Mantra for Pranayama
- Mantras can be a powerful addition to any pranayama practice, helping to deepen the focus, concentration, and relaxation that can be achieved through the practice. Here are some commonly used mantras for pranayama:
- Om: This is one of the most widely recognized and commonly used mantras in yoga, and is often chanted at the beginning and end of a practice. It is considered the sound of the universe, and can help to connect the practitioner to a sense of oneness with all things.
- So-ham: This mantra is often used in conjunction with ujjayi pranayama, and is said to be the sound of the breath itself. The word “so” is associated with the inhalation, and “ham” with the exhalation, making it a natural fit for this type of breathing.
- Om Namah Shivaya: This mantra is often used to invoke the energy of Lord Shiva, one of the main deities in Hinduism. It is said to help the practitioner connect with their inner power and potential.
- Om Shanti: This mantra is often used at the end of a practice, and is intended to invoke a sense of peace and calm. The word “shanti” means “peace” in Sanskrit, and is chanted three times in a row for maximum effect.
- Gayatri Mantra: This mantra is one of the most important in Hinduism, and is often used in pranayama practices. It is said to be the sound of the sun, and is associated with the goddess Gayatri, who represents the power of knowledge and enlightenment.
- Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha: This mantra is often used to invoke the energy of Lord Ganesha, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. He is known as the remover of obstacles, and this mantra can be used to help clear any blockages that may be preventing progress in one’s practice.
- Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha: This mantra is often used in conjunction with the practice of alternate nostril breathing, and is said to represent the three worlds of existence: earth, atmosphere, and sky. It can help to ground the practitioner and connect them with the natural rhythms of the world around them.
- These are just a few examples of the many mantras that can be used in pranayama practice. It is important to choose a mantra that resonates with you personally, and to use it consistently in your practice in order to deepen your connection to the breath and to the divine.