MAN + TRA - Mantra is a Sanskrit word made up of two verbs, Man & Tra which in sanskrit "Mananat Trayate", just by chanting one can save himself in the universe that is achieve the ultimate in this material world.
ACHIEVING SAMADHI (through rotation of consciousness) - When you chant Mantra, you are repeating the particular combination of words, which is rotating your awareness around the combination, this particular repetitive action leads to awakening powerful inner force, if controlled properly this can lead to ultimate salvation or union with super consciousness. One can compare example of concentrated sun beams in Convex lens, the rays / beams can burn a paper if lens is used, similarly the consciousness / awareness can be made concentrated and powerful by repetitive chanting of Mantra.
MANTRA - GROUPING OF SOUND VIBRATIONS (affect mental & psychological plane) Mantra is nothing but a combination or grouping of various alphabets / "Akshar" as is called in Sanskrit. The combined effect of sound vibrations on physical plane can be observed, specially on brain, or on EEG (Electro Encephala Graph) one can see the brain wave emission patterns affected with Omkar chanting, Gayatri Mantra chanting. A alpha activity in brain can be seen during the Mantra Chanting. Also Mantra affects subconscious mind, it has different impressions on sub conscious, thinking patterns are affected, negative impressions can be removed from subconscious such as fear, anger, jealousy etc. also positive impressions can be programmed in the subconscious. Practice of Mantra increases concentration, memory, logical thinking. Mantra Chanting has soothing effect on Nervous System, helps relax the muscles, can be effectively used to reduce stress and its effects.
State of consciousness in Mantra
Relaxed and concentrated state of mind - Due to withdrawal from the material thoughts, distractions, focusing of mind only on Mantra, mind is relaxed and becomes concentrated. Research shows the presence of alpha wave / rhythm of brain.
Rotation of consciousness around Mantra - Awareness is revolved round the mantra, its pronunciation, yantra (psychic shape) and its meaning, which builds up psychic energy which can then be used for spiritual purposes.
"Sakshi Bhav" - Attitude of unconcerned observer, this particular attitude is very important as it allows bypassing or witnessing disturbances arising in the conscious & sub conscious mind. Thoughts are generally very difficult to negotiate, this approach of "Sakshi Bhav" allows to overcome this problem.
Lost awareness of outside world - When practitioner goes deep in to the meditation states while chanting mantra, there is absolutely no awareness about happenings in surrounding environment.
Only Mantra awareness remains - Even there is no self, the mantra & its awareness is present when practitioner reaches higher states.
Methods of Chanting Mantra
Baikhari (Audible) - By chanting a loud which can be heard easily is called "Baikhari" Chanting. Advantages of Baikhari Chanting- Removes thoughts- Easy conceptualization of thoughts- Makes meditation easy
Upanshu (whispering) - Chanting of mantra in low voice, or just whispering so that only practitioner can understand is called "Upanshu" Chanting.Advantages of "Upanshu"- Long duration chanting (8 to 10 hours)- Purposeful Mantra repetition (example: for wealth, health, land acquisition, happiness etc.)- Destiny Errors can be corrected with this type of chanting
Manasik (Mental) - without chanting a loud or whispering, mantra is repeated in mind, this type of mantra chanting is difficult and can be learnt only with practice.
Advantages of Mental Chanting-
Subtle form of chanting-
Commonly used by advance practitioners-
Leads to higher states of awareness
Effects of Mantra
On personal level-
Mantra impacts on mental & psychological plane in a positive way.
- Stirs up emotions (desires, fears, jealousy from subconscious mind to conscious level as thoughts.) for removing negative tendencies of mind and re programming the thinking process
- Creates potential energy reservoir
On surroundings-
Deeper, subtle & astral spheres-
Impacts on macro cosmos & micro cosmos-
Purification of collective conscious mind
Source: http://www.yogapoint.com/tantrayoga/mantrayoga.htm