The Mantram Handbook: A Practical Guide to Choosing Your Mantram and Calming Your Mind

by Eknath Easwaran

Use your mantram when you’re ill or anxious, tired or restless, and it will guide you and comfort you like a true friend. The Mantram, or mantra, is a short, powerful, spiritual formula from the world’s great traditions, repeated silently in the mind, anytime, anywhere. Easwaran, the author of Passage Meditation and the best-selling translations The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The Dhammapada, taught the use of the mantram for forty years as part of his passage meditation program. The mantram can help you to steady your mind and free it from anxiety, anger or resentment. Easwaran explains how the mantram works, and gives practical guidelines for using it to focus your thoughts and access deeper resources of strength, patience, and love.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Meditation, Self Help, Religion, Philosophy, Health

204 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

About the author

Eknath Easwaran (1910–1999) is the originator of passage meditation and the author of more than 30 books on spiritual living.

Easwaran is a recognized authority on the Indian spiritual classics. His translations of The Bhagavad Gita, The Upanishads, and The Dhammapada are the best-selling editions in the USA, and over 1.5 million copies of his books are in print.

Easwaran was a professor of English literature and well known in India as a writer and speaker before coming to the United States in 1959 on the Fulbright exchange program. In 1961, he founded the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, based in Tomales, California, which continues his work today through publications and retreats.

His 1968 class on the theory and practice of meditation at UC Berkeley is believed to be the first accredited course on meditation at any Western university. For those who seek him as a personal spiritual guide, Easwaran assured us that he lives on through his eight-point program of passage meditation.

"I am with you always”, he said. “It does not require my physical presence; it requires your open heart."

Please visit bmcm.org for a fuller biography.

Reviews

[Saiisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book for those who are interested to learn more about the meaning of mantras, the mystery of how a mantra works, and the benefits of chanting a mantra as a practice. I think it's a great way to slow down, soothe your soul, and access your deepest self. Eknath Easwaran gives many examples of how reciting a mantra helped parents, children and couples over their conflicts. I enjoyed it!

Here's an overview of how a mantra works, from my blog: http://www.nestintheforest.com/mantra/

And if you've enjoyed this review, consider joining my Old Souls Book Club (https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...) for more recommendations and lively conversations about such topics!

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tired of your mind wandering aimlessly or dwelling on things that are not empowering or uplifting you. Start practicing a mantram. Once you establish this practice you will have a valuable tool for many situations. If I feel anger arising, two short words enter my mind and calm is restored (most times it takes a few repetitions:) ) I've even taught it to my daughter and encourage her to use it if she becomes frightened or upset. She's only four and enjoys signing our mantram on walks or sometimes as we go to sleep.

This book will guide you as you become established in this tried and true ancient practice.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My practice has been enriched immeasurably from the disciplines as outlined by Easwaran. It could be as simple as I'm ready for it now. But I can feel my awareness progressing from purely intellectual head knowledge to experiences and discipline. His outlook is universal and applicable to everyone.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, straightforward instruction manual on the history, uses and practice of the mantra(m). As ever, Easwaran is clear and does an excellent job of elucidating the philosophies behind mantra practice; those who are completely new to the concept will be able to approach this for the first time and not feel intimidated by Sanskrit terminologies or the more esoteric parts of Eastern spirituality.

I have found this book a wonderful way to restart my japa practice and also to enrich my understanding of how exactly the mantra works and how one can make the most effective use of it. It is also an excellent aid to those who are interested in taking up meditation or japa practice to calm the mind in times of unrest or uncertainty.

It has helped me greatly and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. Om namah Shivaya.

[Huanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, positive and useful for practitioners of spirituality and lovers of meditation.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely.

I will recommend this as a companion to The Calm Technique for people who are interested in learning mantra practice but don't for whatever reason want to go to a teacher for a mantra. The Calm Technique is really good on... technique. But it lacks the cultural context and the sweet devotional feeling that this book adds to the subject.

I enjoyed learning a bit more about Easwaran, having been exposed to his work on sacred texts without knowing so much about his background. His experience of growing up Hindu in Kerala state, then later going to Catholic school where Hindus were seen as inferior and most fellow students had more preparation in English, becoming beguiled by western culture and rationality to the point of becoming a teacher of English, and then much later as an adult returning to the devotional values of his family... all of this really helps me understand why his voice emerged as so important in helping western-minded students understand the Indian tradition at the end of the 20th century. His erudition and generosity of spirit are not, of course, explained by his life experience... but they certainly come through here, as in everything he's written.

This really feels like a voice from the late 1970s - Easwaran takes pains to credit a variety of religious traditions, making the argument that there is a common core in all faiths. I suppose he had a lot of hippie readers who were alienated from Christianity, or Christian readers alienated from eastern faiths... in any case he has done a lot of work and research to get various traditions sort of talking to each other. Not such a popular project these days. It's really enjoyable to read an author who can so easily draw from Ramakrishna or the Old Testament from page to page. His section on various sources (Greek, Russian, North African) of the Jesus prayer was wonderful, and great learning for me.

For people who do well with mantra meditation, this will be a loverly resource, especially because it's easy to read, leaves you with a sweet taste, and gives a good level of context on the topic. Later teachers have been more precise about technique. This is where I'd say The Calm Technique is an especially good resource - systematically setting a person up for precision in practice and answering common questions. Shinzen Young's work on what he calls "mindful mantra" is also good, particularly helping people who are more self-taught avoid just spacing out or just hypnotizing themselves.

Easwaran anticipates these exact technical issues too, as would anyone who has been around a lot of mantra practitioners I suppose. But people who really do a mantra practice for life will probably benefit from more support in the long run - and the ability to talk directly to experienced teachers - to make sure it's not having these common unintended effects.

[Timon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was looking for a book which explained and dove deep into the different versions of a mantram, why it is useful and how one can use it.

This book started of great in that sense, exploring how we can use a mantram to overwrite negative thinking patterns, handle stress situations better and why it is a good tool to have.
The author quickly and permanently for the other 80% of the book also focused on the religious side behind it. For example only Mantras where shared that are prayers from various religions. And while I do get that some sort of prayer can be even good and useful for even the atheists among us, it didn’t stop there. The rest of the book was almost a sales talk on why a religious path is the right thing for all of us. How we should get rid of our likes and dislikes in the favor of a much more enlightened version of ourselves. And that if embed and use the mantram properly and long enough we not only get closer to god in this life but we also don’t die but rather become one with god.

Had a good start with a few first pointers about mantras but I wasn’t looking/ wasn’t expecting a book which is this deep entangled into religion.

[Andrei Vajna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading different kinds of books on fruitful living, I have very often the "how" part missing. Sure, we should have good habits, we should be more mindful of what we do, what we feel, we should slow down and not get caught up in the rat race, but how do we actually do that? Well, I think this book offers the answer and it's so simple and unexpected, it's ridiculous. But I think it makes sense. When life catches us in its stranglehold and doesn't want to let go, just repeating a few words gives the mind something to cling on and focus without thinking about it.

Easwaran does delve into the mystic significance a bit, but most of the book feels very modern. Not only is it written in a very accessible language, but it talks about the contemporary way of life, and presents the issues that he sees and offers the solution directly, with clear instructions on how to do it, leaving little room for ambiguity.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Select a mantra that appeals to you.
It is most effective when repeated silently in your mind.
Be not concerned with tone, rhythm, breathing or heartbeat.
Do not make up your own.
Do not use Om by itself.
Do not change your mantra.

Your last thought right before you die will encompass your entire life.
You will be reborn into a context that is ideally suited to coincide with that thought.

Sit in a chair and hold on with all your might.
Have someone try to get you out of the chair.
Now sit in a chair and do not hold on.
Have someone lift you out of the chair.
When death takes you away.
Let it.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Same basic material as in Easwaran's _Strength in the Storm_. The focus is on using the mantram with much to say about the value in a variety of circumstances. His examples from his own life were especially valuable to encourage me not only to use the mantram but also to practice Passage meditation.

[Beklan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true master and an awakening being..

Thank you to all for making this book possible for us to read..I had a calling for finding my mantra for some time. And with the help of this book, I have not only found my mantra but also started mu eight step program. This book is beyond giving one a mantra. It is like a life manual. I am deeply grateful.

[Katherine]

Excellent life instructions on how to incorporate mindful loving presence into every moment through use of the “mantram “ (holy name or phrase) of your choice. I wanted to underline the good parts, but would’ve been underlining every word. Includes a handy list of eight spiritual disciplines, including meditation, slowing down, and readings in mysticism.

[James E · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an easy read, but I am still struggling with picking out the right mantram for me. This book is the perfect companion to Passage Meditation. There is some overlap, but most of the material is different. I look forward to putting this into practice.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easwaran writes so eloquently, and manages to sensitively incorporate all faiths as he delivers his message. This is a book that guides the reader to, not only find a mantra, but also live well. It is an invaluable resource for anyone who feels lost in the world.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple solution for complex problems!

[Priyadarshi Ranjan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mind opener!

[Ashley Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much more than I expected and so beautifully written. Life changing knowledge in this book. Must read.

[Shinemoos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hare Rama, hare Krishna! He spoke of unity of all religions, like languages differ in words but share the same meaning. In our century though, we are now challenged by all kinds of separation and gate keeping. But as long as we keep connecting to our inner truth, to god, we will see a better world.

I wasn’t sure which mantra will be mine, but like Easwaran said, the specific personal god will choose us. In the chapter of “choosing your mantra”, I had tears reading “Rama” paragraph, more tears at “Krishna”, and wept when he said “Hare” means “that steals our hearts”. But obviously Easwaran Ji put more emotions in them so maybe I just picked up that? I’ll let this settle for a bit and also look into god’s names in my own mother tongue Chinese, which is the language that I love most.

I smiled when Easwaran Ji suggested: instead of staring at a blank wall while making your coffee, you should chant the mantra. I will feel so blessed if I’m able to stare blankly at a wall and be present when I’m waiting on any chore! Interesting how much distraction we have in our age and how we developed a habit of multitasking, but it just burdens and exhausts us.p

Thank you Easwaran Ji for reminding me that when we take one step, God will take seven steps toward us. Sooner or later, the mantra will start to repeat itself in our heart unconsciously, and when we do want to consciously repeat it, we are able to send a blessing to other people.

[John Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the way Eknath writes. Very clear. I like how all his ideas seem to grow out of this vast body of religious literature. What Joe Campbell did with finding thematic connections within wide expanses of mythological and philosophical material, Eknath does with a much narrower, albeit still varied body of material, primarily ancient eastern texts, sufi poets and Christian mystics. As with any wide ranging comparative approach it can be criticised as being too subjective, too based on one's own conclusions, but for me, I have to say I like pretty much everything he has to say, it all makes a lot of sense to me.

I guess the way that we live our lives and the way that we know we ought to live our lives are two different things. We have moments of sobriety, where we view things with a reasonably clear lens and see how we should proceed. After such moments, we either fail to implement these approaches because we doubt that we have the willpower to stick with them, or we leap back into life with the best intentions and end up getting swept off down the currents of life and forgetting all our resolutions. This analogy of presenting the average human being as a figure lost in a tumultuous ocean, trying to deal with the crashing waves is one of which Eknath is particularly fond. The mantram as presented here is one of a number of methods he suggests to help us steady ourselves on the ocean, to learn to ride the waves instead of getting swept this way and that. It is a way of constantly connecting ourselves with, reminding ourselves of our principles, our good intentions, a wider perspective that can allow us to hover above our trials rather than being trapped beneath them. It is a way of saying to ourselves "wait a minute, I said I wasn't going to do this any more..."

I like his ideas and am already trying some of them out.

Eknath seems to have written numerous books each detailing individual elements of his overall method whilst still briefly mentioning all the other parts of his method. This is not an ideal way to present your life's work. It means that readers are faced with the problem of either reading one of his books about one of his methods and largely missing out on the other methods, or reading several of his books and consequently having to repeatedly re-read the elements that are included in all of them. I don't know if I could recommend any one book by Eknath but I will say that he is a fascinating and very readable writer and well worth checking out for anyone who is into this whole "spirituality" thing.

[Mary Follis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, helpful. Lists & explains mantras, recommends using one in times of stress, impatience, boredom, etc., to keep the mind from running away or becoming reactive. I learned about the author from receiving daily Blue Mountain Meditation emails, liked much of what he has to say, & got the book.

[Briege · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have found this book very valuable.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

extremely helpful, made so much sense, an easy and enjoyable read.

[Ishwar Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touchstone book! Worth of followed else just another spiritual book dwelling in mysticism.

[Leela Pal Chaudhuri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eloquent evocative call to acquiring, believing and chanting a mantra for peace, healing and clarity .

[Jolanta (knygupė) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Kiekvienas zodis, kuri ketinate istarti, turi praeiti trejus vartus. Prie pirmuju vartininkas klausia: Ar tai tiesa?, prie antruju: Ar tai butina?, o prie treciuju: Ar tai gailestinga?"

[Andromeda · Rating 1 out of 5]

The copy that I own was first published by Penguin Books India in 1997. It does not have any introduction by Richard B.