Sound is incredibly powerful - and when sound carries meaning, as in the case of Mantras and Shlokas, the effect is simply magical and intensely uplifting. There is a saying in Sanskrit - 'Strotram kasya naa tusht-te'
It means: “ Is there any one in the world who is not pleased by a prayer or a salutation? “. The power of Mantras and Shlokas has been acknowledged since time immemorial.

Sanskrit is the language of Devas - (God), of spiritually empowered sounds. Its usage is to bring our minds back to the consciousness and power of mantra.

Mantra is not just sound but it has some meaning. According to the view of the Yoga of sound, there is only one meaning in life, which is the Divine or our own Self. Each thing ultimately means all things. Each object is a symbol for the universe itself. Words represent this universal meaning broken down, fragmented and compartmentalized.

To cognize any individual object we must first recognize its ground of being, which is the Divine. Yet we fail to notice this as it is immediate and before the activity of our thought and choice. If we hold to this primacy of being as the meaning of all objects, all things become doorways to the infinite.

Shloka is a verse, phrase, proverb,hiku or hymn of praise, usually composed in a specified meter. Generally a verse consists of two lines, with each line containing sixteen syllables. Shloka is the primary verse form of the Sanskrit Epics, Scriptures, Vedas, and Upanishads.

Mantras must be chanted or recited clearly, accurately and with correct pronunciations and with unwavering devotion and motivation. Chanting them as a matter-of-course deprives them of power and is practically useless from the point of view of conscious growth, evolution and subtle effects.

Sitting in a position, which maximizes the total effect of mantras, is desirable. According to the ancient systems, the lotus posture is the best asana for meditation and for mantras. Other asanas (postures), which are recommended in order of effectiveness for meditation or the practice of mantras, are:

Once you have decided upon the asana for a particular mantra, you must use the same asana for the duration of the chanting. You can sit on the earth ( as distinct from floor), on a deer skin, a tiger skin, a wooden platform, a cotton or plant fibre mat. Synthetic materials should not be used.

Where To Chant: Mantras should be chanted in a quiet place. Once a place has been chosen, it should become permanent for all practical purposes.

The Best Time To Chant: The best time for chanting mantras is the Brahmamuhurta ( 4 a.m.). Other good times are the transition periods i.e. when night is turning into day (dawn and sunrise), when day is turning into night (twilight and sunset). You can also choose the time before going to bed. Having chosen your time, you should be regular about the hours and duration of your chanting.

Position To Chant: If chanting mantras during the day time, you should sit facing the north or the east. If chanting mantras during the night, you should sit facing the north.