create elevated mental states and to stimulate physical health and longevity.
Who Invented Mantras?
Who invented mantras and specifically healing mantras? There are ancient sages in India that are believed to have discovered how to create mantras in Sanskrit to support the health of various aspects of the body.
Meditation in Primitive Conditions
Since many of these individuals were meditating in primitive conditions such as caves or the forest, they did not necessarily have the proper amount of sunshine, food and exercise that we usually consider important for maintaining health.
Formulas for Healing
Instead, they learn to use formulas of sound to stimulate various systems such as the hormonal system, the skeletal system and so forth. This would keep them from wasting away from sitting still for so many hours each day. In addition, they practiced other forms of yoga including specific postures.
Names of Hindu Deities
Many of the sounds were put into the names of the Hindu gods and goddesses and then repeated in mantras. Each of the Hindu deities is actually a different aspect of God (monotheism) versus a separate being (polytheism). Their names are keys to specific vibrations. Examples include the goddesses Kali, Lakshmi and Parvati as well as Shiva.
Process of Mantra Creation
When vowels and consonants are put together in words and phrases, formulas can be created with distinct impacts on emotional, mental and physical states.
Purifying the Blood with Sound
For example, the sound “uhm” is purported to energize and purify the blood. The first part of the sound (uh) is said to help to cleanse the body of impurities. The second part of the sound (m) is a protective sound, purported to seal the body from incoming negative energies.
Mantra for the Endocrine System
Similarly, the sound “aha” is stimulating for the endocrine system. This exclamation is often used in English when a sudden solution or insight is gained (aha!). The Sanskrit translation means something very close to this: “indeed, it is true, certainly, surely, it is granted.”a group context than when alone.
Healing Mantras for the Chakras
Other Vedic chants focus on the energy of the chakras. For example, each of the seed syllables for the chakras can be used to create mantras. These syllables reflect the essence of each chakra and help to clear and strengthen the associated energy.
Meaning of the Word “Namaha”
The Sanskrit word “namaha” combines the “aha” sound with two controlling consonants (n and m) and means “it is not about me; I submit to a higher power of control in my life.” This is sometimes translated as “I bow” or “I give honor.” The word “namaha” is utilized in many Eastern chants. Examples are provided below:
Om Namaha Sri—represents the process of letting go and giving of oneself
Om Namaha Shivaya—focuses on removing all that is not the divine within
Om Gam Ganapatiyei Namaha—removes obstacles and opens the door to success
Om Sri Kali Durgaya Namaha—provides protection and removes negativity within and without
Om Sri Ramaya Namaha—begets pure divine consciousness and truth
More Examples of Healing Sounds
Another example of a powerful syllable in sacred sound healing is the syllable “la.” Pronouncing this syllable involves the tongue and upper frontal part of the palate. This creates a conduction of energy to the brain. “La” is also a common syllable used for vocal exercises for singers.
Meaning of the Syllable “La”
In Sanskrit, “la” means “the act of giving or taking,” as in an exchange. In the Hindu tradition, Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune, health and prosperity. Prosperity is the process of giving or exchanging a service or product.
Mantra to the Goddess Lakshmi
Here is an example of a chant to Lakshmi: Om Hrim Shrim Lakshmi Bhayo Namaha. This mantra combines “Om” (the sound of universal creation) with “Hrim” (a fire bija or seed syllable), “Shrim” (the Sanskrit bija or seed syllable meaning “splendor”) and “Bhayo” (bestow on us) with “Namaha” (meaning I bow or I give honor).
Siri Gaitri Healing Mantra
Finally, another powerful healing mantra is the Siri Gaitri Mantra, sung in Gurmukhi, the liturgical language of the Sikh tradition. This mantra taps into the energies of the sun, moon, earth and the Infinite Spirit to bring deep healing.
Meaning of “Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung”
This mantra can be chanted to heal the self or to send healing energy to anyone you wish: Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung—the meaning of this chant is ra (sun), ma (moon), da (earth), sa (impersonal infinity), say (totality), so (personal sense of merger and identity) and hung (the infinite, vibrating and real).
MANTRA CREATION ARTICLE SUMMARY
This article covers mantra creation and the use of sacred sound in healing. Ancient mantras as intuited by the rishis or Hindu sages were constructed with healing in mind. They were created to stimulate the various systems in the body to provide a strong and healthy foundation for mediation and other spiritual practices.
Kathleen Karlsen is an author, musician, artist, and composer. She has written three books (The Color-Music Connection, Flower Symbols, and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Her YouTube channel features over 600 videos. Kathleen and her family live in Bozeman, Montana, USA.
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