4 replies to this topic

[Lethe]

Do any of you use mantras? What has a mantra done for you? Have you felt any effect from chanting a mantra? What is the experience like, spiritually? Is it a way to worship? Is it like a prayer? Do you feel that you are communicating with a higher power, or that a higher power is communicating with you?

[Etu_Malku]

Do any of you use mantras? What has a mantra done for you? Have you felt any effect from chanting a mantra? What is the experience like, spiritually? Is it a way to worship? Is it like a prayer? Do you feel that you are communicating with a higher power, or that a higher power is communicating with you?

I use mantras often, almost daily. Matter of fact all of October I was involved in a heavy ritual that included extended sessions of mantra.

These are nothing more than forms of neuro-linguistic programming, but are of great assistance to programming the mind towards a specific goal. The semantic system in your brain, the one that handles verbal and other time-binding systems, is particularly good at being removed from reality by repetition and internal coherence. This leads to what is called "A more exotic form of Sleep." Unless you are relatively well rooted in becoming Awake in the present moment there is a good chance you can lull yourself into such an Exotic Sleep.

I see prayer as a "lost" magical art. It has become rote recitations or simple wish-making.
Prayer originally was a process of concentrated visualization, combined with emotional and mental energy, properly grounded to the physical through proper vocalization.

The spoken Word became in essence praying, this was first understood by the ancient Egyptians in the way of Affirmations and made manifest in (Heka) vibrational magic. Efforts were made to align sound with the principles of a cosmic order (natural ordering of the universe) which perhaps could be seen as a LOGOS, the dialog with that part of your Self that has the ability to create any condition you need or desire.

The invocation within a prayer unites our meditative state of consciousness with the power of the Word and our innate force of Will.

[Caulfield]

No, I don't.

Indeed I avoid them at all costs, taking to heart the words of God: "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words".

[TheUnknowable]

Mantra's aren't "Vain repetitions". They are repetitions, but they aren't vain. A mantra could be reciting scripture repeatedly, or singing a hymn over and over. Nothing evil about repeating yourself. "Vain repetitions" are just the same as repeating your prayers over and over to try to make God notice you. That isn't nessecery, and probably annoys him. Not to mention it shows a lack of faith. That's why it's banned, not because repeating yourself is evil.
I know one time when I was in highschool a tornado came by, and I sang "Amazing Grace" 3 times until I calmed down. That might count as a mantra.

[Etu_Malku]

No, I don't.

Indeed I avoid them at all costs, taking to heart the words of God: "And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words".

Like I said . . . "I see prayer as a "lost" magical art. It has become rote recitations or simple wish-making."
If nothing else, prayer is another form of Neuro-linguistic programming, not some fantasy communication.