According to Yogic Science the mind has several faculties. The reason why it is so difficult to sit still in meditation is due to the Monkey Mind (a step higher - more evolved - then the Reptilian Mind). This mind like a monkey jumps from here to there doing what it does best, being active and constantly trying to process stimuli coming in from the senses.
Mantra is an advanced meditation technique, among many, that if applied correctly will occupy this Monkey Mind enough to relax and discipline it. Mantra is a string of words that are repeated throughout the meditative experience.
Note: Before applying mantra to the more evolved mind faculties, the practitioner must relax their body and Reptilian Mind first. This is done practicing Hatha Yoga (or any other body conditioning technique) and then through sitting with the head, neck, trunk, spine and pelvis in a straight line and initiating Diaphragmatic Breathing.
Examples of Mantra:
- So Hum (from the yogic shankacharya tradition) link
- Sat Nam (popular with Kundalini Yoga)
- Hallellujah (for judeo-christian meditators)
- Ribbono shel Olam (according to Rabbi Nachman of Breslov)
- The Hesychastic Jesus Prayer (christian meditators)
- Allah (islamic meditators)
- fnord fnord fnord (Discordians meditatators)
- Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare, Hare Rama, ... (krishnas)
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