Using mantras when playing the gong

The combination of gong playing and mantras can be a very transformative experience. We explain what mantras are, what effect they can have and how you can use them when playing your gong. We will also introduce you to three meaningful mantras and give you suggestions on how you can deepen your spiritual practice through mantras and gong playing.

What are mantras and where do they come from?

Mantras have their origins in the Vedas and have been used in various spiritual practices for thousands of years. A mantra can be a syllable, a word or a sequence of words that holds a special spiritual power. You can repeat it out loud or just in your mind to focus your mind and activate a certain energy.

The term "mantra" comes from Sanskrit and is made up of the words "manas" (mind) and "tra" (tool or instrument), which translates as "tool of the mind". Mantras in the original sense are also in Sanskrit, such as the Veda mantras or the moksha mantras. Basically, however, any word or sequence of words that works through the power of sound can also serve as a mantra - no matter what language it is in.

What effect can a mantra have?

A mantra can have very different effects on you. Above all, this depends on your intention and how you use the mantra.

A mantra can have this effect on you:

Your mind calms down: by repeating a mantra you concentrate more and more on the words and the sound, which can lead to more focus and clarity.
You have more energy: Mantras can fill you with new energy and balance imbalances in body and mind.
You can promote healing: A mantra can support healing on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.
Connect with your inner voice: Mantras can help you to connect more deeply with your inner self and perceive your true needs.

How can you use a mantra while playing a gong?

The combination of the sound of a gong and a mantra can be a particularly intense experience. If you recite the mantra aloud, the sounds can merge with your gong playing and reinforce each other.

You can combine a mantra with the playing of a gong:

Choose a mantra: Choose a mantra that resonates with you at this exact moment. It should match your intention and, ideally, the energy of your gong. Trust your first intuition.
Decide how and where you want to play the gong: Go purely by feel and try out which tones suit your chosen mantra.
Align your focus: Sit comfortably in front of your gong and concentrate on your chosen mantra. Remind yourself of the meaning of the mantra and observe what this does to you. Repeat the mantra aloud, silently or in your mind. Try out what feels right.
Integrate the sound of the gong: Begin to play the gong mindfully while continuing to recite the mantra. Notice how the sound of the gong and the energy of the mantra flow into each other. Change the position of your mallet or reamer on the gong whenever you feel like it.
Consciously absorb the vibrations: Allow the sound of the gong and the mantra to resonate throughout your being and fill the room with new energy.

3 Mantras and their meaning

1. om

"Om" is the best-known mantra and is often referred to as the original sound of the universe. Om has three different parts: It consists of the syllables A-U-M and the silence after it is also seen as part of the mantra. It symbolizes the totality of existence, the universe and the absolute. You can combine "Om" with the sounds of your gong to establish a deep connection to the universal energy.

2nd Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu

This Mangala mantra translates as "May all beings everywhere be happy and free". It is a mantra of benevolence, compassion and love and promotes the intention to spread well-being for all living beings. When playing your gong, you can use this mantra to strengthen the energy of compassion and peace in yourself or your participants.

3. so Ham

"So Ham" is a Hindu mantra and is usually translated as "I am that". It is a mantra of self-knowledge and expresses the unity between the world or God (so) and consciousness (ham). When playing your gong, you can use the mantra "So Ham" to promote a deep feeling of inner connection to your true self and to Oneness.

Why it is important to understand the meaning behind a mantra

If you engage more intensively with the meaning of a mantra, it can be easier for you to deepen its power and effectiveness. You can better tune into the intention and energy of the mantra and experience the transformative power of the mantra.

Tip: Try to feel what the mantra means to you. If this is not easy for you, try to remember a moment in your life when you had this or a similar feeling. For example, if you use the mantra "Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu", think about the last time you felt happy or free and extend this feeling over your entire body.

Without understanding the meaning, the recitation of the mantra can be mechanical and less effective. Especially when you give other people gong sounds and your heart mantra, this is usually felt by the listener. Knowing the meaning helps you to carry it in your voice and your energy and to develop a deeper connection to your spiritual practice and your inner truth.