The other day I sat down at my computer and was thinking about the current virus outbreak in Sydney. I can’t remember my thoughts exactly but they were of the worrying type. Clairaudiently I heard in my head “Om tryambakam yajamahe…” – it was a mantra I knew from yoga.

I knew this was guidance to chant the mantra. The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra (also known as Tryambakam Mantra) is for Hindu god Lord Shiva, who is known for bestowing health and longevity. The mantra is thought to release vibrations that realign your energy body for balanced health and wellbeing. In my case, I’m feeling this is more for releasing fear and worries about catching the virus. Worrying does not help anything!

The English versions of the Tryambakan Mantra is below – I found it helpful to have this in front of me to read while learning to chant it. Work on getting the pronunciation and timing in sync with the video. With regular practice you will be able to chant the mantra without thinking at all!

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe

Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam

Urvarukamiva Bandhanan

Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat

I especially chose this video because it has a similar feel to what I experienced at yoga ashrams. The melody is simple and repetitious, and the mantra is chanted 108 times, which has special meaning in Hindu tradition.