How to Recite Mantras Effectively

In order to gather the mind and attain meditative concentration (samādhi), when reciting mantras the tone must be drawn out long and kept low and deep. The intonation should not rise upward, and there should not be too much melody, lest it stir up emotional fluctuations in the mind, causing the thoughts to scatter and making it difficult for the mind to settle. When one's power of concentration is poor and the thoughts are scattered, it is not easy to remember what one recites. Before reciting, one should adjust the breathing properly and take several deep breaths, so that the mind can become purified; then one can recite with full attention. When the power of concentration is good, the effect on memory is also good.