In the modern quest for holistic wellness, we often focus on the physical—the asana or poses of yoga. But true transformation lies in the unseen, the subtle energies that govern our inner world. This is the profound space explored by the ancient practice of Mantras, a key focus of the Beyond Asana advanced yoga training. If you’re seeking to transcend compulsive thought patterns and live a life more in tune with nature, the vibrations of sacred sound are your next step.
The Universal Language of Vibration
Everything in the cosmos is vibrating and, therefore, has a frequency. The universe itself is composed of sound, an idea known as "Shabdh Brahmand". In yogic tradition, the first thing to manifest from pure consciousness was a wave of sound, called Nada. Mantras are precise scientific formulas of sound, usually in Sanskrit, that create vibrations that affect not just the energy around you but also your physical body and mind. Adopting a Mantra chant allows you to overcome a limiting thought and dissolve compulsive patterns of the mind. Even our planet vibrates at a frequency of 136.1 htz, which is also the frequency of the most primal sound.
The Primal Sound: AUM (Om)
The most well-known mantra, AUM (or Om), is the primordial sound of the universe and is believed to be the first sound originated on earth. It is a combination of three syllables: Aa, Uu, and Mmmm. When produced correctly, the Aum sound creates a reverberation in the body that helps to calm both the mind and the physical body.Mantras for Guidance and Wisdom
Gayatri Mantra
The Gayatri Mantra, found in the Rigveda and dedicated to Goddess Savitri, is a veneration of the creative force. Its meaning is a potent prayer for enlightenment, wisdom, and intuitive knowledge: "We venerate that which has created everything. Lead us to enlightenment, give us knowledge and wisdom. Make me capable of receiving intuitive knowledge".
Pavamana Mantra (Asato mā sadgamaya)
From the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, this mantra is an ascending prayer that shifts our focus from the fleeting to the eternal. Its beautiful petition asks to be led: "from untruth to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality".
Mantras for Peace and Protection
Shanti Mantra (Om Sahana Vavatu)
Recited often at the start of a class between a teacher and a student, the Shanti Mantra fosters an atmosphere of peace. Its meaning focuses on shared journey and mutual respect: "May we (teacher and student) be protected, may we be nourished, may we work with great energy together, may the teachings be enlightening may there never be hate amongst us". The word Shanti (peace) is repeated three times to remove obstacles from the physical world, the spiritual world, and our own body and mind (Tapa-Traya).
Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra
Also known as the Rudra Mantra, this powerful chant is for rejuvenation and healing. Found in texts like the Rigveda, it is a prayer for longevity and liberation. The meaning beautifully compares release from suffering to a ripe fruit detaching from the vine: "O three eyed one, the one who gives health, strength and wellbeing, like a ripe fruit... falls off from the bondage of the stem, similarly let me find liberation and freedom at the point of my death".
The Mantra of Action: Karmanye Vadika Raste
One of the most well-known verses from the Bhagavat Geeta, this mantra offers complete freedom for the mind by reframing our relationship with work. Its core message is to focus on the process, not the outcome: "You have the right for the performance of your duties. Never be motivated by the fruit/results of your actions and never be attached to the performance of your duties".
Embrace Your Journey From Darkness to Light
The word Guru itself means "one who takes you on the journey from darkness (Gu) to light (Ru)". The practice of mantra is a powerful tool to embark on this journey of self-study and transcendence. Whether you are reciting the Guru Mantra, which bows down to the teacher as the embodiment of the entire universe, or simply integrating the calming vibrations of AUM, you are working toward a life of deeper well-being.
The path of yoga is ongoing. By complementing your physical practice with the ancient wisdom of mantra, you tap into the fundamental building block of the cosmos—sound—to unlock profound peace and self-realization.
Ready to move past the physical shapes and unlock a profound, inner understanding of your body-mind? Take the next step toward self mastery.
Explore the Beyond Asana course and begin your advanced yoga training today