Benefits of Using a Mantra

There is more chapters and much more information in Swami Sivanada Radha's book, MANTRA Words of Power, but I will end today with a bit from Chapter 5 in which Swami Radha gives more on the benefits of Mantra. 
Although repeating mantras may not be something you incorporate into your daily yoga practice and may not seem comfortable to you at this time, I thought just introducing a different way to practice yoga would be beneficial.
Swami Radha writes that the repetition of a mantra is a means of improving the powers of concentration.  It also helps to purify the subconscious and regulate the breath.  When the breath is regulated it is easier to control emotions, giving a safe way to release negative feelings.  When greater awareness is created through chanting those negative feelings can be replaced with positive affirmations.
To end, Swami writes, "if you repeat it while doing Hatha Yoga you will be able to penetrate the deeper levels of the asanas. Holding an asana, chant mentally, becoming absorbed in what you are doing.  Gradually you will become aware of your pranic flow in the body, the deeper aspects of the asana and finally you will experience its mystical meaning."

Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.vpweb.com