How is mantra meditation used?

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Mantras may be used on their own or as part of a visualization practice. In a ty
pical visualization practice there is a communication from the deity to the practi
tioner (in the form of blessings, or rays of light, or even speech), and there i
s a communication from the practitioner to the deity, in the form of mantra.
Mantras can also be used as mind protectors while walking, doing the dishes, or ev
en in sitting meditation. I often chant a mantra (internally) while Im in an airp
lane taking off or landing, and I find this to be helpful in combating anxiety.
Often, Buddhists will count the mantras they are chanting by telling beads on a m
ala. The physical action of counting round the mala helps to keep the mind focuse
d. A mala usually has 108 beads, this number having a mystical significance in a
ncient India.
The mala can be worn round the neck so that it can be accessed when needed. Some
malas have 21 beads and are worn round the wrist. But the use of a mala is not
essential.
To use mantras in formal meditation, chanted out loud or internally, first of al
l make yourself comfortable and upright, and spend a few minutes following your
breathing and letting your mind settle.
You may want to slow your breathing, directing it into the belly, and deepen it.
This will help to still your mind, although you dont need to have an absolutely
quiet mind before you start the mantra.
If youre saying the mantra out loud, then let the sound resonate in your chest.
It will help if you take a deep breath into your belly before each mantra. Gener
ally, mantras sound better if you can do each mantra with a single exhalation. B
ut if you cant manage that, then thats okay.
Let the last note of each mantra linger before starting the next mantra. Youll fi
nd that the mantra naturally falls into rhythm with your breathing. Make sure th
at the mantra follows your breathing and not the other way round, otherwise you
may become breathless.
Dont actively think about the meaning of the mantra (if it even has one!). If you
know what some of the words mean, then they will have associations for you. The
se associations will have an effect on your mind, and will deepen in significanc
e over time as you explore them outside of meditation.
Let go of any concerns that may arise about whether you are doing the mantra pro
perly. It doesnt matter if your pronunciation is a little off its the spirit that
counts.
To bring the mantra to a close, gradually let your chanting decrease in volume u
ntil it fades away as an external sound and can only be heard internally. Then l
et the internal sound fade away into silence.
At the conclusion of the practice, sit in the resonant silence, letting the vibr
ant quietness have a refreshing effect on your mind and emotions