Mantram Repetition: a Portable Practice for Being Mindful

Excerpt

Repetition of a mantram at various times throughout the day is a widespread and ancient practice that can be used to foster mindfulness as well as manage stress and cultivate resilience. This is sometimes called portable mantram repetition to distinguish it from using a mantram (or mantra) as a focus in sitting meditation. According to many traditions and teachers, the greatest spiritual benefit from portable repetition of a mantram or short prayer phrase comes from repeating it on as many occasions as possible. In our modern world, engaging in portable mantram repetition means finding ways to silently repeat one’s mantram at many free moments throughout one’s daily routines—such as when walking, when waiting, or on many other occasions as described below. Perhaps the fullest description of how to engage in portable mantram repetition comes to us from Indian-born spiritual teacher Sri Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999). In this article, we explain Easwaran’s (2008, 2013) approach on how to begin using a mantram in one’s own daily living. …