129. Feeling stressed, hum it out!
How can we apply the wisdom of the ancient masters to cultivate a positive response in our lives? This question is crucial in a world filled with challenges. The teachings of the Yoga Sutras provide a pathway to achieving balance and vitality in the body, mind, and spirit. By following their wisdom, we can experience a profound positive net effect that improves our physical health and deepens our mental clarity and spiritual awareness. The ancient masters understood that this holistic approach could increase vitality, and their teachings are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.
A vital part of this journey is linking the mind and body through consistent practice. We often separate mental and physical health in modern times, but the ancient yogis knew that the two are deeply interconnected. The more we practice linking them through asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and mantra (sacred sound repetition), the more balanced and integrated we become. The repetition of a mantra, like OM, is a powerful tool in this process, allowing us to connect the mind to the body's physical sensations.
One of the fundamental teachings supporting this connection is Yoga Sutra 1:28, where Patanjali introduces the concept of Mantra Japa, the repetition of the sacred sound OM. The Sanskrit for this Sutra is "Tajjapas tadarthabhavanam" (तज्जपस् तदर्थभावनम्), meaning "Repetition of that (OM) and meditation on its meaning." This simple yet profound practice invites us to engage the mind and body simultaneously. We repeat the sacred sound by chanting OM and contemplate its more profound significance. This dual action allows us to focus the mind, creating a bridge between thought and physical sensation.
The chanting of OM and the resulting vibration can be felt throughout the body. The sound vibrates through our chest, throat, and head as we chant, creating a physical connection to the practice. Patanjali describes OM as the primordial sound, the original vibration from which all creation arose. In chanting OM, we connect with this fundamental energy, allowing its vibrations to ground us in the present moment. These physical vibrations anchor us, helping us stay connected to the body's feeling state rather than getting lost in the whirlpool of thoughts.
In this age, we are overwhelmed by a tsunami of information, yet we lack wisdom. While constantly bombarded with data, social media, and news, accurate insight and understanding often elude us. This overload can cause stress, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection. The ancient practice of mantra japa, particularly the repetition of OM, offers a remedy. It helps us shift from being inundated with external stimuli to a state of internal concentration and clarity, ultimately moving us closer to wisdom. As we chant OM, the vibrations naturally calm the mind, allowing us to focus and gain a deeper understanding.
Allowing the practice of mantra japa to have a calming and centring effect can significantly reduce anxiety. As the sound and vibration of OM resonate within, they activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to lower stress levels and bring about a sense of peace. The more we engage with this practice, the more we begin to feel its effects not only on a mental level but also physically, in our breath and heart rate. Through this regular and mindful practice, we can reduce mental turbulence, quiet the noise, and create space for wisdom to arise.
The ancient practice of chanting OM, as described in the Yoga Sutras, provides a way to reconnect with ourselves. Through this vibration, we bridge the mind and body, ground ourselves in the present, and open the door to more profound wisdom. The masters of the past have shown us that this simple yet profound tool can increase vitality, calm the mind, and center the spirit—leading us toward a more balanced and peaceful life.
