I love mantras. I love singing mantras. There are 3 that currently hold a prominent place in my life:
Om Namah Sivaya is my teaching mantra. With new meditation students, it is the mantra I teach. It is easy to remember and many people are drawn towards it. It has surprised many students who thought they might not like mantra meditation. It was one of the original mantras I was drawn to. Musical accompaniment: Swami Radha's version.
Om Mani Padme Hum is my personal mantra. This is the mantra I use when I do my mantra meditation. I feel connected to my Buddhist nature when I chant it. I feel connected to the compassion within and to all the others out there chanting the mantra. Musical accompaniment: Deva Premal's version.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra is the mantra I use to connect to my Yogini sisters. We chanted this mantra a lot during our Yoga Teacher Training and, when I chant it, I feel as if I'm back in that place, surrounding by my fellow Yoginis. I use it before some classes to connect to the teachings and ground myself. It never fails to put a smile on my face. No musical accompaniment (just me!).