It was during a yoga retreat in India that I discovered the mantras, a discovery that made me transforming this retreat into a truly profound moment of wellbeing and healing holiday. Many people think that yoga is simply a physical practice with various poses and at most some other know the aspect related to breathing techniques. But few know the yoga mantra, which is the repetition of sacred sound vibrations, a simple practice that is also one of the most powerful ways to clear the mind, improve concentration and calm emotions.
What is a mantra? In the yogic tradition, a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform mind, body and spirit. A mantra is a word, or a series of words chanted aloud or silently to invoke spiritual qualities. “Manas” translates as mind and “tra” means instrument. It is commonly translated as “tool or instrument for the mind” or “that which when reflected gives liberation”. Mantras are very important to replace the harmful thoughts that occupy our mind, because if repeated they can fill us with positive vibrations that help us achieve the life we want. Through meditation we can gradually transform our life, reducing negativities and the dysfunctional emotions that prevent us from creating the life of our dreams. In particular, the practice of mantras allows us to free ourselves from negative cellular memories by replacing them with positive vibrations. Thanks to the incredible power of the ancient mantric sounds, we can burn the so-called samskaras (the negative mental impressions that affect our life) to immerse ourselves in a state of inner peace and calm, where to find strength, confidence and optimism. The vibratory frequencies of mantras have in fact been used for thousands of years to reconnect with our true self and rediscover joy and serenity.
However, we must not make the mistake of thinking of mantras as magical formulas. Mantras require specific knowledge to recite them in order to make our meditation effective. There are several precautions to be taken so that meditation is beneficial and produces the desired effects. I feel very fortunate to have found during my yoga retreat in one of the favorite Ayurveda centre a passionate and patient yoga master who introduced me to this profound practice.
I invite anyone who wants to enjoy a wellness holiday, to take a look at our proposals for yoga retreats, Ayurveda retreats, mindfulness retreats, places of peace where to stop and reconnect to your essence.