Buddhist chants and meanings
We take a look at some of the most well-known Buddhist chants and meanings of these mantras.
How to chant mantras
The definitive guide for anyone looking to take up mantra chanting in their daily life, and experience the powerful wide-ranging benefits of this ancient practice.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
While mantra chanting is an ancient practice, it holds great benefit to anyone that is willing to give it a try.
Mantras are not just words - they are tools for the mind. Tools that can invite peace, improve focus, build connections, and much more.
So, pick an issue you face or an area of your life that you want to focus on and improve - there are several mantras that can help you.
Mantras are generally ways to call out to deities like Shiva, Krishna, and Lakshmi - each chant with its own purpose and energy. You can make this work for your unique situation or need.
And as you learn more about this practice, you’ll figure out the best way these simple chants can transform your mind.
What is a Mantra?
You may have heard the term "mantra" before. But what exactly does it mean? Derived from the Sanskrit roots man (mind) and tra (tool or vehicle), it literally translates to “a tool for the mind.”
A mantra can a word or phrase, but to put it simply, it’s a vibration with purpose.
The Vedas written in Sanskrit, most closely associated with Hinduism, have given us many such mantras to discover and benefit from.
Take the Shaanti Paath mantra for example: each syllable and each word in this mantra calls for peace. Peace of mind, peace of body, peace of spirit, peace for the community around you.
The vibrations from this mantra unlocks these same feelings in the chanter. Suddenly, a racing mind moves toward stillness. Heavy, fast breaths become slower and more purposeful. Strong emotions dissolve into peaceful ones.
Such is the power of a mantra, and all it needs is a quiet spot, and the willingness to give yourself to it.
The Essence of a Mantra
At its core, a mantra is a sound or group of sounds strung together with intention. These sounds are believed to carry a specific energy, capable of influencing thoughts, emotions, and your whole being.
Think of it like tuning into a radio frequency that aligns with your intentions or goals. Whether it’s feeling peace of mind, a stronger mind, or connection to the divine, the vibrations of mantras guide you toward that goal.
A good example for this would be one’s intention to bring more prosperity. It is a feeling that comes from a desire for something better for yourself.
What mantra complements this desire or intention? One such mantra is the Karagre Vasate Lakshmi.
This mantra comes with a wonderful ritual accompanying it.
One where you focus on parts of the palm of your outstretched hand, and visualize divine deities granting you infinite blessings. Blessings that take you to a place in life which you desire.
The sounds of this mantra has the same effect on your mind as this visualization exercise.
What you will have is a blend of your intention, the ritual, and the sounds of this mantra - all working in unison to signal the cosmos, inviting prosperity, letting it know that you are open to receive.
Mantras can be chanted out loud or spoken inward, in one’s mind. They are also repeated - sometimes thrice, 7 times, even 108 times.
This repetition helps quiet mental chatter, creating a meditative rhythm that pulls you inward.
It’s not just about saying the words but feeling their resonance. Even if you don’t fully understand the meaning of these Sanskrit words, the vibrations themselves pull you to the desired place.
How do Mantras Work?
You now know that a mantra is a collection of Sanskrit words, which are in turn composed of syllables with their own energies.
But how does that benefit the person chanting or listening to the mantra?
Think of the mantra like a tuning fork. When you strike it, it creates a vibration. That vibration travels into the space around it and into you.
Similarly, chanting a mantra sends vibrations through your body and mind. These vibrations help "tune" you to a better frequency — maybe one of peace, strength, love, focus, or divine connection.
If you want more inner peace, you would chant a mantra that carries the energy of calmness.
If you want to feel more confident or protected, there are mantras that carry those feelings too.
Types of Mantras
Not all Vedic mantras are the same. A simple way to group them would be by the deity they call out to to or pay homage to.
A Shiva mantra invokes the peace of Shiva, a Ganesha mantra prays for blessings of Ganesha, and so on.
A more effective way to think of them would be as the kind of tools they are.
Do they call for favor from Goddess Saraswati, who then enhances your ability to focus and learn?
Does it simply call forth the energy of Ganesha, so that success is not far behind.
Is it something chanted at auspicious events, to mark the specialty of that occasion?
Here are a few commonly known types to help you get started:
1) Bija (Seed) Mantras
These are short, potent sounds - sometimes a single syllable.
A great example is the word “Gam”. It is the seed sound for Lord Ganesha.
Lord Ganesha is revered for his ability to overcome obstacles - blocks in your mind, bumps on your career path, tough topics at studies, you name it.
His seed sound is therefore, “Gam”, has this same power. Chant it, slowly so that it rings in your mind, and keep going until the weight from these blocks disappear.
This is why people turn to Ganesha when they begin something important - a journey, a business, or even a brand new week.
His power ensures you are never held back or waylaid.
2) Sacred Vedic Mantras
The Vedas are storehouses of knowledge - ancient, powerful, divine. Some of these mantras are so powerful, they are chanted at certain auspicious occasions.
The most well-known of these is the Gayatri mantra. A single mantra of 24 syllables, chanted in a particular meter.
This mantra or prayer calls out for divine light.
Let this divine energy seep into my mind, so that the darkness of ignorance or judgmental thoughts can never dim it.
The Gayatri mantra is chanted on the occasion of Guru Purnima - a day on which we celebrate divine wisdom and the path to true liberation (moksha).
3) Devotional Mantras
When most people think of mantras, they probably think of these mantras that fall into this category.
Through ancient mantras, we call out to a deity like Krishna or Hanuman. The deity is pleased, and grants us their blessings.
Using the tuning fork example from earlier, what if the energy you connect to is not just a singular quality, but an ancient composition of divine qualities.
They are about building a relationship — feeling love, trust, and surrender toward something bigger than yourself.
Think of it like calling out to a beloved friend or someone you deeply admire. You chant their name or qualities, and in doing so, you invite their presence, strength, and blessings into your life.
This is exactly what you do when you chant Om Namah Shivaya.
You connect to the divine presence of Lord Shiva and all that he personifies. Shiva is pure consciousness, not disturbed by trivial worldly concerns.
He is a force of transformation. From a cluster of conflicting, contradicting feelings to something altogether more divine.
This is what we call out to when we chant the Om Namah Shivaya mantra.
Sticking with Lord Shiva, we can call out to him for a specific quality. The beautiful Nirvana Shatakam mantra offers a good look into this.
This mantra explains how sage Adi Shankaracharya meditated on the question of what Shiva is. This chant helps the listener to slowly move away from the trappings of the ego, and live life more consciously.
Chant along with this Shiva mantra to experience this dissolution of the unhealthy ego.
Or you can expand your net, with 108 Names of Shiva - a comprehensive homage to every aspect and quality of the Supreme Shiva.
With this mantra, you invite all that is Shiva into you. And over time, you begin displaying these qualities in your own life.
One of these names is ‘Vyomakeshaya’ which translates to one whose hair extends deep into the cosmos. This one name tells us that this supreme force exists whose scale is beyond anything that we can imagine.
This in turn, fills us with humility and the sense of security that comes naturally from this knowledge.
There are several ways you can go with devotional mantras, and what we discussed was just 3 mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva.
This rich world of Vedic knowledge holds many benefits for you, and chanting is the best way to unlock it.
These 3 types of mantras offer something unique to your practice, giving you the flexibility to align with what resonates most with you.
The Power of Repetition
Repetition, or “Japa,” is the heart of mantra chanting. By repeating a mantra multiple times, you train your mind to stay focused.
Just like clearing a foggy windshield, repeatedly wiping it with a clean cloth helps you see things with more clarity.
You would have seen meditation practitioners use a mala (a string of 108 beads) to count repetitions. They might be chanting it silently, but their fingers move from one bead to the next along the chain.
This is the most time-tested way of keeping track of mantra repetitions. So much so that multiple faiths around the world use this practice.
A simpler, more beginner-friendly way would be to chant along with a recorded audio.
No matter the method, the act of repetition has great power. Like steadily clearing the surface of your soul as you peer deeper and deeper into it.
Mantras are effective whether spoken aloud, whispered, or repeated silently in your mind. Experimenting is the only way to find the method which resonates with you the most.
Keep this understanding in mind as you explore mantra chanting. While it may seem overwhelming, taking the first few steps instantly makes it more approachable.
Understanding Mantra Chanting
Mantra chanting isn’t just reciting words over and over - it’s a purposeful practice with great depth to it.
Each level of chanting engages your mind, body, and spirit. When you're a beginner, getting to these layers will take time, inward exploration, and mindfulness.
How you go about it is up to you. But there are two main paths that we can lay out for you to try out and spend time exploring.
Chanting Out Loud: Vocalizing the Energy
Chanting out loud, or Vaikhari Japa, is the most accessible form of mantra practice.
When you chant a mantra out loud, you’re not just saying words. You’re creating sound that you can feel. The vibrations move through your chest, throat, and even into the space around you.
It’s like dropping a stone into water. The sound ripples outward, touching your body and your surroundings.
This kind of chanting is great for staying focused. Your own voice helps block out distractions, so it’s easier to stay present. That’s why many beginners find it the easiest way to start.
Chanting out loud can also feel deeply grounding, like planting your feet in the current moment.
There is no better mantra to try chanting aloud than the one most people are familiar with - the Om chant.
A sound associated with that of creation itself - it is a compound of the sounds “Aaa”, “Uuu”, and “Mmm”. Or alternatively, the simpler “Ooo” and “Mmm”.
Both works great for first time chanters, simply take care to hold the syllables for a short period before transitioning to the next.
Pause after each ‘Om’ and begin the next. This way the reverberation of the sound stays with you and in the space.
Another great mantra you can try to test this is the Vakratunda Mahakaya mantra - a Ganesha mantra to remove obstacles from your path.
It is a relatively small mantra, with just 4 lines. So it is easy to learn for a first attempt.
The Vakratunda Mahakaya is a gentle chant, and can be chanted along slowly with the audio above, as you first learn it.
The syllables are well-spaced for you to learn the pronunciation (uchharan) of the Sanskrit words. There are several cycles of the same mantra, for you to get better at chanting it with each cycle.
And as a great upside, this mantra removes mental blocks stopping you from success.
If you suffer from bouts of negativity, try the Om Japa Kusuma mantra instead.
While it is a short mantra, it is far more energetic. Adding an extra dose of energy and purpose to your chanting session.
Whichever mantra you choose, it comes with its own learning curve, as well as specific benefits. The more you expand your chanting experience, the more benefits you will have access to.
And when done with others, the experience grows stronger. Group chanting brings everyone into the same rhythm, like singing together around a fire. It builds connection, energy, and a shared sense of peace.
Building Confidence in Speaking Out Loud
If chanting out loud feels intimidating, you’re not alone. Many first-timers worry about their voice or pronunciation.
Here’s the good news: perfection isn’t required. The intention matters more than the sound. To get started:
- Practice in private: Speak your mantra where you feel at ease, maybe in your room or a quiet space outdoors.
- Start slow: Repeat the mantra softly at your own pace. This builds familiarity and confidence.
- Focus on the rhythm: Let the natural flow of the words guide you. As you practice, it will feel more intuitive.
Over time, your voice will grow stronger, perhaps surprising you with its clarity and confidence on the fourth or fifth day.
Why Chanting Out Loud is Perfect for Beginners
Chanting out loud is like training wheels for your mantra practice. It helps you stay steady and focused. The sound of your voice guides your attention, cutting through distractions in a way that silent repetition can’t.
You might find it easier to commit to a routine when you speak the mantra audibly. The physical act of chanting creates a rhythm, almost like a heartbeat, steadying your thoughts and enhancing your focus.
For beginners, this straightforward approach makes it easier to experience the mantra's benefits from the very first session.
Creating an Impactful Environment
The space in which you chant can amplify the experience.
Find a quiet room or corner where you won’t be disturbed. Adding small touches, such as a lit candle or an incense stick, can create a calming atmosphere. Personal touches are always better.
If possible, dedicate a specific place to your practice- it builds a sense of ritual and intention.
In group settings, chanting out loud transforms into a shared experience.
The collective harmony of voices can feel euphoric, creating a powerful energy field for everyone involved. It’s like singing your favorite song together at a concert - it connects and uplifts.
Silent Chanting: Internalizing the Sound
In silent chanting, or Manasika Japa, the mantra is repeated internally in your mind, without any audible sound. Though outwardly quiet, the mantra can ring our loud within your consciousness.
You’re not just thinking the mantra you’re embodying its energy.
This practice is like reading a book quietly to yourself. You can “hear” the words without speaking them, allowing for a deeply meditative experience.
Silent chanting requires more focus than the other levels since there’s no external element to ground you. But the transformation is just as real, as with any other method.
While it might seem the most cumbersome, it surprisingly allows your practice to flow seamlessly into your daily life.
But getting started might be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new. But for just this puzzle, we have a simple exercise to help you to the solution.
There is a mantra called the Neela Saraswati mantra. It is eight verses long, and is extremely difficult to learn for someone new to Sanskrit. It is difficult even for those who have some experience with Sanskrit.
But there’s a way to still use this Saraswati mantra for your practice. Play the mantra, while you sit in silence with closed eyes.
As the voice in the video chants each syllable, word, line, verse - focus intently and completely on that syllable or word or verse.
Move on to the next, while maintaining focus.
Complete one cycle of this mantra, which is around 9 minutes. Take a pause and take inventory of how you feel. Better yet, jot it down in a journal.
Why do these sounds make you feel the way they make you feel? The voice ringing in your head, gently transfers the energy of the mantra.
With time, even such a long, complicated mantra becomes familiar. The effects, even more so.
We took this example, to show you that even long, seemingly impossible mantras to learn, can still transform you.
Of course, you can try this with a shorter, simpler mantra. Something like the Shiva Sahaaya Chant.
It is one line, 3 words - “Shiva Sada Sahaayati”. It has a simple meaning: “Shiva is always there for you.”
And it will create a deeply calming, emotional release within you. And on the second day, you can chant it silently to yourself, without any accompanying video.
Or you can go the other way, listen to the Sudarshanashtakam mantra. While it has eight verses like the Neela Saraswati mantra, the words are harder to grasp.
But the time you spend with it will bring profound healing.
How to Start Silent Chanting
There is no one way for you to get your head around silent chanting. But the journey, and the result will both be deeply satisfying.
When you chant silently, the mantra becomes the "inner voice" in your mind. Imagine the way you silently read a book, hearing the words without speaking them aloud.
It’s much the same here, except your focus remains entirely on the mantra’s repetition and vibration in your consciousness.
Engaging in silent chanting is like observing a calm lake - still on the surface but brimming with unseen depth.
Getting started with silent chanting doesn’t have to feel scary or impossible. Here’s a simple step-by-step approach:
- Choose your mantra: Begin with one you’re familiar with or feel drawn to. It could be one of the mantras suggested above, or something brand new.
- Sit comfortably: Find a quiet space, free from distractions. Keep a relaxed but upright posture.
- Close your eyes: This helps shut out outside noise and stimuli.
- Repeat mentally: Envision the mantra as though you’re hearing it within, letting it flow naturally.
- Refocus when distracted: If your thoughts wander - as they will - gently guide them back to the mantra.
A great way to deepen this practice is by pairing it with Pranayama (breath control techniques).
For example, repeat the mantra with each inhale and exhale. This merges your breath and mind into a single rhythm.
When and Where Silent Chanting Fits
This level of chanting is one of the most versatile. You can fit it into moments of rest or busy days. Here’s when silent chanting often works best:
- Early morning, to set a focused tone for the day.
- While commuting - on a train, plane, or car ride (if you’re not driving).
- During breaks at work, for a quick mental reset.
- Before bedtime, to quiet the mind for sleep.
Whether it's five minutes or fifty, silent chanting molds itself to your needs, bringing peace to the everyday.
Using Intention
As you grow in your practice, something begins to shift. Chanting stops being just about the words or the sound — it starts to come from a deeper place inside you.
This is the power of intention.
When you chant with intention, you’re not just repeating a mantra — you’re putting your heart, mind, and spirit behind it. It’s like saying, “This really matters to me,” and letting that feeling guide every repetition.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be honest — to chant with real feeling. That’s what gives your practice depth.
Think of it like planting a seed. If you toss it carelessly, it might not grow. But if you plant it with care, and give it your attention, it can grow into something beautiful.
And like with a garden, you can choose what to grow and what can flourish. wildly.
Do you want to let old scars heal and emotions subside, before you let your passion and creativity take root, so that you approach each day with a blazing purpose?
This is where intention comes in.
What Does Pure Intention Look Like?
Your intention is the seed you plant.
It might be a wish for peace.
A longing to feel strong again.
A quiet hope to love more deeply.
Or simply to feel okay - just as you are.
A longing to feel strong again.
A quiet hope to love more deeply.
Or simply to feel okay - just as you are.
When you begin your mantra practice, you don’t have to force anything. Just pause for a moment, breathe, and ask yourself: “What do I need today?”
Let the answer come softly. It might be a word. A feeling. Or just a gentle nudge in your heart.
Then, as you chant, imagine that feeling flowing into the sound, like sunlight into a growing leaf.
The mantra becomes more than sound — it becomes a pathway. A way to slowly shape the garden of your inner world, one repetition at a time.
The mantra becomes more than sound — it becomes a pathway. A way to slowly shape the garden of your inner world, one repetition at a time.
And just like a garden, some days will bloom easily. Others may feel quiet or still.
But your intention, planted with care, always leads to a positive new quality taking root.
How to Start Your Mantra Journey
Starting with mantras doesn’t have to feel confusing or out of reach. Whether you're looking for calm, clarity, or a deeper sense of connection, mantra chanting can help guide you.
You have already found mantras like Om Namah Shivaya, Vakratunda Mahakaya, and Nirvana Shatakam. These are beautiful starting points.
You don’t need to be fluent in Sanskrit, or follow complicated rituals. All you need is a willing heart and a little curiosity.
With a few simple tips and a quiet space to sit, you can slowly make this practice your own — one sound, one intention at a time.
Find the Right Mantra for You
Choosing your first mantra is a lot like picking the perfect pair of shoes - it needs to feel right.
You don’t have to get it “perfect.” You just have to start with something that feels right in your heart.
Mantras come in many forms, and each one carries a different kind of energy.
Some are soft and calming, like a gentle breeze — perfect for finding peace and emotional balance.
Others are bold and fiery, helping you tap into inner strength and determination.
The best way to choose is to simply pause and ask yourself: “What do I truly need right now?”
Not what you think you should need, but what your heart is quietly whispering.
Here are a few examples to guide you:
Feeling overwhelmed? Try the Shaanti Paath mantra, a mantra for peace and calming the mind.
Starting something new? Vakratunda Mahakaya helps clear obstacles and focus your energy.
Seeking strength or transformation? Om Namah Shivaya helps you connect with your inner power.
Craving deeper reflection or freedom from stress? Nirvana Shatakam offers a sense of spaciousness and release.
Don’t worry about “getting it right.”
Mantras are patient. They meet you where you are.
Choose one that resonates with how you feel now, and allow your connection to grow over time.
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