This is an introduction to the art of Meditation. Our focus will be on using sacred sound, called Mantra, to focus and purify the mind.
Meditation is a spiritual practice found in practically all religious and spiritual traditions, although the methods differ.
Traditional yogic systems employ complex meditation techniques, often working with different postures to align our external and subtle selves and focus our minds towards self-realization. To quiet the mind and provide a point of focus, yogis are advised to concentrate on upon mantras including Sanskrit syllables and the names of the Divine.
The Yoga tradition recommends the chanting the names of Divinity to be a particularly effective method of spiritual awakening, simultaneously opening us to an incredibly empowering experience.
In this system, meditation has two distinct forms: japa and kirtan and sankirtan. In japa, the meditator individually and softly recites the mantra with the use of beads, similar to a rosary. Kirtan is a public meditation, in which one loudly sings mantra in a call and response fashion, accompanied by musical instruments.