Growing Up with Hindu Mantras

I grew up with Hindu Mantras; my father was always going to the ashram on the weekends and then coming back with these tapes that he had recorded. I remember having to listen to them in the car, at home, on the cassette player. It was an interesting experience as I also grew up Christian because my mom would take me to church every Sunday and send me to a Christian school. So, having the soothing repetition of “Om” and other phrases was surprisingly a unique experience in my friend group and social circle. But not an unwelcome one. In fact, modern research confirms that mantra chanting activates relaxation in the brain and body, lowering stress hormones and calming the nervous system. So maybe that’s why I am a bit more relaxed than other people.

What Are Hindu Mantras?

In Hindu tradition, mantras are sacred utterances or sounds believed to have spiritual power. As one temple guide explains, “A Mantra is a sacred utterance, a numinous sound, believed by practitioners to have psychological and spiritual powers”. The Sanskrit word mantra itself comes from man (“mind” or “to think”) plus tra (“tool”), literally meaning “instrument of thought”. In practice, chanting a mantra quietly or aloud helps to focus the mind. Traditional practices include japa, the repetition of a mantra up to 108 times using a mala (prayer beads). This simple form of meditation, which involves “repeating a calming word, thought or phrase” to keep away distracting thoughts accessible to anyone. Over time, my father taught me that even brief moments of mantra meditation could bring me back to the present and soothe anxiety. And it actually works really well. I’ll try to teach you some that I learned.

Key Mantras and Their Meanings

Several Hindu mantras are especially dear to me, each carrying a deep meaning and personal resonance. Here are a few I grew up with:

Om (ॐ)

The primordial sound and the “Pranava Mantra.” Om is considered the foundational syllable of the universe in Hindu thought. Before all existence, there was a silent void, and then came the cosmic vibration Om. Chanting “Om” is said to align us with the oneness of existence; it is prefixed to many prayers and mantras as a reminder of unity. I remember my dad beginning each meditation session that he put us through with a prolonged “Ooooom,” which took some adjusting to.

Also Read » How To Make the Most of Om (Aum) Chanting

Gayatri Mantra (गायत्री मंत्र)

A powerful Vedic hymn to the Sun (Savitr), traditionally chanted at dawn and dusk. The Gayatri Mantra embodies deep wisdom: as one yogi notes, it “embodies the collective wisdom of the entire Vedic revelation”. The words (roughly) mean “We meditate on that excellent glory of the divine light,” calling the inner sun of intellect to awaken and guide us. I think I only did this once with Dad. I called him up to confirm, and yes, he still does it, but not that much anymore.

Om Namah Shivaya (ॐ नमः शिवाय)

A five-syllable mantra central to Shaivism. Literally, it means “I bow to Shiva, the auspicious one”. Shiva is not only a deity but also represents the inner Self; thus this chant is sometimes interpreted as “I bow to my own higher self.” The syllables na, ma, śi, vā, ya correspond to the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether), so the chant is said to “filter” our body and mind through Shiva’s purified essence. My father would chant this mantra on evening walks, and I remember he actually painted a picture of Shaiva that I still have in my room. I thought he looked like an Avatar because of his blue skin when I was younger.

Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (महामृत्युंजय मंत्र)

Known as the “great death-conquering mantra,” this verse addresses Shiva in his form as Tryambaka (“Three-Eyed One”). It translates roughly as “We worship the fragrant, life-enhancing Lord Tryambaka. May He liberate us from death for the sake of immortality.” Hindus regard it as a healing prayer that bestows longevity and strength.

Through these chants, they can carry meaning, intention, and even healing. Even without fully understanding the Sanskrit, as I still don’t really know everything, however, the vibrations definitely gave me a sense of focus. I tend to still use some in my routines: quietly repeating Om Namah Shivaya during exam nerves, or feeling enveloped by peace while humming Om. Over time, I noticed that this practice seemed to ease my racing thoughts. Try it for yourself, just search a mantra on YouTube and listen to it, and maybe try to sing along, because as much as I can say it works, you probably won’t believe me until you try it for yourself, and if you have read this far, perhaps you can give it a try?

Mantras in Modern Mental Health Practice

Today, many mental health practitioners incorporate mindfulness and even spiritual grounding into care. Psychiatric nurses, therapists, and doctors increasingly recognize the value of these age-old practices. In fact, panelists at an American Psychiatric Association symposium emphasized that a clinician’s own meditation practice is a crucial first step to integrate mindfulness into therapy.

Nursing educators similarly stress the importance of spiritual self-care and mindfulness. For example, psychiatric nurse Stephanie Wynn advises nurses to cultivate their own spiritual wellness (through practices like meditation, prayer, or mindful walking) because it strengthens empathy and resilience. By tending to their inner lives, practitioners are better able to “sit with” suffering and guide patients compassionately, rather than becoming overwhelmed themselves. In clinical settings, even secular programs like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) draw on these roots: decades of research show MBSR significantly improves depression and anxiety symptoms.

For those pursuing careers in mental health, this holistic shift is reshaping professional education itself. Advanced nursing programs, too, are increasingly integrating mind-body approaches into their curricula. Take, for example, online PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) programs, which now emphasize holistic care skills—including mindfulness techniques and cultural sensitivity—alongside traditional clinical training. These programs prepare psychiatric nurses to blend scientific therapy models with respect for patients’ spiritual practices. In practice, a PMHNP might sit quietly with a client to practice deep breathing or self-compassion meditation between more conventional therapy and medication management; the goal remains the same: relief of stress and a calmer mind.

Related » Sacred Christian Chants: Styles, Features, Benefits

Conclusion

Looking back, the sound of Hindu mantras was a bridge for my father to connect with me and teach me a valuable stress-relieving tool that he learned and wanted to pass on. As a child, it was a comforting family ritual; as an adult, it’s a personal tool for maintaining mental health.

Nowadays, neuroscience and psychology tell us that these ancient sounds have real effects: they alter brain waves, lower blood pressure, and ease our emotional burdens.

This blending of tradition and science gives me confidence in my Dad. Mantras aren’t just spiritual poetry; they are tools of the mind to help with meditation. When I chant or listen, I’m tapping into both cultural memory and a proven way to foster calm. It’s a reminder that even in today’s world, the simple act of repeating a sound can connect us to something larger and to a quieter, more centered self.