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How does the tantra explain the role of mantra repetition?

Imagine finding a steady harbor amid the ceaseless tide of thoughts and notifications. In the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, mantra repetition becomes that sanctuary—a sonic tether drawing awareness away from mental chatter and into the heart of pure consciousness. Each uttered syllable isn’t just a rote exercise; it’s a living vibration that resonates with the deeper currents of reality, gradually dissolving inner restlessness like salt water melting into the ocean.

The tantra portrays mantra as Shabda-Brahman, the primal sound through which the universe unfolds. By repeating a sacred phrase, one aligns personal breath and beat with that cosmic pulse. Attention once scattered—much like herding cats in a busy marketplace—slowly gathers into a single luminous point. This concentrated focus nips distracting impulses in the bud, enabling glimpses of nondual awareness to surface naturally.

Modern neuroscience echoes these ancient insights. Recent studies highlight how rhythmic chanting synchronizes brain waves, akin to the calming effect of a steady drum in tribal rituals. Even as mindfulness apps and silent-retreat gurus compete for attention in 2025, the tantra’s method remains refreshingly simple: consistency over complexity. The mantra becomes a living mandala, its repetition carving out inner space where transcendence can flower.

Beyond mental stillness, repeated mantras invoke Shakti—creative energy—at the root of speech. Each recitation kindles subtle transformations, opening doors to intuitive wisdom rather than forcing insight through sheer will. Over time, the boundaries between sound and silence blur, revealing a seamless field of awareness untouched by personal identity.

In an age of digital overload and burnout, this age-old practice offers an anchor. Mantra repetition, as taught in the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, isn’t merely about speaking or listening—it’s about becoming the sound itself, dancing on the threshold of the infinite.