Chanting: More Than Just Repeating a Mantra
Chanting is not merely about the repetition of a mantra; it is a profound traditional science that aligns the human body with the universe and cosmic order. This practice taps into deep-rooted principles of human anatomy and spirituality, offering a pathway to harmony and inner peace.
Understanding the Human Body Framework
The human body can be visualized through two key concepts: the Panchakosha and the Tri Sharira. The Panchakosha consists of five sheaths: Annamaya (physical body), Pranamaya (energy body), Manomaya (mental body), Vijnanamaya (wisdom body), and Anandamaya (bliss body). The Tri Sharira includes Sthula Sharira (gross body), Sukshma Sharira (subtle body), and Karana Sharira (causal body). Chanting serves as a tool to align these layers with the universal energy, fostering balance and well-being.
The Nature of Mantra: Sound and Letters
Often, a mantra is perceived as a mere collection of letters, but it is fundamentally a collection of sound (naad) and letters. This dual nature gives rise to two primary types of chanting: Silent Chanting and Loud Chanting, each with distinct benefits and applications.
Loud Chanting (Vaikhari)
Vaikhari involves speaking the mantra clearly so that the sound is audible. This stage is crucial as it engages the physical body first. The breath becomes rhythmic, the chest opens, and vibrations move through the physical system, preparing the space for practice. Sound has a clearing effect, making loud chanting effective in creating a supportive atmosphere, especially when starting in a scattered environment. When the mind is dull or distracted, Vaikhari quickly brings it back by involving the body, breath, and voice. Thus, it is always beneficial at the beginning of a chanting session.
Silent Chanting (Upanshu)
Upanshu refers to repeating the mantra very softly, almost like a whisper or with lip movements without sound. Here, the focus shifts inward. The rhythm persists, but attention turns toward the mind and emotional field. Upanshu helps stabilize thought flow and aligns the mantra with inner feelings, reducing restlessness without breaking continuity. It acts as a bridge between loud chanting and mental repetition, facilitating a deeper internal connection.
Silent Chanting (Manasika)
Manasika involves repeating the mantra entirely in the mind, with no sound or movement, only awareness holding the repetition. At this stage, the mantra works on the subtle body (Sukshma Sharira) and influences deeper layers of the Panchakosha. It refines thought patterns and steadies attention, and with consistent practice, the repetition can continue quietly even outside formal chanting, subtly shaping perception and emotional responses.
How to Integrate These Techniques
The simplest method is to begin with a few minutes of Vaikhari to prepare the body and space. Then, allow the chant to soften into Upanshu as the mind steadies. From there, it naturally transitions into Manasika, where the repetition becomes internal. This progression moves the mantra from sound to mind to subtle awareness, enhancing personal alignment and spiritual growth.
About the Author
Sidhharrth S Kumaar is the Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of NumroVani. A registered pharmacist turned Astro Numerologist, Life & Relationship Coach, and Mantra & Music Therapist, he began learning occult sciences at age six. With over 15 years of research and a decade of practice, he has mastered astrology, numerology, and Samudrik Shashtra. He integrates his findings into holistic approaches, is a TEDx and Josh Talks Speaker, and has received accolades like Times 40 U 40. He has published 20+ research papers and authored two books on Numerology and Life.
