Most Hindus speak some or other vedic mantras in the morning. People of other faiths often try some or other sort of prayers.  But do we actually know what we are doing? Most would say it is to please God and ensure a fruitful day. But it would give more benefits if people try to know the reason for existence of such mantras.

   There are many different sort of mantras some of which exists to bring inner peace and equilibrium. Other more powerful mantras for tantra and siddhis are not discussed as it is outside the scope of this article. The simpler ones like 'Om Namah Shivay' or 'Gayatri Mantra' are to bring peace and stability in inner-self. Sanskrit is a phonetic language (related to sounds). It deals with sound and amplification like a few other languages can possibly hope to do. So when you speak 'Om' ॐ the vibrations caused by 'Om' ॐ would relax your mind and body. So the next time you say 'Om Namah Shivay' ॐ नमः शिवाय be sure to speak it slowly and understand that quality and not quantity is important when speaking the sacred mantra. Just a Prayer Bead(Mala) or 108 times of recitation of Om Namah Shivay is enough to relax your mind and body and also create positive and happy outlook. The word OM when recited slowly has the same frequency as earth which is 7.83 hz (hertz). It provides balance of body and mind and gives instant relaxation. Also it increases blood circulation and oxygen transfer to different organs. Hormonal glands also function properly due to OM mantra. The magical word Shiva removes all negativity and anger from the body. 

   The famous Gayatri Mantra is said to be the most powerful mantras of all. But when you speak this mantra know that it is to connect the inner-self with a higher conscious. In simpler terms it is achieving oneness with God. It is a concentration mantra(dhyana mantra) and works best when concentration for work is needed. Similarly simple words like 'Ram' are too simple but when spoken slowly and using related sound effect it would give far better results for mind and body. When you speak a sanskrit mantra be sure to use hymn or sound effect and it would do wonders. Prayers are best done in the morning prior to sunrise but even if it is not possible in morning try and recite prayers on an empty stomach after bathing. The reason: The mind is fresh in the morning, an empty stomach improves concentration and bathing provides freshness to the body.

   Prayers and mantras are important for a healthy mind just as much as yoga and exercise are important for a healthy body. Fifteen to thirty minutes of sanskrit mantras with hymn effect would do wonders to concentration and bring about inner peace. Feel free to ask anything about the article in the comment section below. Comments are welcomed on the article.