You may be interested in the discipline of mantra, but feel overwhelmed by the array of mantras and disciplines, astotaras and pujas you find. If so, then this small list will be of use to you. These mantras address various life issues which we all face from time to time.

I am recording a new CD called FOREST FLUTE MANTRA MEDITATION to be published in summer 2008. MP3 download features a sound meditation, not an arranged musical piece but a simple personal meditation practice session with voice, harmonium, tamboura, Sunny Heartly "Secret Garden" Quad Chamber Native Flute and ocean sounds. "Live" recording in "the temple" and then studio mastered. Healing mantra practice sounds.

More info about the mantra OM KRIYA BABAJI NAMAHA AUM

ASHTANGA YOGA teacher and yogi David Garrigues was at our home recently and he recorded some ashtanga yoga mantras in my project studio. Feel free to take a listen to these wonderful healing yoga chants.

OM Mantra
ASHTANGA YOGA INVOCATION
ASHTANGA YOGA INVOCATION WITH PAUSES
ASHTANGA YOGA CLOSING MANTRA
ASHTANGA YOGA CLOSING MANTRA WITH PAUSES
ASHTANGA YOGA TEACHER STUDENT PRAYER
SARASWATI INVOCATION
SARASWATI INVOCATION WITH VOCAL SOLO
ASHTANGA MANTRA TVA MERA
VISHUDDI SOUNDS

A LIST OF VARIOUS MANTRAS FOR SPIRITUAL PRACTICE AND TO INCREASE DEVOTIONAL QUALITIES WITHIN YOU.

The Planet Saturn: Om Sri Shanaishwaraya Swaha
Translation: 'Om and salutations to the presiding spirit in the planet Saturn.'

Saturn is the planet of lessons. It is closely related to the karma we may encounter in a given lifetime. It also stands as a gatekeeper to some of the higher vibrations to which we aspire though spiritual development. By offering salutations outwardly, one clears certain internal obstructing energy patterns. But Saturn has received an overly negative reputation from some astrologers. There have been circumstances where very positive things manifested in people's lives unexpectedly, apparently as a direct result of working with this mantra.

Internally, Saturn energy is predominant in the spleen, knees and skeletal system. However, as Saturn moves through the various astrological signs, it 'triggers' karma we may have stored under astrological configurations found in that sign. Therefore, the use of the Saturn mantra can mitigate and even clear certain categories of karma which appear in our lives. This mantra has been used with great success for me personally.

Rama: Om Sri Rama Jaya Rama, Jaya, Jaya Rama
Rough Translation: 'Om and Victory to Rama (the self within), victory, victory to Rama.'

Rama was an Avatar who came several thousand years ago. His sole purpose was to show how a person should live a Divine Life while living in a human body. Mahatma Gandhi practiced this mantra for over 60 years. This mantra will 'take one across' the ocean of rebirth. In a more immediate way, it is most powerful in reducing negative karmic effects no matter in which life they might have occurred.

Shiva: Om Namah Shivaya
This mantra has no approximate translation, I have heard it translated as "I Bow to Lord Shiva, the remover of negativity". The sounds relate directly to the principles which govern each of the first six chakras on the spine Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Ether. Notice that this does not refer to the chakras themselves which have a different set of seed sounds, but rather the principles which govern those chakras in their place. This mantra will start one out on the path of subtle development of spiritual attainments. It is the beginning on the path of Siddha Yoga, or the Yoga of Perfection of the Divine Vehicle.

Saraswati: Om Eim Saraswatyei Swaha
Rough Translation: 'Om and salutations to that feminine energy which informs all artistic and scholastic endeavor, and for which Eim (pronounced I'm) is the seed.'

Saraswati holds a musical instrument, the vina, in one hand and a rosary in another hand. She spans the world of mundane knowledge and spiritual understanding. Those pursuing any artistic or educational endeavor whatsoever will gain greatly from the practice of this mantra. All musicians I recommend this practice daily.

Lakshmi: Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Swaha
Rough Translation: 'Om and salutations to that feminine energy which bestows all manner of wealth, and for which Shrim is the seed' Pronounced "shreem"

This mantra has not only been used for the purpose of attracting prosperity, but also for drawing in proper friends, clearing up family misunderstandings and quarrels, and smoothing some health problems. As we all know, there are many different kinds of wealth. As you use this mantra, focus on the kind of wealth you wish to manifest in your life.

Ganesha: Om Gum Ganapatayei Namaha
Translation: 'Om and salutations to the remover of obstacles for which Gum is the seed.'

You need only know that for seen or unseen obstacles which seem to be standing in the way of your progress or achievement, either specifically or generally, this mantra has proved invaluable. It has been used it with great success not only in India, but here in the West. Try it!

Durga: Om Dum Durgayei Namaha
Rough Translation: 'Om and Salutations to that feminine energy which protects from all manner of negative influences, and for which Dum is the seed.'

Durga is the Divine Protectress. Typically shown riding a lion or a tiger, Durga has a hundred arms, each with a different weapon of destruction. Yet her face is exquisitely beautiful to behold. The interpretation is that to the pious and the sincere seeker after truth, her sight can produce ecstacy and a variety of beautiful forms. But the negative, harmful or demonic, her countenance is as terrible as Kali, except she shows more weapons of destruction than Kali.Remove negative influences in your life with this mantra.

Rama (Healing Mantra):
Om Apadamapa Hataram Dataram Sarva Sampadam
Loka Bhi Ramam Sri Rama Bhuyo Bhuyo Namamyaham
This is a long mantra but is the most powerful healing mantra. The very rough translation is, 'Om, Oh most compassionate Rama please send your healing energy right here to the earth, to the earth (twice for emphasis.)'

Although the mantra is long, it is simple to say phonetically. If you can, say it 108 times in a sitting. If you are just starting out, this may initially take up to one hour. After you are comfortable with the mantra, it will only take you 30 minutes.

Bodhisattwa Avalokiteshwara (Called Chenresig in Tibetan Buddhism):
Om Mani Padme Hum
Translation: 'Om, salutations to The Jewel of Consciousness (the mind) which has reached the heart's lotus.'

This mantra is practiced more than any other in the world. It is pre-eminent in producing a state of dynamic compassion in the sayer. Dynamic means that this compassion contains as part of it the ability to powerfully manifest in both subtle and obvious ways. One of the simple yet profound teachings which accompanies this mantra is the concept that when the mind and heart become united, anything is possible.

A dedicated group of followers of Kuan Yin use this mantra to invoke her as an emanation of Avaloketeshwara, while others use the mantra Namo Kuan Shi Yin Pu Sa.

Om Shri Dhanvantre Namaha - (OM, Salutations to the being and power of the celestial physician)

Shamans and medicine Men and Women have existed in every culture. The ancient vedic records include detailed histories of shamans or medicine people. One such healer in the Hindu tradition was called Dhanvantre, "The Celestial Physician." His mantra is used to find a path to the appropriate healing method for any health problem. You can chant this mantra while concentrating upon any condition that you would like remedied or healed. Chant it at least 12,500 times, then be open to the manner in which healing may manifest. I have used this mantra presently to overcome a serious health condition, guaranteed if you chant it, the power of the vibration of this mantra will shift the energy towards your healing.