Thread by @poonamdut

What is the science behind reciting mantras?

Some excellent answers have been given on the theory of mantras.
#mantra

But I hold with the Mimamsaka idea that all knowledge has to have a PRACTICAL application - if it cannot be applied then it must be left aside - like the milk in the kshīra-sāgara upon which Viṣhṇu lies - it cannot be used on our cereal or to make cafe latte!
#mantra

"Mantra” comes from the root — mananāt-trāyate iti mantra — man = mind; tra = protect.

This means the mantra is a centering device which protects your mind from random thinking!
#mantra

We have involuntary thoughts constantly arising in our mind from our unconscious saṁskāras (subliminal activators). Some are beneficial, most are useless & random. So we try to become aware of non-sense in our heads & direct our thoughts to something sublime.
#mantra

So the “science” behind mantra recitation is to focus your mind on something transcendent - to allow thoughts to arise, dissipate to gradually train yourself in mind-control - this is useful for meditation (dhyāna) which is the core and ultimate spiritual practice.
#mantra

In meditation we start with watching the breath and reciting the mantra in harmony with the inspiration and expiration - we then introduce the iconographical image of the deity and keep our thoughts focused (dhāraṇa) on that while breathing with the mantra.
#mantra

This is the “science” behind mantra recitation.

Credit: Rami Sivan
#mantra