By Dr. Mark Wiley

The power of sound on the human body is well documented and strongly felt. Indeed, millions of people worldwide listen to music to relax; sing in church to boost their spirits; yell to cool their anger; cry to ease their pain.

In another article I wrote about the power of sound on the various organs in the body. There I referred to a system of qigong known as the six healing sounds, wherein specific syllables are used to energetically “massage” specific organs. Here I will describe mantra, or the healing power of chants.

Related Article: The Healing Wonders of QiGong

Mantras are most widely associated with Hindu and Buddhist religions. Generally speaking, mantras are chants of short phrases that are infused with intention and energy. The repeated recitation of these chant-phrases generate powerful sound waves that do much to center one’s energy, heighten their mental states of awareness, promote healing, expand creativity, spur insight, and engender spiritual growth.

While most people associate mantras with Asian religions, the idea of them is not so confined. If a mantra is a phrase that effects change in a person, than reciting the rosary is the Catholic way. And any power phrase that motivates you can be a mantra if repeated over and over. Nike’s “Just do it!” is an example.

History has shown that mantras work best when certain boundaries are placed on them. Such as repeating the mantra a certain number of times per day; reciting the mantra at specific times each day; reciting the mantra in a specific location; including physical objects such as beads, rosaries, statues, etc. as physical manifestations of the mantra or the practice of reciting mantras.

Here are four very powerful mantras that can help you along your path.

Healing Mantra of the Medicine Buddha:
“Tayatha Om Bhaishajye Bhaishajye Mahabhaishajye Taja Samudgate Svaha”

Mantra for Developing Compassion and Protection from all Fears:
“Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha”

Mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha for Developing Morality, Meditation and Wisdom:
“Om Muni Muni Mahamunaye Svaha.”

Mantra for Healing Misunderstandings in a Relationship:
“Om Sharavana Bhavaya Namaha.”

Related Article: Mindfulness to Quiet the Mind