A little planning
A little planning will help but, whatever decisions or plans you make can always be changed as you go along. Here is a simple list of what would be good to be planned:
- How long will you do your pray/med: set a time.
- Which zikr or mantra mantras will you use? You can decide to do so many of one and so many of another. Or just see what feels right to do next.
- Will you use Mala/Tasbih or use Zikr/Mantra without Tasbih/Mala? Remember a Tasbih is a Sufi name for a Mala. It has 99 beads (in remembrance of the 99 Names of Allah) and a central bead which remembers the whole. A Mala has 108 beads.
- What is your purpose. This is important to consider.
a) Are you looking to create an alignment with all the chakras?
b) Are you praying for something? Looking for help through something?
c) Are you creating a connection to Self and Unity of Beingness and connecting to the Teacher(s) to help and guide?
d) Are you looking for healing?
By considering this, it will help you focus. It is alright if your intention/ purpose changes as you go.
Some suggested formats for prayer or meditation with zikrs/ mantras
Always do what suits you. If you have a way, then just do it. If you want to mix and match, then do so. Here are some meditation formats that you can easily integrate zikr/mantras.
- heart meditation version:
Once you have made the connections down to the lower tummy and up to the forehead and then opened to the Teacher(s) guidance; you can start with the Zikr or Mantra
2. Direct connection Teacher meditation:
Once you have made a connection to your heart and a connection to the Teacher(s) then start with the Zikrs or Mantras you’ve decided to do.
3. Just close your eyes and start the zikr or mantras.
Be quiet as you can with yourself as you focus on the zikr/mantra. See where it takes you. See what comes up with in you. Are you opening your heart? Do you want to? Do you know how? And if you do, do you dare to go into greater vulnerability towards life in the presence of these Masters? These will be useful answers for you.
Better out loud or not?
Actually, different Sheikhs and teachers have debated this. I would suggest you experiment. Change if you need to. If you decide to work silently, but use your tongue and/or lips to formulate the words (if not the sound), then also experiment not using your tongue /lips and bring it completely internal.
Not because it is best; just to experiment with what works for you.
Certain mantras are designed to be said out loud sometimes. Such as Om or Om Nama Om or Om Nama Shiva. These can also be inward. There are so many versions. But eventually you will find what works for you; what touches your heart and makes it easier for you to be in the moment of the repetition of the Zikr/ Mantra.