a gentle beginning
How to chant a mantra
Chanting, or japa, is the quiet repetition of a mantra. You do not need any special skill. Here is a simple way to begin, in six small steps.
- 1
Find your place
Choose a quiet, clean corner. Sit on the floor or a chair, with your back comfortable and upright, and your hands resting on your knees or lap.
- 2
Settle your breath
Close your eyes or look softly down. Take three slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Then let your breathing be natural.
- 3
Set a gentle intention
If you like, say in your mind why you are sitting: for calm, for thanks, or simply to begin the day well. This is optional.
- 4
Begin the repetitions
Say the mantra slowly and clearly. Roll one bead for each repetition. Keep your voice soft and steady, not forced.
- 5
Return when the mind wanders
Every mind wanders. When you notice it, do not scold yourself. Simply come back to the next repetition.
- 6
Close in silence
When the round is done, stop. Sit quietly for a minute, with your hands together, and give thanks. Then get up slowly.
Saying the words well
- Go slowly. Say each syllable clearly. Speed does not matter.
- Long and short sounds. In easy English letters, a mark over a vowel, as in ā, means a longer sound. Without the mark, the sound is short.
- Om. Say it as a long, soft aa-oo-mm, ending with the lips closed and a gentle hum.
- Listen first. Play a recitation once, then chant along softly. Our Mantra Library has the words and meanings.
Counting with a 108-bead mala
- Hold the mala in your right hand, over the middle finger or ring finger, and roll each bead with your thumb. Many traditions avoid using the index finger.
- Start at the bead next to the larger one, called the meru or guru bead.
- Say the mantra once for each bead, and move to the next.
- When you come back to the meru bead, one round of 108 is complete. Do not cross over it: turn the mala around and go back the other way.
No mala? Use the counter on our home page. It rings the beads for you, one tap for each repetition.
Three ways to chant
Aloud
Speak the mantra so you can hear yourself. Good for beginners and for a restless mind.
In a whisper
Move your lips and let only a soft breath of sound come out. Quiet, and easy on the throat.
In the mind
Repeat the mantra silently with your attention on the sound. Many people find it the calmest, once they are used to the practice.
Keeping it simple
- Sit at the same time each day, even if it is only for 5 minutes.
- Begin with 27 repetitions. Add more only when it feels easy.
- Do not worry about doing it perfectly. A kind, steady effort is enough.
- This is a practice for calm and reflection. If you feel unwell or very worried, please also speak to a doctor or someone you trust.
Questions and answers
How long should I chant?
Start with about 10 minutes a day, or 27 repetitions. When that feels easy, try 54, then a full round of 108. A short, regular practice is better than a long one that you give up.
What is the best time of day?
Many people like the early morning, before the day begins, or the quiet of the evening. The best time is one you can keep every day, even if it is short.
Do I need to understand Sanskrit?
No. Learn the sounds slowly, and read the meaning once, so that your mind has something kind to rest on. Our Mantra Library gives the words, the English letters and the meaning.
Do I need a mala?
A mala of 108 beads makes counting easy, but you do not need one. You can use the counter on this site, or count on your fingers.
Aloud, in a whisper or silently?
All three are used in many traditions. Chanting aloud is good for beginners and for a wandering mind. A whisper is gentler. Silent chanting is for when you are comfortable with the practice. Choose what feels natural.
Do I need a teacher or initiation?
Practices differ between traditions and families. Many simple mantras are chanted by anyone. If your family or tradition has a teacher or a custom for a particular mantra, please follow it.
Can I chant lying down or while walking?
Sitting is best for focus. If you are unwell, tired, or at bedtime, chanting quietly in your mind while lying down is fine. Do not chant while driving or when you need your full attention.