Music, Mantras and Mandalas, Oh My!

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My Thursday Night Mindfulness Meditation group proved that yes, meditation can be fun! Throughout March, we were treated to a few guest meditators sharing different meditation techniques. There are many, many different types and I always encourage people to try several until you find one that works for you. Decide your reason for meditating – is it to quiet the mind? Is it for self-enquiry? Is it to connect with spirit/God/source? – then find the one that best suits you.

Most types of meditation use an object of focus to stay centered. In mindfulness meditation, for instance, your object of focus is your breath. As your mind starts to become active, you bring your focus back to your breath. This is how you quiet your mind. Here are some other objects of focus.

Music
Music is the universal language.  When music is played, it enters your soul and no other communication is needed.  The notion of combining music and meditation is a very recent one.  Music was not used in any of the traditional forms of meditation.  If you choose to meditate with music, you must pay close attention to the music you select.  You can’t become so absorbed by the music and still observe your thoughts.  If you choose to try music as meditation, you must treat it as any other meditative state.  Sit comfortably and use the music as your object of focus, coming back to it as you notice thoughts entering your mind.  Good choices of meditation music are nature sounds, some flute music and wind chimes.  They can be less distracting than music you regularly listen to just to relax.  Often times, guided meditation will include gentle music in the background.

Mantras
A mantra is a utterance, sound, syllable, word or group of words that may or may not have a literal meaning.  Used originally in Hinduism, the basic concept can be found in all major world religions.  In some practices, the mantra is considered to be a sacred formula, chosen just for that individual.  A mantra can also be a universal word/sound.  The word “Om” (or “Aum”) serves as a mantra, Om being the Sanskrit word to represent all that is (in simple terms – it’s really not so easy to define).  Some mantras have no literal meaning, yet are uplifting and spiritually meaningful to the individual.  A mantra can be a short phrase that makes sense to you – “I am peace,”,“I am happy” or simply “I am” – or simply a word like “gratitude.”  If you want to try using a mantra, pick one that is meaningful to you.

Mandalas
Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning circle.  Originally used in Hinduism and then Buddhism, it is the symbol that represents the universe.  Now many people use mandalas in their meditative practices and it has become a generic term for any diagram or geometric pattern that represents the universe.  Mandalas often exhibit radial balance.  The circular form of mandalas appear to us in all aspects of life – the Earth, Sun and Moon as well as the circles of life that include friends, families and communities.

The visual appeal of the mandala can allow the busy mind to quiet while focusing only on the mandala.  Just as in breath awareness, as thoughts arise, one’s focus is brought back to the mandala.

How to use a mandala:
  • Select an image of a mandala that speaks to you.  
  • Set an intention for  your meditation (such as “I lead by example,” or “meditation an important part of my life”)
  • Begin focusing on the mandala, taking in the beautiful designs and colors
  • As your mind starts to wander, bring it back to the beauty of the mandala
  • Let the mandala absorb all your attention – fall into its colors, swim in its patterns

Everyone has different experiences when using a mandala for meditation.  If you feel relaxed during and after the meditation, you are doing it right.  You should come away with a clarity of the intention you set at the beginning of the practice.

Do your online research to find a good fit for you and even then, try several different techniques. It’s always best to find a good teacher when you’re just starting your meditation practice. Most teachers focus on one type of meditation. For me it’s mindfulness. If you can’t find a teacher, there are many online resources that will help you get your practice going.

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