As we all know, yoga and meditation has taken the world by storm and it seems like everyone is talking about these ancient Eastern practices. The word mantra might have even seeped into your last yoga class during the relaxation in savasana. So what is a mantra?The west has embraced the practice of setting an intention in the modern-day spiritual practice, and the word “mantra” has become just as mainstream. But the two are actually very different. The word mantra is from the vibrational ancient language of Sanskrit and it can be broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means transport. In other words, a mantra is an instrument (that transports you) of the mind—and so therefore is a powerful sound vibration that you can use to “go to” or enter a deep state of meditation. You can think of the mantra as a catalyst for your intention. You can nurture this mantra in your meditation and eventually it will bear the fruits of your intention in your life. How do you practice a mantra? By repeating a set of powerful words usually in the ancient language of Sanskrit, one can produce the magical sounds of a specific mantra for abundance. As the mantra is repeated silently over and over it can assist in transcending the activity of the mind...and manifesting a particular outcome as it serves as a vehicle that helps you access heightened levels of awareness.This not only brings you closer to the abundance you desire whether it is is emotionally, spiritually and financially, but it allows you to recognize when something isn’t working. It is this awareness and keen sense of intuition that helps cultivate a natural state of presence and being. Why do mantras work? If we want to get to the heart of it all, at a mantra’s core, it is the basis of sound and scripture. The Chopra center’s Dr. David Frawley says “mantras are said to have the ability to help alter your subconscious impulses, habits, and afflictions. Mantras, when spoken or chanted, direct the healing power of Prana (life force energy) and, in traditional Vedic practices, can be used to energize and access spiritual states of consciousness.” With the whirlwind of daily demands, it is easy to get lost in the complexity of life. With a practice that can bring you back to simplicity, you can focus on what inspires you and makes you happy. Ancients have been using the power of mantra for luck, protection and abundance. Legend has it that Buddhist mantra infused cords can bring good luck and offer protection. In the traditional practice, a monk ties a knot in the cord, blows a mantra into it, and makes a blessing. They say this allows you to take the blessings with you. Many religious traditions have this kind of process, where a teacher imbues an object with spiritual energy and blessings. But, what do these mantra strings mean? They are sometimes called blessing cords and sometimes called protection cords. They are used in several Buddhist lineages, most often in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, but you can find them in other places once in a while. In modern day, it is always inspirational when connecting to positive vibes and incorporating mantras on the regular are a great way. Click here for more information on owning your own handmade Buddhist knots mantra rope bracelets for good luck, serenity and prosperity.