The importance of chanting mantras in yoga

Keith B. Richmond
Oct 20
4 min read

In yoga and spiritual communities, you likely have witnessed on occasion, or even been a part of, some chanting or singing of repeated phrases taki

ng place, usually in group settings. It can sometimes be a little confusing because the words and the sounds differ depending on the particular chant, and the language is not familiar to most people — Sanskrit. When invited to participate, we are introduced to repeating these poetic musical tongue twisters called Mantras in sync with harmonious intention. But what are Mantras really about?

The meaning behind the mantra

Dating back more than 3,000 years, the origins of mantras are deeply rooted in the ancient Vedic traditions of India. The word ‘mantra’ originates from two ancient Sanskrit words: “man’ which means “mind”, and “tra” meaning “tool” or “instrument”. Sanskrit is the primary sacred language of Hinduism and a part of Buddhism and Jainism. It is also a component of spiritual traditions such as yoga.

Mantras are associated with a deity or what they represent. It is a sacred sound, word, or phrase that, when chanted with devotion, uses meaning, rhythm, tone, and vibrations within the mind, body, and soul to access various states of consciousness, meditation, enlightenment, and divine universe connection.

Why mantras are chanted in yoga

The reciting, Sanskrit pronunciation, rhythm, and vibrations of the mantras are known to produce mental and physical benefits:

Slows down the nervous system
Calms the mind, helping to free you from negative thoughts
Reduces stress and anxiety
Increases energy
Nurtures awareness and connection with the present moment
Helps to tune into the frequencies of the universe's energies

In general, a mantra is chanted to vibrate within the frequency of that mantra. Chanting out loud to the harmonious combination of breath, sound, and rhythm is known to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows down the heart rate and stimulates the body’s healing response. The focus and concentration involved make chanting mantras ideal to prepare your mind, body, and soul for yoga and meditation practices.

Chanting into your spiritual energies

Resonating with the vibrational energy of chanting mantras can lead to elevated states of consciousness, deeper inner self-reflection, and spiritual growth. Different mantras are written and chanted for a specific purpose, or a combination of purposes. Some are intended to increase your vibrational frequency and align you with the universe. A mantra may be chanted for purification and protection, to attract abundance and prosperity, or to nurture a deeper connection with the inner self and the Divine.

OM — Where it all begins and never ends

Several mantras include OM or AUM.

More than just a word chanted in yoga and meditation toward enlightenment, Om is the sacred sound and first mantra of the Vedas, from which all other mantras originate. Om merges three sounds — A, U, M — and represents creation, preservation/maintenance, and transformation/destruction. The sacred symbol for Om is ॐ, often seen and used in tapestries, ornaments, clothing, jewelry, and more. Om is the Source — the original sound of the universe from which all else manifests, embodying all that is and is not with the ultimate reality and the Divine.

OM in yoga

Each repetition of Om helps us to align ourselves and raise our energies. Chanting Om facilitates harmony, inner peace, and enlightenment. It also helps:

Attain mental peace
Relax the body
And harmonize the mind, body, and spirit

Chanting Om during yoga prepares you for a deeper and enriched session by connecting with yourself, other participating yogis, and the collective energies of all.

Common Vedic mantras

Om Asato ma sat gamaya

Om Asato ma sat gamaya — Lead me from the unreal to the real

Tamaso ma jyotir gamaya — Lead me from darkness unto light

Mrityor ma amritam gamaya — From death to immortality

Gayatri Maha Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most well-known and honored Vedic mantras in Hinduism. It is considered a sacred jewel for resonating with the universe.

Om bhur bhuvah swah

Tatsavitur varenyam

Bhargo devasya dheemahi

Dhiyo yo nah prachodayat

Om: The primeval sound; Bhur: the physical body/physical realm; Bhuvah: the life force/the mental realm Suvah: the soul/spiritual realm; Tat: That (God); Savitur: the Sun, Creator (source of all life); Vareñyam: adore; Bhargo: effulgence (divine light); Devasya: supreme Lord; Dheemahi: meditate; Dhiyo: the intellect; Yo: May this light; Nah: our; Prachodayāt: illumine/inspire.

“We meditate upon the brilliance of the Divine Creator, who gives life, removes suffering, and bestows bliss. May the Divine stimulate our wisdom and goodness.”

Let the sacred wisdom and healing powers of this mantra guide your spiritual development to self-realization and enlightenment.