Mantra

(extract from "Sound in Mind and Body")

 

"Perhaps the most common use of the voice

as a transformative tool in the East,

is in the form of Mantra.

 

Mantras are sacred sounds conserved in

the ancient languages, even in languages

which are no longer understood.

 

There are mantras for specific illnesses

or problems caused by particular beings,

or mantras to bring you into a state of

clarity or emptiness.

 

Other mantras tune you into the lineage of teachers in which you are participating and if you use these particular sounds which have been used by masters of the lineage then you tune into and share their attainment. You are tuning into all the other people who have ever used this mantra.

 

Mantra is used throughout the world, for example, amongst the Sufis, the mystics of Islam, forms of mantric chanting are combined with rhythmic movements of the body, and with rhythmic breathing to bring you into a state of transcendental ecstacy or spiritual bliss. Most liturgies are chanted or sung and this also applies to the liturgy of the Christian church. The Sunday services of matins, communion and evensong are a form of spiritual entrainment when we chant psalms together, sing hymns and intone prayers. So you have everyone tuning together. Through singing you can unite with everybody."

 

Jill works with Mantra in all her workshops.

 

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