Chanting

Chanting, or Mantra Yoga, is more than just
the Spiritual act of singing or praying.
It is also mental and physical discipline.

Besides being devotional,
chanting exercises both the
Nervous System and the Body.

Articulation of the words,
Control of the breath,
and perfection of the posture,
are all essential parts of the practice.

The beneficial effects of various specific kinds
of self-vibration, cannot be underestimated.

Nor can the oxygenation that occurs,
be overlooked or under-valued.

Chant with your heart open, and mind alert!
Chant with gleeful Spirit.
Feel the vibration throughout your body.
Notice how it transforms your state of being.


Om Asato Ma Sad Gamaya
Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya
Mritior M'amritam

From ignorance, to Reality, lead me
From dullness, to Illumination, lead me
From being mortal, to Immortality

Vibration is a characteristic of all creation. And all creatures have song. Therapeutic value of chanting comes from the vibration resonating through your body, especially the nervous system. Also significant is that chanting is a special form of controlled breathing. Air pressure created to vibrate the vocal cords, increases in the lungs pushing added oxygen into the bloodstream.
Chanting soothes so powerfully that it induces deep relaxation. Sanskrit mantras are designed primarily for their various vibrational effects. The devotional meanings are intended to induce a sense of safety and belonging which also help trigger the "Relaxation Response." Don't let yourself be stifled by worrying which is the right mantra or if you pronounce it correctly. -Or even if the words aren't Sanskrit, or even words.

Your body is your guru. Sing or chant in whatever manner feels best. Experiment. Have fun with it. If you take it too seriously it will hinder the benefit. The greatest mantra Om represents the primary fundamental from which all creation springs in philharmonic splendor. Tune in to THAT, and tap the source of all healing.

Om (or aum) begins in the belly as the lowest note you can make. Ahhh... Then the sound rises to your throat as the pitch rises changing to ooooh... Then it moves up into the head as a hummm. Mmmmmmm... Aaaaoooooommmmmmm!

As any singer will tell you, exercising the voice is essential for maintaining optimal performance. So if yoga exercises ALL the muscles in the body, and you want to be a yogi, then don't be shy, sing your song out loud!

Dr. Kevin McGann
Posted with permission: Yoga Central



Aum Graphics -Provided by: Hinduism Today

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