"It is no coincidence that most organized religions have some form of singing, chanting, or mantra. When we give sound to the breath, we not only alter our regular breathing patterns but also cause our bodies to vibrate. The breath lengthens and becomes steady, which in turn relaxes and opens both our bodies and our minds. The sound vibration spreads through the body energizing us.
The combination of these two elements helps us be receptive to new ideas, beliefs, and ways of thinking. Making sound together, and synchronizing our breath with others, forms a powerful bond for a group of singers. This is especially true if the sound we make together is beautiful and harmonious.
Mantra: Mantra derives from two Hindu words manas and tra. Manas means "mind." Tra means "protection. The chanting of a sacred mantra protects the mind from idle thoughts and mind chatter. Mantra is an expression of nada yoga.
Om: Om is a sacred sound. It is one of the simplest yet most powerful. It is also one of the oldest and most widely chanted mantras. Om is used by yogis as an invocation at the beginning of practice. It is also used by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains as an opening, closing, and integral part of many, many chants in all three religions."
-- Baird Hersey The Practice of Nada Yoga: Meditation on the Inner Sacred Sound
The combination of these two elements helps us be receptive to new ideas, beliefs, and ways of thinking. Making sound together, and synchronizing our breath with others, forms a powerful bond for a group of singers. This is especially true if the sound we make together is beautiful and harmonious.
Mantra: Mantra derives from two Hindu words manas and tra. Manas means "mind." Tra means "protection. The chanting of a sacred mantra protects the mind from idle thoughts and mind chatter. Mantra is an expression of nada yoga.
Om: Om is a sacred sound. It is one of the simplest yet most powerful. It is also one of the oldest and most widely chanted mantras. Om is used by yogis as an invocation at the beginning of practice. It is also used by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains as an opening, closing, and integral part of many, many chants in all three religions."
-- Baird Hersey The Practice of Nada Yoga: Meditation on the Inner Sacred Sound