Your notes from February 8th beautifully culminate in the progression: fast mind (sick), slow mind (sound), still mind (divine). **Mantram repetition**—as taught by Eknath Easwaran—is one of the most effective, portable tools for deliberately slowing the racing mind and moving toward that soundness and eventual stillness. It's not about forcing quiet; it's a gentle, rhythmic anchor that gradually decelerates compulsive thoughts, interrupts reactivity, and creates inner space amid daily hurry.
Easwaran emphasizes that a true mantram (or "holy name") should be:
- Short and simple (easy to repeat silently anywhere).
- From an established spiritual tradition (used by saints/sages over centuries for proven depth).
- Chosen once and stuck with (no switching, as consistency builds power).
- Repeated with full attention, slowly and rhythmically, like a steady heartbeat.
He strongly discourages making one up (e.g., "Peace" or "Calm") because invented words lack the cumulative spiritual energy of traditional ones.
### Recommended Mantrams from Easwaran
These are drawn from his official recommendations (via the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, his *Mantram Handbook*, and related teachings).
Pick one that resonates deeply—perhaps from your background or one that evokes joy, love, or peace. Pronounce it slowly, with feeling.
1. **Rama, Rama** (or simply **Rama**)
- From Hindu tradition (used by Mahatma Gandhi).
- Meaning: "Rejoice" or invocation of divine joy (Rama embodies joy and righteousness).
- Pronunciation: Rah-mah (soft, rolling "r").
- Why great for slowing: Easy, sonorous, uplifting—Easwaran often recommended it for those without strong ties to a tradition or who want something neutral yet powerful. It brings lightness and counters heaviness/racing anxiety.
2. **Om mani padme hum**
- Buddhist (Tibetan tradition, associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion).
- Meaning: "The jewel in the lotus of the heart" (symbolizing awakened compassion within).
- Pronunciation: Ohm mah-nee pahd-may hoom (slow, melodic).
- Why great for slowing: Its rhythm is naturally calming and expansive; many find it soothing for a busy mind, fostering kindness and detachment as thoughts slow.
3. **Jesus, Jesus** (or **My Lord**)
- Christian tradition.
- Simple invocation of the divine presence.
- Pronunciation: Straightforward English.
- Why great for slowing: Direct, personal—ideal if Jesus resonates; it steadies the mind with love and surrender.
4. **Hail Mary** (or **Ave Maria**)
- Catholic/Christian (devotion to the Virgin Mary).
- Full: Hail Mary, full of grace... (but often shortened to the opening words).
- Why great for slowing: Gentle, maternal energy; many use it for comfort during stress or racing thoughts.
5. **Allah** (or **Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim** shortened)
- Islamic tradition.
- Meaning: "God" or "In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful."
- Pronunciation: Ah-lah (soft).
- Why great for slowing: Profound sense of surrender; calms the mind through remembrance of the divine.
Other options Easwaran lists include **My God and My All** (St. Francis of Assisi), **Barukh attah Adonai** (Jewish), or **Namu Amidabutsu** (Buddhist, Japanese Pure Land).
### How to Use Mantram to Slow the Racing Mind
- **Start small**: Choose one mantram today. Repeat it silently during calm moments (e.g., waiting, walking, before sleep) to build association.
- **When racing**: As soon as you notice hurry, anxiety, anger, or scattered thoughts—repeat slowly. It acts like brakes: thoughts lose momentum.
- **Rhythm matters**: Say each syllable deliberately, with a slight pause. Match it to your breath if helpful (e.g., inhale "Ra", exhale "ma").
- **Anytime/anywhere**: Walking to work, in traffic, during chores, before decisions—it's portable and discreet.
- **Combine with awareness**: Notice how repetition creates space between thoughts. Over days/weeks, the mind naturally slows; racing episodes shorten.
- **To deepen stillness**: Use it alongside brief seated meditation (e.g., 10–15 minutes focusing on the mantram or a passage), as Easwaran suggests.
Many people report that after consistent use (weeks to months), the mantram "runs itself" in the background, keeping the mind steady even in chaos—leading to that natural soundness (contentment, kindness, non-selfishness) you described.
If one of these calls to you (or if you have a tradition/background preference), start there—stick with it faithfully. Easwaran says every repetition counts toward transforming the mind from fast/sick to slow/sound to still/divine.
Which one feels closest, or would you like help narrowing it based on what resonates? I can also suggest tweaks for daily integration.