Integral Yoga Institute Princeton

Mantra is a sanskrit word meaning "to take away the mind." Take a moment to consider how nice it would be to still, to quiet all that self-talk that is going on inside. This is what mantra repetition does. At the same time each mantra has its own vibrational character. It isn't so much the meaning of the mantra that is important, though we can give a sort-of definition. But it is the state of consciousness that its vibration establishes that is so valuable. As you regularly chant a mantra you will begin to establish that state of consciousness more and more clearly and easily. Then you will be able to become familiar with it and get to know its "meaning."

When chanting imagine that your entire body is like a sail and that the vibration of the mantra is the wind to fill the sail. Let yourself really feel the vibration all throughout your body. Let your mind fill with it as well. Then let the entire atmosphere around you resonate with it.

The word expressive of the Divine is the mystic sound OM. To repeat it with reflection upon its meaning is an aid. From this practice all the obstacles disappear and simultaneously dawns knowledge of the inner Self. (from The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book 1, Sutras 27, 28, 29)

Both the mystics and the scientists agree that the essence of this entire creation is vibration. There is an innate humming that is the foundation of all. In fact the Divine is that vibration that is the actual substance of all being. When our minds are stirred up it is difficult to note the universal essence, but when stilled that humming is readily known. Chanting OM serves both to quiet the mind and to tune into that awareness of the Oneness of all. When chanting feel the vibration throughout the body first. Then let the mind itself resonate with it. Next note that there is a humming that is ever present. Then you will become aware that the Divine Vibration is all-pervading and unending. Of course, it takes regular, steady practice to bring about such results. So, chant OM with feeling! Enjoy.

OM Shanti

Shanti is peace. Shanti is actually the sound of peace itself. When you chant Om Shanti the vibration of peace permeates the atmosphere about you, the state of your mind calms and even the affairs of your life become re-patterned to this vibration. Chant Om Shanti and know that you are an instrument radiating peace to all. Be ever blessed and a blessing to all!

OM Namah Shivaya

Om Namah Shivaya could be understood to mean "We respectfully welcome that Consciousness of Infinite Goodness." It has been said that all things work together for the good. Bringing your own state of mind to know that awareness comes about as you chant this wonderful mantram. This mantram brings about transformation. Things begin to happen, to take new form - all for your benefit. Your understanding of things becomes clear and your insights heightened. This mantram is considered one of the most powerful and one of the most loved throughout the world. Know that any time you chant it you are joining thousands of other around the world that are chanting it with you at the same moment. You are both never alone and always only That Oneness. Remember:

Right now
You are
Divine
Endless
Bliss

Om Namah Shivaya

Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

OM
Tryambakam Yajamahe
Sugandhim Pushtivarddhanam
Urva Rukamiva Bandhanan
Mrityor Mukshiya Mamritat
OM

OM
We worship the All-Seeing One;
Fragrant, You nourish bounteously.
From fear of death may You cut us free,
To realize immortality.
OM

Omkaram Sloka

Omkaram Bindu Samyaktam
Nityam Dhyaayanti Yoginaya
Kaamadam Mokshadam Chaiva
Omkaaraaya Namo Namaha

OM united with the Source
On which the yogis ever dwell,
Grants desires and liberation,
Salutations to the Omkaram.

Closing Slokas

These verses have been chanted daily throughout the world for ages.

Asato Maa Sat Gamaya
Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya
Mrityor Maa Amritam Gamaya
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Lead us from unreal to real
Lead us from darkness to the Light
Lead us from the fear of death to knowledge of Immortality
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Lokaa Samastaa Sukino Bhavantu
Let the entire universe be filled with
Peace and Joy, Love and Light

	[leader]		May the Light of Truth overcome all darkness
	[response]		Victory to that Light !!!

	[leader]		Jai Sri Satguru Maharaj Ki
	[response]		Jai !!!

Shankaracharya's Meal Prayer

OM
Annapoorne Saddhaa Poorne
Shankara Praana Vallabe
Jnaana Vairaagya Siddhayartham
Bhiksham Dhehi Cha Paarvathi
Mathaa Cha Paarvathi Devi

Pithaa Devo Maheshwaraha
Baandhawaa Shiva Bhakthaahaa
Swadesho Bhuvana Trayam
Hari Om Tat Sat
Brahmaar Panamastu
Lokaa Samasthaa Sukino Bhavanthu

OM
Beloved Mother Nature
You are here on our table as our food
You are endlessly bountiful
Benefactress of all
Please grant us health and strength, wisdom and dispassion
To find permanent peace and joy, and to share this peace and joy with one and all
Mother Nature is my mother
My father is the Lord of all
The whole creation is my family
The entire Universe is my home
I offer this unto OM, that Truth which is universal
Let the entire Universe be filled with Peace and Joy, Love and Light