The sound of the human voice shatters glass. The sound of the mother's voice soothes the child. The sound of the drill disrupts. The air moved creates the sound from the clapping of hands. Sound resonates (returns). Sound is vibration (a movement back and forth - it resounds).

Mantra is sacred sound spoken or sung verbally or mentally. It is a brief repetition of a sacred word or syllable. Mantra takes many forms and is part of countless spiritual disciplines and religions. It's most common use is rhythmic repetition. . A frequent and well known form is jap, repetition with use of a rosary or mala(beads). All things have an individual vibration or energy current that touches and is touched by their surroundings. Chanting of mantra when practiced by a group enhances communication with the group as a whole creating a group resonance

Most mantras were composed by ancient seers who studied the power of sound. These mystical sounds have been handed down from generation to generation. Yoga is full of the secrets of the sacred mantra. Each mantra has a particular intonation or sound pattern. Knowledge of when and how to use each mantra is one of the deepest yogic sciences. It is the science of the knowledge of the crystallization of thought forms. In some disciplines mantra is a secret thing given from the teacher to the student. In other disciplines the entire group chants the same sounds creating a vibrational energy field.

In kundalini yoga certain mantras are chanted continuously creating an energy field for the individual and the group, others are chanted to produce a specific result. Mantras are chanted in conjunction with asanas (physical postures) or mudras (hand positions of power) and/or as part of yoga sets to produce a desired effect (and yes, the same mantra can be used for different purposes). Within Kundalini Yoga the goal decides the mantra and the format used to achieve that result. Each mantra has a purpose and is used to produce an effect. Mantra is used to produce wealth, worldly success, health, healing yourself or others, wisdom, glandular balance, glandular secretions, peace, prosperity and illumination. It is a method of communicating with the inner self and God (the Godess, the comic consciousness.) Just a few of the reasons these spiritual sounds are chanted.

Sat Nam is one of the most commonly used mantras in Kundalini Yoga. It is a BIJ or seed mantra. Bij mantras like "Sat Nam" are mantras that can erase or create habits. This sound current opens the mind to new experiences and clears the conscious and sub-conscious mind of stressful clutter. It's literal maning is true Name and has also been interperted to mean God's Name is True. Sat Nam is one of the knick-names of God. Sat is chanted on the inhale and Nam is chanted on the exhale. While chanting thoughts still frequently pass through the mind. The mind is like a monkey jumping around from place to place. Allow the thought to pass by - it's like driving in a car looking at the passing scenery. Try not to react. Focus on the mantra - bring your mind back to the mantra. It is your mind - you can control it. As with any dicipline practice produces results. Mantra can be chanted out loud or mentally. Early in the morning is an excellent time to practice as the world is quiet. Chant for up to 31 minutes. Chant the bij mantra throughout the day when performing daily tasks.