The calming effects and neurological benefits of meditating have been so well-documented that they speak for themselves at this stage in our collective understanding. Chanting has a similar effect to meditation – at least, according to the brain. It has been shown to increase alertness while easing physiological bodily stress. Not only that, but chanting has the effect of producing an alpha wave in the brain. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Quick brain wave reminder: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Alpha Waves: These waves are large and slow, and are associated with the brain's transition into a relaxed state that is still ready to interact and perceive. Beta Waves: These are small and quick brain waves that are associated with mental alertness, focus, and concentration. Theta Waves: These waves are the second slowest, often associated with the mind's behavior between sleep and waking. Delta Waves: These are the slowest waves, but the ones with the highest amplitude. Delta waves are what the brain experiences during sleep. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mantra meditation was first described in the Sanskrit yoga texts from India which are called the Vedas. Despite these origins, practice of mantra meditation is not specific to either Buddhism or Hinduism. It can be used by anyone of any race, religion or color. It is also a practice that does not have any strict rules that need to be followed. It can be used at any time and at any location. Even without a deeper understanding of the spiritual practice behind mantra meditation you can still greatly benefit. The power of words is not specific to Eastern culture. Many cultures across the world believe that words have special powers associated with them. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The meaning of the word mantra There are two parts to the word mantra the first is "man" which means mind and "tra" which derives from the word "trayate" or to free. Immediately you can see that mantra literally means to free the mind from its limitations. The practice of mantra meditation is one of the awakening. It awakens the practitioner to direct relationship with the supreme self and gives them a greater sense of awareness and peace. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Five Powerful Sacred Mantras, which have the potential to change your life completely explained and repeated for 108 Times! ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________