11 Simple Mantras for Meditation – Beginners List

Mantras are powerful and ancient sound-vibration formulas that declutter the mind and transform our minds, bodies, and spirits in profound ways.

In Sanskrit, the word “mantra” literally means “instrument of thought,” derived from ”manyate” – “to think”.

Mantra meditation is one of the several basic meditation types, which aims to purify our minds and bodies of hindrances so that our true nature can shine even brighter.

Any phrase may be used for mantra meditation. All sounds, whether it is a word, a mantra, or song can become a powerful influence and energy for achieving the desired result, each carrying a specific vibration or frequency.

Yogi Bhajan explained:

“Mantras are not small things. Mantras have power. They are the mind vibration in relationship to the creation. The Science of Mantra is based on the knowledge that sound is a form of energy having power, structure, and a definite, predictable effect on the chakras and the human psyche.” 

Developing a daily mantra meditation practice helps you to cultivate a more peaceful, present, and balanced lifestyle, which ripples out into every other aspect of your life. Mantras can help bring you back to that present state of mind.

Why not give it a try as a daily practice?

Mantra Meditation Technique

Simply begin by repeating your selected mantra in your mind. Do that silently.

Some spiritual teachers recommend that after a couple of minutes you switch to chanting your mantra out loud. It is up to you whether you go for this external part by chanting the mantra, or you just finish your session by continuing to repeat your mantra silently in your mind.

In the beginning, no more than five minutes in one session. Gradually extend this period to 20 minutes at a time.

List Of 11 Simple Mantras For Meditation:

#1 Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Translation – “May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the words, thoughts, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all.”

This mantra is considered a Shanti (peace) mantra. When other people get you down, instead of wishing negativity onto them, chant this mantra.

#2 Medicine Buddha Mantra

One of the best healing meditations is that of the Medicine Buddha, which is the manifestation of the blue healing energy of all enlightened beings.

In addition, if you chant this mantra as much as you can every day, this will purify negative karma and help you never to be reborn in the lower realms. Besides the beneficial benefits you receive from chanting the mantra, also these are the benefits just from hearing the mantra.

#3 Amitabha Mantra

This is the sacred mantra of Amitabha Buddha which protects you from obstacles and dangers and overcomes all hindrances to your success.

As head of the Lotus family, he manifests boundless compassion, protecting and welcoming all into His Pure Land.

The mantra enhances your compassionate and loving nature bringing incredible blessings each time you chant the mantra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Z347bvZk-Y&ab_channel=MagicMantra

#4 Hamsa Mantra (Soham Mantra)

It is one of the most important mantras in Tantrism and Kriya yoga. It can be broadly translated as ‘I am that’ – ‘that’ being the universal awareness, consciousness, and presence, that lies at the core of our being.

While meditating, it is advised to repeat the mantra mentally to realize the full benefit of this kind of meditation.

If you like, you can coordinate the mantra with your breath – thinking ‘so’ on the inhale and ‘ham’ on the exhale.

#5 Om Mani Padme Hum Mantra

Om mani padme hum is a powerful mantra and there are many different interpretations of its meaning.

This mantra is associated with a Bodhisattva of compassion, named Avalokitesvara (or Chenrezig), and is thought to carry these qualities of compassion.

Furthermore, by reciting this Tibetan mantra you achieve the four qualities of being born in the Buddha Amitabha pure land.

#6 Gayatri Mantra

This mantra is the universal prayer enshrined in the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures of man.

Chanting this mantra begins with the sacred syllable Om, followed by what’s called the “utterances“—the names of three of the seven mythic Hindu worlds, bhur, bhuvar, svah, which are respectively Earth, the Middle Region, and Heaven.

It is important to chant this meditation mantra at least 3 times in the morning, noon, and evening. This will serve to reduce the effects of the wrong acts one does every day.

#7 Green Tara Mantra

Goddess Tara is the female aspect of the Universe that nourishes all souls seeking spiritual growth and flowering.

Through her power, she liberates sentient beings from suffering and leads them to the peerless happiness of enlightenment.

Recitation of the mantra can eliminate suffering, fear, anxiety, disease, disasters, troubles, and negative karma.

#8 Om Mantra

Om, actually pronounced “Aum,” is an affirmation of the Divine Presence that is the Universe and is similar to the Hebrew “Amen.”

It produces the vibration and sound that allows you to feel at one with the universe.

According to Hinduism, OM is the primordial sound from which all creation arose.

Therefore, many people use the sound of OM as a focus for their meditation.

The sacred sound Om, when chanted, vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz, which is the same vibrational frequency found throughout everything in nature.

#9 Hanuman Mantra

Hanuman is also described as the chief of the monkey army and the son of Vayu.

It is considered that the energy that fills up your life by chanting this mantra will guard you against all dangers and strengthen you with knowledge and courage.

#10 Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra

This mantra is one of the most important mantras in Indian tradition and mysticism.

It is a combination of 3 Hindi language words i.e. ‘Maha’, meaning great, ‘Mrityun’ meaning death and ‘Jaya’ meaning victory, which turns into victory over death.

Practicing mantra meditation with this Maha Mrityunjaya mantra is beneficial for emotional, mental and physical health, and bestows immortality and longevity.

#11 Om Namah Shivaya Mantra

Meaning – ”I bow to Lord Shiva, the peaceful one who is the embodiment of all that is caused by the universe.” According to author Elizabeth Gilbert, it can also translate as “I honor the divinity within myself.”

The mantra is associated with Lord Shiva, who represents Higher consciousness and spiritual transformation.

This mantra is thought to bring peace in the heart of the meditator and joy to their soul.

Chanting this sacred mantra should be practiced in a relaxed, calm, and gently focused state, in mindfulness that the mantra is a salutation to the divine forces of life.

Featured image credit – Shutterstock

READ THIS NEXT: 10 Kundalini Mantras

References

http://www.sacredartsresearch.org/blog/2018/8/13/the-benefits-of-mantra
https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/how-mantras-enhance-meditation/