Mantra is a Sanskrit word meaning “instrument of the mind.” “Man” means “mind” and “tra” means “instrument.” So, a mantra is a tool. When we use a mantra in silent meditation it is a tool that can be used for the purpose of taking us beyond our thoughts where we can experience the peaceful stillness of our unbounded nature, our true self.

There are many different types of mantras from different cultures and traditions. Besides mantras used to transcend our thinking and help us to connect with our essential self, there are mantras used for peace, for healing and for all sorts of purposes. Some are short one syllable sounds and others are much longer. Many mantras have been used over thousands of years so just the vibration of the sounds contains powerful intentions that can affect our physiology, mind and emotions, and even the world around us.

Mantras can be chanted aloud or repeated silently in our minds depending upon the desired affect. When we meditate for the purpose of transcending our thinking mind we hear the mantra silently. However, mantras can be chanted aloud for other purposes. Gregorian chants are an example of this as are other forms of devotional chanting where the individual taps into powerful, often ecstatic emotions in an effort to connect with the Divine.

Choosing a personal mantrafor silent meditation can be very simple or more involved depending upon our personal tendencies. A common, very effective Sanskrit mantra is “so hum.” One common translation is “I am.” Another translates “so” as referring to “the individual I” and “hum” as being “Universal Consciousness or Spirit.” Thus, the symbolic meaning of the mantra “so hum” is the merging of the individual consciousness with Universal Consciousness.

Whatever mantra or meaning we are drawn to it is important not to get caught analyzing the meaning at the level of our mind during meditation. We can remind ourselves that at the most basic level we are not really using the mantra for its particular meaning, but rather as an instrument to take us beyond the level of our thinking mind. From that viewpoint, any sound we choose would be fine. For instance, counting, “one, two, one, two” or using the words “breathing in” with the in breath and “breathing out” with the out breath could be used like a mantra. However, at the deeper levels, although we are not contemplating the meaning, the meaning can have an effect and so using a sound that has been used for meditation can be very helpful.

In general, it is a good idea to choose one mantra for silent meditation and then stick with that same mantra each time we meditate. Used over a period of time the mantra will become an anchor to deeper states of consciousness and become an even more effective tool.