Let’s try something more Traditional … because Amazing things can happen on a personal level when practicing meditation in its simplest form.
No guide to walk you through the process… No music to keep you focused. This is how meditation was practiced in the early days. With focus on an object, mantra or breath… or no focus at all.
I do not believe any one form of meditation is superior to another. They are all beautiful in themselves. True, some people have a better experience with a specific method – but that choice is personal – not universal. I do encourage the exploration of all forms, even if you have a favorite.
Imagine a child in a 40 flavors Ice-Cream shop trying to convince everyone that chocolate is better than the rest. When asked how many of the 40 flavors he had tried, he answered ‘one’.
Mantra Meditation
The Universal Mantra Meditation
This mantra meditation comes from an ancient Indian text called the Malini Vijaya Tantra, which dates back about 5000 years. It is a very easy meditation, yet very powerful in its capacity to quiet your mind and connect you with your Essence or Inner Spirit.
This meditation uses a mantra as your object of focus. A mantra is a word or phrase that has the power to catalyze a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness.
The mantra most use for this meditation is: Aum.
Aum does not have a literal translation. Rather, it is the essential vibration of the universe. If you were to tune into the actual sound of the cosmos, the perpetual sound of Aummm is what you would hear.
Although this mantra is sometimes chanted aloud, in this meditation, you will be repeating the mantra mentally… silently. Before we get to the actual steps, there are a few important points to be aware of.
• One of the keys to this meditation is repeating the mantra gently or faintly in your mind.
• The power of this technique comes from letting go and allowing your attention to dive into the deeper realms of awareness. Therefore, even though you will be focusing on the mantra, staying focused on the mantra is not the aim of this meditation. Trying too hard to stay focused would keep your attention from descending into the deeper realms. Instead, you will be repeating the mantra with “minimal effort”, and giving your mind the space to wander a bit.
• Resist the temptation to make something happen, and allow the mantra to do the work. This meditation easily produces a shift into deeper, more peaceful states of awareness. (The degree of this will vary from session to session.) It increases the flow of energy to the brain and clears away a good deal of physical and emotional toxins.
Because of this detoxification, it is best to keep this meditation to 10 or 15 minutes a day when first beginning. After a month or so, it can be increased to 20 minutes, but that should be the maximum for anyone who does not have quite a few years of meditation experience. Also, it is advisable to drink a lot of pure water.
Finally, mantra meditation accelerates spiritual growth as you achieve a state of relaxation and self-awareness.
Mantra Meditation – In Practice
1. Sit comfortably, with your eyes closed and your spine reasonably straight.
2. Begin repeating the mantra gently in your mind.
3. Repeat the mantra at whatever tempo feels most natural. There is no need to synchronize the mantra with your breathing, but if this occurs naturally, it’s ok.
4. Allow the mantra to arise more faintly in your mind… repeating it with minimal effort.
5. Continue repeating the mantra faintly, and allow for whatever happens.
6. If at any time, you feel that you are slipping into a sleep-like or dream-like state, allow it to happen.
7. If and when you notice that your attention has drifted completely off the mantra, gently begin repeating it again, and continue with minimal effort.
8. After 10 or 15 minutes, stop repeating the mantra, and come out of your meditation slowly.
Some people struggle without the music or guide to stay focused on the practice. It is important to be kind to yourself when you slip. Gently steer your focus back on track. If you curse yourself or your ability there will be no benefits for you to receive.
Some days will be better than others… and it takes practice.
Please share your experience with this mantra meditation below.
In Love and Light, We Explore.
Nigel Coates.

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With degrees in Communications and Massage, Nigel Coates found it a natural progression to share his passion for healing and wellness through his
Dear moderator,
I respectfully disagree with your premise and do not believe you have reached the depths of spiritual awakening that you believe you have. One and only one teaching is the true Law of life. Infinite meaning arises from the One Great Secret Law. You may not like this view; and you may wholeheartedly deny it – yet, your heart itself at once knows this to be the ultimate reality and truth of your existence.
Nam-myoho-renge-kyo.
You know more about the truth in my heart than me? Dear Jared, I … disagree with your premise.
Hello my friend.just experience what you heart and not more.if you get a good result continue otherwise leave it.that’s it .instead of analyzing with your brain just watch it.because we can’t understand everything.let the cosmos and it’s people help us.use all world’s potential.
Jared,
We all know our own spiritual path better than another knows it.
It is this whole: “MY way, or you’re doing it WRONG!” mentality that is keeping us all from our true nature and true harmony with each other and ascending to One.
I also respectfully disagree, and hope you find that there are many different ways to enlightenment, and the first step is to view another’s *without judgement*.
Namaste,
Diana
Hi Nigel, thought I’d give this one a try this morning! As usual in the busy rush of a morning I was thinking to myself no I haven’t got enough time etc etc…then stopped. “I can give myself 5-10 minutes out – just for me (as I have been told elsewhere)” I said. So sat calmly and gave this a try. This is closer to the style of meditation I practiced about 25 years ago and I really enjoyed what I did, albeit short. However, I have one question and it is a silly one!! At the end of my yoga class we aways finish with Aum Shanti and so automatically started a long aummm, then changed it to a short one, then back….is there any length to ‘aum’ or do you just go with the flow and do what feels right for you?? Either way, what I did felt great and I feel more relaxed/refreshed than I did!!!
I just remembered, when I used to practice regularly, one of the things that always amazed me was that there were never any interruptions (phone never rang, no-one knocked at the door etc.) as if something was saying “just give let her be for a while” – just thought I’d share that with you.
Thank you again.
Good on you for taking some Quality Time! It’s usually ‘Moms’ who make sure everyone else is looked after before they are, but taking a few minutes for yourself puts you in a better mood to help others when you are done
Nigel.
Re: the length of the Aum chant… it is said that ‘Aum’ is the ‘continual’ sound of the Universe, (It doesn’t stop to breathe). But I do – so I usually sync it with my natural breath. The deeper I go, the slower I breathe, the longer the chant. (When ‘mentally’ chanting you can allow it to run it continually I guess). If your guide was changing the length – there must be more to it. Explore it, have fun, do what feels right to you
Although I normally use guided imagery meditations with my clients, it is good to occasionally get back to the traditional practice. The mantra meditation can be done without having to have any devices for playback of recordings and leave it to the universe to define the experience.
Om chanting is a wonderful meditation. It makes one calm and relaxed!
hi dear Nigel…thanks for this wonderful artical…always nice to get new emails and ideas of yours…
we are the one who knows what is the best for us…not only a truth exists…or believes…we have to respect each one ways…and timing of taking life… and …if we do our best…always will be a reword…
the meaning of just doing…is what are needed for the fullfillment of us…
sometimes is more easier to take our trues a guaranted than getting all possibilies coming from other point of views…we came to learn…life is a journey…each day with new things…
have a great day…and keep on with your great work you’re doing here…sometimes is more easier to take our trues a guaranted than getting all possibilies coming from other point of views…we came to learn…life is a journey…each day with new things…
namaste
what I meant to say is that I respectfully am not agreing wit jared…we need to accept all kind of views…and do not take our truth as the best of…but I understand…anyway…much love…peace …joy and freedom to all you beautiful co creators….
Thanks Nigel. This one is great. If this one is already mastered,could this be used in practicing telekinesis,pyrokinesis or any other mental powers?
Hey Kirby, is ‘pyrokinesis’ setting stuff on fire with your mind… like that Hollywood movie? I wouldn’t have said that this mantra meditation is the first step towards that goal, but it can’t hurt for you to try and master it.
If you practice this everyday for a month, who knows, your goals may even change during that time.
Hi Nigel,
Just wanted to say that whilst it is a really good thing to meditate and to recharge yourself for the challenges of life, I also feel that Deepak Chopra has a really good message which lets us realise our potential in the Karmic Yoga sense. He said “Everyone has a purpose in life-a unique gift or special talent to give to others.When we blend this unique talent with service to others we experience the ecstasy and exhultation of our own spirit, which is the ultimate goal of all goals.”
Keep up the good work!
Peace, Pauline.
Thanks Pauline – and Thanks Deepak Chopra!
I’m exploring several different ‘senses of service’. When I was a full time massage therapist, giving others; relief from pain, a break from stress, and an energetic connection with themselves, it was extremely rewarding. The Explore Meditation blog also gives me similar reward. I get messages from people around the globe that have been positively influenced in some way. I encourage everyone who is able, to follow their passions, and explore the joy of service. Namaste, Nigel.
Hi Nigel,
Thank you so much for this wonderful site. Yes there are many ways and roads to enlightenment, we are all unique regarding our own spiritual unfoldment, I focus on and enjoy the journey and experience. I have been a spiritual healer and spiritual awareness Teacher for many years. Your site is very beneficial and yes enlightening to me personally. You are a bright light leading many Nigel. Never let your light diminish…. shine on
love, light and gratitude
Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth, very humbling. I love the way you expressed ‘enjoy the journey and experience’. That is a mantra for me. I was guilty of “When I get to / When I achieve … I will be happy.” If I can’t find happiness on the journey – who says I will find it at the destination? And as for ‘experience’ … too true. LIFE is NOT a spectator sport! Get amongst it and Explore! Namaste, Nigel.