Praying with mantras
Overview
Mantras, involve the repetition of a particular phrase or word as part of one’s breathing pattern. Repetition aids the rhythm of the breathing while assisting one to maintain focus.
Over a period of time, the words become less important as a place of inner silence and stillness is reached. This is easy to learn but takes time and practice.
The Rosary has been used within the Catholic tradition as a form of contemplative Mantra, as well for meditation on the lives of Jesus and Mary.
Many traditions use mantras - spoken, chanted or repeated mentally- as a means of gently focussing the mind during meditation. When the mind wanders the meditator can gently return to the mantra.
Christians who want to use a mantra to pray can repeat a short prayer, a short passage from Scripture, a religious word or name for God.
Students are explicitly taught about praying with mantras in Year 5 (Religion Curriculum P - 12, Arhdiocese of Brisbane, CLPS15)
Christian meditation
The World Community for Christian Meditation recommends this mantra, the ancient Christian prayer-word "Maranatha" which means Come, Lord Jesus. Say it as four equal syllables - Ma - ra - na - tha. Breathe normally and give your full attention to the word as you say it, silently, gently, faithfully and - above all - simply.
The Jesus prayer
The Jesus prayer is a very ancient mantra that has been taught throughout the history of Christianity.
An adapted version of this mantra is:
Jesus, brother, (in breath)
mentor, friend. (out breath)
Have Mercy on me, (in breath)
forgive my sins. (out breath)
Mantras and the twelve bead circle
Students can make their own twelve bead circle, which fits nicely over four fingers and can be rotated with the thumb. This manatra, The Jesus Prayer can be repeated while using the beads - holding one bead for each breath.
Jesus Christ (in breath)
Son of the living God (out breath)
Have mercy on me (in breath)
A sinner (out breath)
or
Jesus Christ (in breath)
Son of the living God (out breath)
Be with me always (in breath)
Gide my way (out breath)
(The twelve bead circle is easily and cheaply made with pony beads.
The Bead Trimming and Craft Company at Stones Corner also has a large range of beads.)