A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase repeated to aid in your concentration while meditating.

When using a mantra, it's believed that only the positive intentions and actions will fill your mind and eliminate negativity.

A mantra can be as simple as the word 'love,' something you are thankful for, or a phrase such as 'om shanti, shanti, shanti' which represents all encompassing peace. You can also meditate on an affirmation, such as 'I accept myself.'

Many people are fortunate enough to be gifted a mantra from a teacher or guru.

However, you can choose a mantra for yourself depending on what you are needing in life. While choosing a mantra, you should consider your inner motivations for practising meditation.

Whether you're looking for positivity, health, happiness, self love, or if you simply want to find balance. 

Here are some of our favourite modern day mantras:

Endurance/Strength
"This too shall pass."

Love
"I am love."

Calmer mind
"Smile, breathe, and go slowly."

Being present
"Be here, now."

Allowing the universe to guide you
"I am open to receiving universal gifts."

Happiness
"Today I choose joy."

Release
"Close your eyes, clear your heart, let it go."

Empowerment
"I are capable of wonderful things"

Some of our favourite ancient mantras:

Om Namah Shivaya
“I honour the divinity within myself” to help with self confidence.

Om Hreem Shreem Hara Hara Swaaha
This mantra will help you attract abundance into your life.

The Gayatri Mantra 
While long, the Gayatri Mantra (below) is the most ancient of prayers which encourages one to be lead by the universe, as it is divine.

Om bhur buvah svah
Tat savitur varemyam
Bhargo devasya dhimahi
Dhiyo yonah prachodyat

Or you can simply choose a word (the words below are in Sanskrit):

Shradda - Faith
Bhakti - Devotion
Shanti - Peace
Prajna - Wisdom
Santosa - Contentment
Veda - Knowledge
Ananda - Bliss
Moksha - Liberation
Dharma - Righteous path
Prasada - Grace/clarity

To learn more about how to use your mala beads, read our article  'How to use your mala beads' or watch our video 'How to use mala beads in meditation (japa mala beads)'

This article was written by Mala Collective founder and journalist Ashley Wray.