Every entity in the universe is composed of energy. Every syllable of a word that is let out by you is a carrier of energy and can be used to tap other specific forms of energy in the atmosphere. Mantras are incantations hailing the Gods thereby stimulating the necessary energy flow. This is mentioned in the following shloka:
Daivadheenam Jagatsarvam Mantradheenamtu Daivatam
Meaning that, the whole universe is ruled by the Devas and the Devas are under the power of Mantras.
Going by the above explanation, the essence of mantras can be defined as follows.
Mantras are energy-based sounds
Mantras create thought-energy waves
Mantras are tools of power and tools for power
Any sound uttered by us produces an actual physical vibration. Different words produce different types of vibrations. If the actual physical vibration produced by saying a particular word is coupled with a mental intention, the vibration then contains an additional component which influences the result of saying it. The sound of a mantra has a vibration designed to produce a specific effect.
The human consciousness is a collection of various states of consciousness. All organs and the organ systems have a primitive consciousness of their own, which allows them to perform specific functions. And these are just within the physical body. Similar functions and states of consciousness exist within the subtle body as well. Therefore, individual organ consciousness is overlaid by system consciousness, overlaid again by subtle body counterparts and consciousness, and so ad infinitum.
There exists a subtle din of random, semi-conscious thoughts which pulse through our conscious and subconscious being. We can and do pick up the vibrations of other organisms nearby. The result is that there are myriad vibrations riding in and through oursubconscious mind at any given time.
Mantras initiate a powerful vibration which corresponds to both a specific spiritual energy frequency and a state of consciousness in seed form. Over time, the mantra process begins to override all of the other smaller vibrations, which eventually become absorbed within the mantra. Over a longer period of time which varies from individual to individual, the great wave of the mantra stills all other vibrations and ultimately, the mantra produces a state where the organism vibrates at the rate completely in tune with the energy and spiritual state represented by and contained within the mantra.
This is the state of consciousness we strive for all our lives without knowing how to achieve it. It eludes us forever despite the fact that the path to it lies within us and the key is within the mantras.
Formidable and ancient. Mantras do work. The word "mantra" is derived from two Sanskrit words. The first is "manas" or "mind," which provides the "man" syllable. The second syllable is drawn from the Sanskrit word "trai" meaning to "protect" or to "free from." Therefore, the word mantra in its most literal sense means "to free from the mind." Mantra is, at its core, a tool used by the mind which eventually frees one from the vagaries of the mind.
But the journey from mantra to freedom is a wondrous one. The mind expands, deepens and widens and eventually dips into the essence of cosmic existence. On its journey, the mind comes to understand much about the essence of the vibration of things. And knowledge, as we all know, is power. In the case of mantra, this power is tangible and wieldable.
Where is the origin of mantras?
Most of the tradition of mantras is in sanskrit language, which is one of the oldest languages of the world. Vedic mantras are supposedly hundreds of thousands of years old. They were first heard by yogis and Vedic seers (from ancient India) during their intense meditations. The mantras were not created in a linear or logical fashion and are not products of a normal state of consciousness, but were heard while these ancient sages were in a higher state of consciousness.
The origin of these mantras is Divine. The rishis heard these mantras as sound frequencies in an organised format. Because they were produced by a higher consciousness, they are able to transport anyone who recites them to the same space and level of consciousness from which they originated.
Mantras have wonderful effects, if they are repeated in a proper way. Ancient Indian scriptures are full of stories about people who have attained superhuman and supernatural powers by chanting mantras. The Vedas, especially the Rig-Veda contains thousands of mantras. These mantras are considered highly effective although their meaning is not known. Actually the literal meaning has little to do with the power which mantras give. Our mind, our actions and things of our surrounding can be purified by mantras and charged with spiritual energy. The special vibrations of holy places and centres of pilgrimages arouse from the fact that someone at sometimes has chanted holy mantras at these places. After that these places exercised great spiritual attraction for many years. The vibrations which are set to work by singing mantras make our subtle sensations receptive for spiritual knowledge.
How one can use mantras for healing?
There is quite a considerable potential of healing powers within each one of us, which could be used for prevention or support of treatments of deseases. The irony is that we are not aware of our own capibility to do so. Those who would like to use their inner powers more consciously, can utilise the inherent power of Mantras to invoke their higher consciousness that holds the key to an infinitely better and healthy life.
Different Mantras have different healing effects. On the body level the vibrations of mantras work as a subtle massage. On the emotional level positive healing feelings are produced. Silence, peace, joy, love and reconciliation are experienced within one's self which you may call healing of the heart. Subconscious emotional blockades are dissolved. We gain access to our inner psychic world again. Another dimension of healing effect lies on the level of transpersonal and transcendental experiences which are beyond description.
The word chakra is Sanskrit for wheel or disk and signifies one of seven basic energy centers in the body. Each of these centers correlates to major nerve ganglia branching forth from the spinal column. In addition the chakras also correlate to levels of consciousness, archetypal elements, developmental stages of life, colors, sounds, body functions, and much, much more. For more information refer to history of the chakras, Chakras and evolution.