The first Mantra that I learnt was ‘OM SHANTI’. A simple Sanskrit Mantra that means; ‘OM’ – the primordial sound and ‘Peace’. As an inquisitive beginner on the spiritual path at nineteen years of age, I was drawn like a moth to a flame by the other-worldly feel of those words.

Standing on a yoga mat in a carpeted yoga studio in New York City’s Westside village in 1986, I was transported to a place inside myself of deep silence and peace.

These twenty-six years later – my reverence has become only deeper and more in awe of Sanskrit Mantras. Their power to connect us with these invaluable energies within ourselves – loosening and unfolding parts of our spirits not known before. Ripping through outmoded thought constructs and old ways of thinking that limit us. Paving the way for a new way of being, new freedom.

What I love about Mantras too is how easy they are. You just learn the pronunciation and off you go. Repeating them as much as you can or care to do.

One of the most powerful Sanskrit Mantras for clearing away old unwanted thought patterns is the Tibetan Buddhist Mantra to Manjushri, the Boddhisattva of Wisdom.

OM AH RA PAT SA NA DHIH DHIH DHIH

Cuts through obfuscations and false mental constructs

There is such an obsession with youth in our culture. I sometimes look back at myself those many years ago; beautiful, lithe, full of the promise of life. But the idea of going back to living with my mind back then. Wouldn’t change it for the world.

Here’s to the wisdom we gather through life and through Mantras!

Repeat this Mantra 108 times in the morning and 108 times in the evening.

I am always here if you need some guidance.

With love,

Aly M. Dunne