“OM Namo Narayanaya” is a traditional Indian protective mantra and describes the sustaining force that consists in the ability to start from a thought, to preserve it, to develop it further, and to realize it.
Litteral meaning: OM = primordial sound inherent in creation. Namo = worship. Nara = the primeval Man or eternal Spirit pervading the universe Ayana = walking. Narayana = son of the primeval Man, Vishnu, Krishna, the sustaining force
How can we do the chanting?
FIRST STEP: A mantra has a meaning. Here, it is the clear and concrete thought that gives people protection, even in crisis situations in life. We can think of Narayana as the personification of the “the sustaining force that consists in the ability to start from a thought, to preserve it, to develop it further, and to realize it.” (Heinz Grill)
SECOND STEP: This meaning can be visualized in the mind, before repeating the mantra in song. The pictures in the video may help you visualizing the text meaning.
THIRD STEP: Over time, the chanting and the mental idea converge, and the song takes on a lively sound and an uplifting power. It takes time and many repetitions for the quality of the singing to transform. Traditionally, mantras are repeated many times, but it also requires concentration on their meaning.
