You see, you can meditate without having a mantra. It doesn't have to be a religion based activity either. Anybody can do it. However, when I meditate, I normally use: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare Hare Rama, Hare Rama Rama, Rama, Hare Hare And as someone else said, you repeat it 108 times. It's easier to do this with jaba (sp?) beads. Twice a day is suggested, for those who are serious meditators and are very religious and into Hinduism. Peace and love Tiff Lennon
the sikhs of the punjab region of india have a great faith in the word 'WAHEGURU', meaning all virtues be to the guru. They beleive so strongly in this one-worded mantra that i have heard them sing whole shabads(songs of praise to god) repeat nothing other than this throughout in a similar style to an iskcon kirtan session.Thus this is an easy and effective mantra. hope this can be of some use