My Mantra Playlist

The Power of Mantra

When my husband and I first started meditating, some friends and family joked about whether we were dancing around chanting, evoking images of Hare Krishnas in airports. At the time, our understanding of meditation was limited to guided or silent practices. However, as we explored different methods, we discovered a whole new world of mantra meditation—a practice that surprised and deeply resonated with us.

My husband, the jokester that he is, once shared a playful "mantra" with our daughter, who was actually the first in our family to meditate with mantras. His mantra? Owa-Ta-Go-Siam. When you say it fast enough, it becomes “Oh, what a goose I am.” This playful attitude reflected the lighthearted skepticism with which he approached meditation at first—but over time, even he came to appreciate the deeper, transformative power of true mantras.

One of the most unexpected discoveries for me was the cathartic power of chanting. There were moments when I felt so close to God—something I never anticipated. The word mantra comes from two Sanskrit roots: manas (mind) and tra (tool), meaning "mind-tool." It is a powerful sound vibration that helps clear the chaos from our minds. By focusing on a mantra, we can cut through mental noise and access a deeper state of meditation.

Mantras are more than just words or sounds; they serve as guides to channel our thoughts with intention. They help us connect with inner peace and clarity. I love turning to mantras during everyday chores, whether I’m washing dishes or folding laundry.

To help you explore the power of mantra, I’ve put together a playlist of some of my favorites. Each mantra carries its own unique energy and purpose, and I hope they inspire and uplift you on your journey.

Ra Ma Da Sa So Se So Hung - Prashanti Paz

A powerful mantra used in Kundalini Yoga, Ra Ma Da Sa So Se So Hung is one of my favorites to chant along with, especially during Prashanti Paz's 21-Day Mantra: Journey to Happiness course on Insight Timer. It was one of the first mantras I learned, and its ease of pronunciation and melody made it stick with me.

• Ra: Sun - energy, vitality
• Ma: Moon - receptivity, nurturing
• Da: Earth - grounding, stability
• Sa: Infinity - beyond limitations
• So Hung: The state of complete union with the divine

This mantra balances and harmonizes body, mind, and spirit, creating a profound connection to the infinite and a sense of inner peace.

OM MANI PADME HUNG - Yoga with Sacha

This famous Tibetan Buddhist mantra symbolizes the union of method and wisdom, guiding practitioners toward enlightenment. It is associated with compassion, peace, and harmony, and is believed to transform impure body, speech, and mind into those of a Buddha while fostering a loving awareness of reality.

• Om: Represents the essence of the universe.
• Mani: "Jewel," symbolizing compassion and the intention to become enlightened.
• Padme: "Lotus," representing wisdom and purity.
• Hum: Indivisibility and the spirit of enlightenment.

This one is a personal favorite which I have chanted on many a walk with the dogs. Meaning “I am the jewel in the heart of the lotus,” it is a meditative gem.

Hum Dhum Har Har - Mirabai Ceiba

This soothing mantra beautifully bridges the connection between the inner and outer divine, fostering unity with the cosmic energy and opening the heart chakra. It serves as a reminder of the divine presence both within and around us.

• Hum: Represents the individual soul, the inner divine, or God within oneself.
• Dhum: Symbolizes the universal consciousness, the outer divine, or God in the universe.
• Har Har: Refers to the creative power of the universe, a sacred name for God.

Chanting Hum Dhum Har Har harmonizes the connection between the self and the cosmos, encouraging a deeper sense of oneness and awakening the heart to divine love and creativity.

Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu - Prashanti Paz

As we explored more complex mantras, we embraced the challenge and uncovered deeply meaningful chants like this one. Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu is a Sanskrit mantra that translates to “May all beings everywhere be happy and free.” You may have heard it chanted in a yoga class, as it is a powerful invocation of peace and global well-being.

• Lokah: Refers to "universe," "realm," or "location."
• Samastah: Encompasses "all beings."
• Sukhino: Expresses "happiness, joy, and freedom from suffering."
• Bhavantu: Invokes "may everyone."

This mantra reminds us to think globally and wish for happiness and freedom for all beings. It serves as a reflection of our interconnectedness with the universe and our ability to positively impact all of creation.

Har Har Mukanday - Prashanti Paz

This beautiful mantra holds transformative power, turning challenges into opportunities, removing fear, and inspiring courage to follow your heart. An energizing meditation, it’s ideal for starting your day with confidence and radiance.

• Har Har Mukanday is a Kundalini yoga mantra that liberates you from whatever blocks or holds you back.
• Har: The root word for Hari, a divine name for God, and Hara, meaning “destroyer” or “remover.”
• Mukanday: Represents the liberating aspect of the Self, freeing us from limitations.

Chanting this mantra helps clear obstacles, empowering you to manifest your true potential and embrace a fearless, radiant life.

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

This powerful mantra, central to Tibetan Buddhism, invokes Green Tara, the embodiment of compassion and action.

• Om: Represents Tara’s sacred body, speech, and mind.
• Tare: Liberates us from all discontent.
• Tuttare: Frees us from the eight fears, including external dangers and internal delusions.
• Ture: Liberates us from duality, guiding us to clarity and the cessation of confusion.
• Soha: Anchors the mantra’s blessings in our minds.

Chanting this mantra is believed to eliminate diseases, troubles, disasters, and karma while bringing blessings, longevity, and the wisdom to transcend the cycle of reincarnation.

The Sacred Significance of 108 Repetitions

In spiritual traditions, repeating a mantra 108 times aligns with cosmic cycles and is considered sacred, symbolizing universal harmony and interconnectedness. This practice enhances spiritual growth by deepening focus and activating energy channels within the body.

• Cosmic Alignment - The distance between the Earth and the Sun or Moon is roughly 108 times their respective diameters, making 108 a symbol of universal harmony.
• Chakra Activation - Yogic tradition holds that 108 energy lines converge at the heart chakra, and chanting 108 times helps activate these energy points.
• Intensified Focus - Repetition of a mantra 108 times fosters deep concentration and connection to its vibrational energy.
• Purification and Transformation - This practice is believed to cleanse negative energies and mental blockages, promoting inner peace and spiritual growth.

Each repetition is a step toward deeper connection, purification, and self-realization.

Embrace the Power of Mantra

Mantras have this amazing way of calming your mind, lifting your spirit, and connecting you to something bigger. For me, they’ve been cathartic and transformative—sometimes even bringing me closer to God.

Dive Into the Vibration

Check out the playlist, try chanting along, or just listen to the vibrations. Don’t worry if you feel silly at first—we did too! But trust me, that fades quickly. Start with a mantra that is easy and you enjoy reciting. You might be surprised when you find yourself humming or singing a mantra. Enjoy where it takes you!