/ Meditation
Reading Time: 9 minutes
The power of mantra in meditative practices has been known for centuries. When we use sounds alongside pranayama we add another string to our bow, doubling the efficacy of the practice.
Mantra gives the mind a focus, allowing us to concentrate on the spiritual meaning of the sounds, as well as the qualities they evoke.
The Siri Gaitri mantra used in this meditation calls upon the energy of the Sun, Moon and Earth. The Sun (“Ra”) purifies and energizes with its white heat, while the Moon (“Ma”) neutralizes and nurtures, and the Earth (“Da”) brings personal security.
These sounds are followed by “Sa”, “Se”, “So”, and “Hung”, which combine to denote infinity, both personal and impersonal, and firmly place us within the infinite universe as a part of itself and a separate, powerful being.
It is in this infinity, along with the power of the sun, moon, and earth, that we find this life force. This guide will look at the benefits and easy procedure for this powerful healing meditation.
Benefits of this Meditation:
- Balances the two hemispheres of the brain
- Promotes the body’s natural healing abilities
- Brings inner peace and acceptance
- Supports personal growth
How to do this Meditation:
Start by finding your quiet, comfortable space to practice this meditation. When you are serene, follow these simple steps:
Posture:
Sit cross legged, either in Easy Pose or another comfortable position, with the spine straight and a gentle neck lock.
Tuck the elbows in to your sides with the forearms bent at a 45-degree angle from the body.
Hand position:
The wrists should be flexed backwards and the palms laid flat facing up towards the heavens. The fingers are held together.
Throughout this meditation you should remain conscious of your hands’ positions, ensuring that the palms remain flat but not strained.
Eye position:
Keep the eyes closed or almost closed for this meditation.
Mantra:
You will sing the Siri Gaitri mantra: Ra Ma Da Sa Sa Se So Hung. Move the mouth completely and mindfully with each sound, focussing on the noise in your throat and the shape of the sound in your mouth.
Allow your mind to focus on the image of each sound in the air, and do not allow your breath to lose power.
Breathwork:
Sing each cycle of the mantra in one breath. As you reach Hung clip the end of the sound while forcefully pulling in the Navel Point.
After a full cycle in one exhalation, take a deep breath in and restart.
Timing and Ending:
This meditation should be continued for 11 minutes. To end, breathe in deeply and offer yourself a healing prayer. In your mind’s eye, focus on yourself as the healthy, happy, and energized person you wish to be.
Then exhale, continuing to focus on the best version of yourself that you can visualize in your mind’s eye.
To finish, raise your arms up high above your head and energetically shake out your arms and hands.
Conclusion
When we call upon the Sun, moon and Earth we strengthen our life force, using the universe to heal our trauma. This meditation is a powerful tool for all Kundalini Yoga students, so why not give it a go today.
