The mantra lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu.
Performed by Deva Premal & Miten. Play and listen as you read.
Words. Language. They have the power to change us. When people talk about the power of words, it's not just a metaphor — neuroscientists have shown how words affect our brains. We can harness the power of words to cultivate positive action. So it's not surprising that people have had a renewed interest in the ancient practice of reciting mantras and sankalpas. In western cultures, the word “mantra” is often interchanged with "affirmation" and "intention." They are related but actually different concepts.
In Sanskrit, the word mantra means 'sacred utterance.' A mantra is an instrument of the mind—a powerful sound or vibration that is used to enter a deep state of meditation. Mantras are a tool that can help bring you back to a present state of mind. Mantras are words, sounds, or invocations either in Sanskrit (yogic language) or your native language, that help you concentrate, liberating the mind from wandering thoughts. A mantra may be a single word or a series of words chanted aloud or silently. The most well-known mantra is Om or AUM, and it is often used as the seed mantra in longer chants. The effectiveness of the mantra is based not on the understanding of the word, but on its ability to change frequencies in your body through sound waves.
In yoga, asanas are postures of the body and, similarly, mantras are postures of the mind. Mantras, when used in this fashion during yoga, help to keep you connected to a particular state of mind. Yoga mantras are often used for three purposes: setting intention, defining meaning, and tapping into one's life force through a sacred sound. Intention is the why of your practice—it's the goal, purpose. Meaning is the what of your practice—the definition of your personal mantra. Sacred sound is intended to connect you to the life force energy that the yoga practice cultivates.
Affirmations are often confused with mantras. While they are similar, the goal of an affirmation is somewhat different. An affirmation is intended to inspire and motivate you to action. An affirmation is a short, positive statement spoken in your native tongue that you repeat to yourself.
Affirmations are a tool that assists us in modifying our way of thinking, which in turn helps in changing our actions and behaviors. Affirmations are most often used to help you attract more of something you believe is positive like prosperity, peace, or love. Or an affirmation might be used to help you achieve your goals.
Mantras are primarily used for spiritual and healing powers. Anyone can create an affirmation, but a mantra is typically created by a meditation master.
Positive affirmations have been used in psychotherapy as a linguistic tool to help rewire thought patterns towards desired outcomes. Affirmations can be stated anytime and tend to be a complete sentence addressing something we wish to have or become. Affirmations are often phrased as if we ALREADY have them in the present moment.
I am radiating with love and compassion.
I am full of energy and I'm overflowing with joy.
Affirmations can create positive emotions, improve relationships, reduce stress and anxiety, improve personal success, and boost confidence.
An intention is a statement of future direction. An intention is similar to a sankalpa. In Sanskrit, a sankalpa is “an intention formed by the heart and mind" — a solemn vow which increases our determination and will. A sankalpa is a tool meant to harness our energy — to focus and harmonize mind and body. Many people set intentions right after getting out of bed in the morning. You might set an intention to:
- be kind
- accept change
- be generous
- do great things
Today, I will focus on my breath, so I can be more aware my body and emotions, and respond with compassion.
When I teach yoga, I invite my students to set an intention or sankalpa as we begin the practice. On occasion, I may end a class inviting them to join me in chanting the Sanskrit mantra lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu (Sanskrit: लोकः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु) which means “may everyone, in the whole world, be happy.” Another popular translation is “may all beings, everywhere, be free and happy.” It can be chanted or sung and is offered as a prayer, or shloka, for the whole world.
Like a seed planted with the goal of blossoming into a beautiful perennial flower (like the lotus flower), a mantra or affirmation can be thought of as a seed for energizing an intention. But like any garden, your mantras and affirmations must be planted in fertile soil and tended. Thus they must be practiced and repeated. As you nurture them over time they will bear the fruit of your intention.
AFFIRMATION by Eve L. Ewing
Speak this to yourself
until you know it is true.
I believe that I woke up today
and my lungs were working,
miraculously,
my voice can sing and murmur and ask,
miraculously.
My hands may shake, but they can hold
me, or another.
My blood still carries the gifts of the air
from my heart to my brain,
miraculously.
Put a finger to my wrist or my temple
And feel it: I am magic.
Life and all its good and bad and ugly things
scary things which I would like to forget
beautiful things which I would like to remember
-- the whole messy lovely true story of myself
pulses within me.
I believe that the sun shines
if not here, then somewhere.
Somewhere it rains,
and things will grow green and wonderful.
Somewhere inside me, too, it rains,
and things will grow green and wonderful.
Sometimes my insides rain from the inside out.
And then I know
I am alive
I am alive
I am alive.
At the end of the day, whether you use intention setting, a mantra, or an affirmation, all are meant to empower you. We live in such a complex world that it’s easy to get distracted by all the details. Circle back and focus on those things that inspire you and truly make you happy. Do you have a favorite mantra, affirmation, or intention that you say to yourself?
Cheers,
Seena