Tutorial for Saying a Mantra

Hi i'm LucidAvenger
Many people have heard the word 'mantra' floating around DV but not many people actually know what it is and how to do one.

In this tutorial I will explain what a mantra is; the requirements for a mantra; creating your own mantra, examples of mantras, when and how to say a mantra.

The tutorial is fairly long for just a mantra and if you do not have time to read the whole thing then I reckon you just need to read: when and how to say a mantra and requirements for a mantra :)

What is a Mantra?

A mantra is basically an affirmation in which you try to hammer a phrase into your head. The phrase is usually something that convinces your mind of something. A mantra can be used in other aspects of life besides dreaming. But for dreaming it can be used for:

1. Dream Recall
   
2. DEILD Method
   
3. Lucid Dreaming Through MILD
   
4. Waking Up During the Night
   
5. Dream Tasks
   
6. Dream Incubation
   

The mantra is used to get a thought or an idea into the subconscious, which later 'remembers' or is 'affirmed' about the task. The logic behind it is that if you believe it then it will most likely work.

Requirements for a Mantra

When it comes to developing your own mantra there are several things that you need to remember, these things are often overlooked and may result in a failed mantra.

Firstly, always use a mantra that is in present tense.
There are two reasons why one should use a present tense mantra. The first reason is because if you use a mantra such as "I will lucid dream" then it is not immediate or definite. When will you lucid dream? Tonight? Tomorrow night? Next year? The mantra is not solid and therefore it is rendered fairly useless. The mantra lacks motivation and flair. An effective mantra is one that gets you motivated to achieve your goal.
The second reason is because the subconscious is said to only work in the present and not in the future. This means that present tense and passive tense mantras are more effective.

Secondly, the mantra should be short as you may lose focus whilst saying your mantra and therefore you only get half the message across. A short mantra is usually about one small sentence. Feel free to add all your requirements into the mantra if you have more than one.

Thirdly, the mantra should hold a clear intention. If the mantra is not to the point, then there may be alternate results from saying the mantra, or maybe just not what you expected.

Creating Your Own Mantra

To create your own mantra all you need to do is basically follow the requirements posted above. All you need to do is adapt the mantra to your intention. If you would like to recognise dream signs in a dream then just create a short present tense sentence that covers your noticing dream signs. Below you will see a few examples of mantras that you can use. Feel free to adapt them into your own ideas, keeping in mind that it must remain in present tense.

1. Firstly, think of your intention/s and make sure you are sure of what they are
   
2. Secondly, think of extra words that define what you want and keep them in present tense
   
3. Thirdly, make sure the mantra is not too long and covers what you need
   

Examples of Mantras

1. "I lucid dream"
   
2. "I do reality checks in my dreams"
   
3. "I notice dream signs everytime I dream"
   
4. "I have vivid dreams"
   
5. "I have vivid dreams which I recall perfectly"
   
6. "I wake up after my dreams"
   
7. "When I wake up I remember to remain still and keep my eyes closed"
   
8. "When I wake up I keep my eyes closed and recall my dreams"
   
9. "I dream of my incubation"
   
10. "When I dream I am in my dreamscape"
    

When and How to Say a Mantra

A mantra can be said during the day and/or during the night. A daily mantra can be chosen as well as a night mantra. A daily mantra is said during the night. Because people often forget to say their mantra it is best to choose times where you will say your mantra. You need dedication and discipline to remember to say your mantra. Decide on places where you will say your mantra and how many time you will say it. For example, you can say a mantra once every time you walk through a door, twice when you go to the toilet, and three times whilse eating. By doing this you not only affirm yourself about the mantra, you also create the oppurtunity to remember a mantra in a dream and become lucid.

A night mantra is a mantra that you say before bed. For best results, the mantra should be recited until you fall asleep. Although if you can't fall asleep while saying a mantra, then try to say it as closely before you fall asleep.
When saying a night mantra you should recite the mantra for a minimum of 1 minutes, and 5-10 minutes should be more than long enough.

How to Say a Night Mantra

Firstly, get into bed and lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and let your mind wander for about a minute. If you can meditate then simply clear your mind at this stage. Otherwise, begin saying your mantra over and over in your head. Focus! Don't let your mind wander off. Imagine yourself completing the objective of your mantra. Imagine the words of the mantra being painted in front of your closed eyelids. Carry on your mantra until you fall asleep or until you believe you have said it for long enough. Preferably go to sleep straight after your mantra if you haven't already. Remember focusing on your mantra is the key to success. Try become familiar with your mantra and make yourself believe. Never doubt your mantra if you don't have results or the mantra will then become innefective.

Thank you for reading my tutorial and I wish you luck with your mantra and LDing. Feel free to PM me if you need further help :D