Introduction to Mantra
Mantra has two fundamental meanings. The first is the mind's wave or projection. This implies that a mantra controls the waves of the mind through the use of sound. It is the most effective way to eliminate the flurry of thoughts released by the mind and suspend reactions to your subconscious projections.
The second meaning is the resound or echo of the mind. This implies you listen to the sound and to the origin of the sound from the infinite at the same time. You are consciously conscious of the sound and the echo or unstruck sound of that sound. This takes you past the surface of the sound and opens your intuitive capacity and neutral mind. Mantra is a technical device for regulating the mind Mantras are discovered like gens in a mine or laws of energy in nature; they are not made up.
There are many mantras, each one has its own qualities, rhythm, and effects. The combined sound, resonance and rhythm of a mantra produce an altered state of consciousness which sets the pattern for the flow of thoughts. Mantra is not just an arbitrary label. It is a sound current which relates to its object. We always distinguish between a thing and its name because labels are arbitrary. Some languages make use of another level of sound. When a sound's innate vibration corresponds to or in some way reproduces what it refers to, it is a sacred language. This is the principle underlying languages such as Sanskrit and Gurmukhi. Chanting these ancient syllables is the fastest possible vibratory union between ourselves and the Creator. You determine which level of consciousness you want to relate to by the mantra you practice. The power of the mantra is decided by the level of consciousness you have. Mantra Yoga (or Naad) is the technique of yoking the individual with the whole. It is accomplished by merging the sound of the unit consciousness with the universal consciousness through the rhythmic power of the sound current (mantra).