Hi Open,

I have a question about mantras. Wasn't sure where to post it so have put it here.

I am currently doing an online course and have come across an unrelated course module relating to mantras. The approach of the organisation in respect of mantras is how beneficial they can be, however I find myself not at all in alignment with their approach, certainly in respect of the particular mantras they suggest using.

I am interested to understand if using mantras (maybe even including Om) are really a way of intentionally creating in some way. I understand and subscribe to not using 'I am' type-mantras but what I am really referring to are more along the lines of Buddhist-type mantras and similar.

From what I can gather, a lot of mantras have elements of bowing down to a being outside of ourselves, and many other similar mantras seem to relate to intentional creation.

By using any mantra, are we intentionally creating and not in the flow? Or are some mantras such as Om 'safe' to use?

I appreciate this is more an intellectual enquiry but I would appreciate any views you or others may have on this.

Thanks

Nikki