In the mood for an uplifting, scientifically-infused perspective of mantras that includes opportunities to learn and practice for yourself? Please enjoy this week's episode on Mantras with Kundalini practitioner and teacher, Ravi Singh. Also, be sure to tune in after the interview as an incredibly important announcement is made... ;) Enjoy!
01:14: Mantras: Background & History
05:11: Looking Within: Sweetness of Self
06:55: Most Common Mantras
08:31: Practicing Silent Mantras
11:01: Mantras vs. Religion
13:24: Practicing Spoken Mantras
17:01: Mantras for Enhancing Spiritual/Personal Development
19:28: Mantras & God: The (T)ruth vs. (t)ruth
21:59: Positive Benefits of Mantras Continued
23:28: Explaining & Practicing Sa Ta Na Ma
25:55: Theory of Karma: Cause & Effect
28:01: Mantras & Problem Solving
34:14: Memorable Story of Mantra Practice*
38:11: Mantras vs. Positive Affirmations**
41:35: Neutral Mind: How to Engage in the Q-Anon Discussion***
Ravi's website: raviana.com
FB: facebook.com/WNPodcast
* This cute story actually reminds me of a helpful tip for teachers that I learned from a KYT friend. Perhaps, using a white board (with the name of the mantra spelled out in Sanskrit as well as its meaning) would be helpful (when I first began my practice as a student, I found it incredibly beneficial); the former helps with pronunciation and both the former and the latter supports the student to more deeply engage in the present moment/practice rather than them wondering what they're saying and whether they're saying it "right".
** Another helpful tip for positive affirmations: Meet yourself where you're at. For instance, if you are not feeling as though you are "worthy" of God's love, perhaps breaking the affirmation into something more palatable (i.e., that you actually believe) and then slowly scaffolding yourself to deeper levels of love/worthiness may be a worthwhile approach, so as to experience less resistance in the learning/practicing process. Hope this helps!
*** Another important point: For me, reviewing secondary sources for accurate/Truthful information feels to lack integrity. I realize it can feel time consuming and energy draining to locate reliable, primary sources on your own; I, myself, am still looking up the debunking reviews and am attempting to discern what is "Truth". All that is to say: NO judgment! Personally, until I can figure it out for myself, I do not feel comfortable taking a "side" as to what is "Truth" as I do not want my ego to drive my interpretation.
