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‘Words’ have been a big part of my life. Even before I knew, the concept of ‘mantra’, the effect has been life transforming. A ‘mantra’ is a word or series of words, affirmations, and prayers that is repeated frequently in mind or out loud to silence the constant noise of our thoughts. Through this process of repetition, we are allowing its true meaning to seep below into our subconscious, thus helping us shift our negative habits and patterns into positive ones. All of the spiritual paths have some version of mantra. To name just a few well known examples; Hinduism has the Gayatri mantra, Buddhism Om Mani Padme Hum, Christianity the Jesus Prayer, and Islam the Sufi zikr.
Working on ‘self’ is most difficult because it is not required, but a conscious choice for personal growth. Mantras are like medicine for soul, it brings a renewed sense of purpose and resolve can be sparked. Here are some of my favorite ones that has helped me gain clarity, and changed my behavior without much work:
Walk with a purpose • Read the signs along the path • Here and Now • He who angers you, controls you • I am ______ (loved, important, enough…..) • Words matter • Listen to your echoes
My new favorite one, is ‘Moksha’ - a term in Hindu philosophy which refers to various forms of emancipation, liberation, release, freedom from ignorance, and emotional freedom. The concept of moksha is found in Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism. Self-realization is considered to be the best means to achieve Moksha. The use of this ‘word’ is providing me comfort when my mind wants to control certain situations. The true surrender requires, ‘letting go any form of control’. Once, I have gained the awareness of my mind’s patterns, mantra became a gentle reminder.