Healing Mantras: A Positive Way to Remove Stress, Exhaustion and Anxiety by Reconnecting with Yourself and Calming Your Mind (The Modern Spiritual Series, Book 1)

This account is not written from a perspective of authority or expertise, but rather in a ‘chatty’ and informal way, -like advice from a friend who has tried something that worked for them, and who has gathered some useful information to share about it.I found the information valid and broad enough, although mostly just scratching the surface of a vast field.I wondered about the validity of some of the references, -like when the author mentioned ‘Transitional meditation’ I had to Google it to see if I could find something of that name. Being relatively well versed in different approaches to meditation, I had never heard about this one, and could not find a mention of it anywhere, -so I wonder if the author means Transcendental Meditation, which is widely known for the use of mantras. This is a small thing and might just be an editing error, but I did find I lost a little bit of trust in the author and the material she presented from seeing this.After introducing mantras as part of ancient spiritual traditions , the author goes on to discuss affirmations as a way of producing positive results in ones life, and I wondered if this wasn’t mixing up the levels somehow…and that a spiritual mantra from an ancient tradition has a much wider scope than an affirmation intended to gain some control over current circumstances. I really enjoyed the author’s appreciation of the Sanskrit language and her understanding that the sounds themselves awaken energies and healing processes,-as ‘the Sanskrit alphabet reflects the prime powers of creation.’ This is a vast idea she is introducing and a step away from psychology and everyday self improvement, going into cosmology, - I would have wished for her to unpack this more in depth.The author is alluding to the idea that the universe is made of sound, and that the vibrations around us, and in our body determine our health and happiness. By using specific sounds ( mantras) we can affect the vibrations in us and around us, and create intentional change in all areas of out lives. As I kept reading I warmed to the author and her genuine desire to spread healing in the world, and I appreciated her sharing what has worked for her.

I hadn't expected this to be written in such a chatty, personal way--it's quite informal and a little jokey in points. I warmed to the narrator, though, and felt a liking and appreciation for their passion and their desire to share. I did feel a little skeptical about some of what was put out as science. Physics shows us clearly that vibrations are a hugely potent and often overlooked force in nature--but the fact that our bodies are 60% water and sound travels faster in water, for example, does not necessarily prove that making that "body water" vibrate, is beneficial in a purely physical sense. It might be! I would just prefer to have this introduced as an interesting speculation by curious minds, rather than an unquestionable fact. I appreciate that the author is seeking to appeal to the science-oriented folks in honing in on this, but unless the science is truly worthy of the name, I prefer to appreciate and admire spiritual healing practices for just what they are, and they don't need to be scientifically validated to be "valid". If they help you, they help you--wonderful. I thought the author did a really nice job here providing a sort of potted history of vedas, mantras, the sanskrit origins and the religious and cultural context. I thought it was laid out very clearly and in a businesslike way yet with tremendous respect, as such an ancient practice deserves. I agree with some other reviews that the absence of a pronunciation guide is unfortunate--the sonority is much of the point, so if you're pronouncing an "a" like a long "ah" and actually it's a short "uh", you are not working towards the vibrations and sonorities that are most pleasing or deemed to be more beneficial. I imagine this would be best used while being able to use Youtibe or similar to listen to the mantras that appeal to you most, so you can have an audio aid to go with it. Luckily, that's not hard to do. I really liked the overall approach the author presented here, though, that the mantras are not an obligation but an invitation, and you're encouraged to scan them, explore them, and see which ones just sing to you more than others and feel right for your practice. I thought for a beginner, cultivating the right attitude and feeling enabled by these mantras (rather than overwhelmed or under a great structural obligation to follow certain orders and rituals) is a really nice way to approach it. Considering the price, I found this a very readable little guide.

I enjoyed the way the author explained the principles and history of mantras. I didn't know there was a difference between mantras and affirmations. And, whenever I was in a yoga class and they asked us to dedicate our class to an intention, I didn't know the significance of how to open with a specific Sanskrit mantra and then use others for specific intentions. I also enjoyed learning about the Sanskrit language. I probably will only use the short versions of the mantras, but it was great to understand the beauty and power of the language. It was great to learn that Hinduism isn't really a religion but a way to spread wisdom. So you can see, there's a lot to offer this reader in the understanding of mantras! A great read if you are on the path of spirituality.

This sounds a bit weird but the book is basically a guide to meditation with the addtion of a mantra (chant) to focus your mind. Now, as hokey as that sounds; meditation does work - I've used it a few times myself. The idea here is, from my understanding, that meditation relaxes the mind and the mantra is supposed to bring in positive energy while purging all the negative energy...kind of like burning sage in a cleansing, I guess. Now, usually I see 'energy healing' and I roll my eyes because the few books I've actually seen have all been about how going to actual doctors is bad and how you just need to harness the power within to heal yourself...what is this? Dragon Ball Z? Are we all secretly super Saiyans? I digress, this book isn't like that at all; it presents you with information without talking down to readers. If you're curious or in need of a spiritual healing guide then I'd say give this a read.

I have been meaning to try meditation technic for a long time without ever making the time or the effort to sit down and start. This book is a nice and simple initiation to ways of relaxation, meditation and understanding your true self. Insightful and inspirational book with a nice touch on the history of the discipline. Highly recommended.

Thos book is not only beautiful to look at with such a beautiful cover but it also is inspiring, insightful and so easy to read .. even if you are just a beginner entering the wonderful world of mantras. I would definitely recommend it to anyone

My son recommended this book and coming from him who never reads it must be good .all of the advice was easy to follow and made total sence .I'm starting with one of the mantras tonight

I usually roll my eyes at spiritual stuff but, before my Dad passed away recently he recommended that I meditate and I found this to be the perfect starter book. Really insightful without being overwhelming.

very good