Can Hindu mantras be said in English and have the same effect?

Question

It is the sound of the words or the meaning of the words that has spiritual power?

I have noticed that when I say words like "Love" and "Peace" I get an increase of those feelings....

Thanks Aum. Yes, it makes sense. I suspected something like that... some sounds have power in themselves, others the meaning of the words is what has power. Kids need me now. Getting off computer. ♥ Bye. :-)

ommotherlifeforce... Yes, I've read a little about that water thing. I believe in it! It is so amazing... Really, though, I believe all atoms are in tune with God's energy, and aware of all true things. I think humans are the only beings capable of being unaware, if they so choose.... but even we are aware on the cellular/atomic level.

I guess that's why we never feel quite right till we get in tune with God...

Answer 1

all over the world ,gurus and ashrams chant mantras in Sanskrit. but the longer chants ,the guru geta ,doesn't seem to mater

i chanted

om nama shivaya

met shiva in a dream

but i could have said

i bow to shivaya....and the same thing would have happened....i think
____________________

water knows all.he he he he

https://www.hado.net/

Answer 2

Hindu Prayers In English

Answer 3

Very valid question!

Mantra's are written in Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language. Mantra's which are based upon science of sound should be recited in Sanskrit only such as Om.

In case you don't have an alternative then you may understand their equivalent meaning in English. But unfortunately, English language is not capable to express the key Samskrit words, which are highly subtle and deals with inner spiritual realm. For example "God" is the only equivalent word for Bhram, Ishwar, Hirnyagarbha, Bhrama, Vishnu, Mahesh (Siva) - all are having different meaning. Where as English is very powerful language from material perspective.

Note : Even I learning Sanskrit, which is tough job!

Answer 4

Our ancestors used to say Mantras to English Gods.

Answer 5

The answer is both in yes and no. We have three type of Mantras viz. Saguna mantra, Nirguna Mantra and Beeja mantra.

Saguna Mantra which are nothing but the names and glories of god can be said in any language. some of such mantras like Aum Namah shivaye can be said in Engligh or chinese , similarly Aum Durgaye namah... etc can be said in English O Mother Durga i bow to you .

Nirguna Mantra Like Aham Brahasmi, Tat-twam Asi etc are basically mantras to be thought of... not chanted. Aham Brahasmi means I am Brahm.. the supreme consciousness.... well there is no harm in thinking this mantra in English or any language... the basic thing is the thought behind this

Beeja Mantras : These mantras are special syllables of sanskrit and denote a special combination of energy and consciousness (Shiva and shakti). ...Even Hindus do not chant Beeja mantras just like that..

For beeja mantras special inititiation is required, through a proper guru and then mantra is to be chanted in special pronunciation.... a little wrong pronunciation and the harm may come....Beeja mantras have no meaning, and they are the keys to open the chakras and kundalini... ( for example "Krin(g)" is the beeja mantra of Mother Kali.

Hence even most of the hindus do not chant beeja mantras. they simply go for Saguna mantras many times in their local language ( as u know India has 24 languages).

hope i am clear... waiting for yr comments

Answer 6

I fully endorse answer given by Aum, it is very enlightening for me too. Thanks Aum for this piece of widom. I personally think that What u need from God may be asked in any language provided ur words and ur thoughts synchronize completely for manifesting the results. For inner knowledge we all need to perfect in inner silence thru vipashana.

Answer 7

Dear Mum of four you can chant mantras by learning them with heart in sanskrit itself. Many of us Hindus dont know sanskrit but we recite mantras in the same language after understanding thier meaning.
I think that you should recite the mantra as it is

Answer 8

yes I agree with Aum. Except beeja mantras all other mantras can be chanted in English.

But chanting a mantra in original language has real affect. so it is better to do some tongue twisting and chant in sanskrit

jai mata di

Answer 9

I've wondered the same thing: how much of the spiritual impact is tied to the meaning and how much is tied to aural sensation. I've wondered the same thing about the Quran, too: can it really be appreciated and understood in translation or only in Arabic?

Peace to you.

Answer 10

I think after Mr.Aum's reply, i cant write more