I am just learning about mantras and it almost seems like it is a mix between invoking certain powers/energies and a subliminal message. something that can be used, creating positive or negative outcomes. I have read that if used without guidance they can cause harm, rather than positive changes. So if I chant a Sanscrit mantra like "shrim" for abundance, is it always the positive kind of abundance that should manifest or could it cause an abundance of negative things to come my way. Is it in intention and energy alone that the mantra works? How do you know what sound or vibrational energy to use when chanting the mantra? I under stand that a mantra works to overcome the mind... as in mind over matter? I know, I know - a lot of questions here... thank you for the answers in advance!

    You can use a knife to cook or to stab someone. It is our intention which is important. However, a dark mantra would bring dark result; though finally, whatever mantra one uses, all will bring to only one destination, that is back to Godhead. In Hinduism it is said that whoever practice Black Magick would finally found Moksha after millions(I forgot the exact number) of reincarnations.
    The sound or vibrational energy for a Mantra can be learned only from Guru or scriptures(if available). But, with or without it, a Mantra still can work. For me, the difference is only in taste. Some interested in Nada Yoga, which emphasizing on singing, vibrations, etc, & some interested in Mantra Yoga, whose emphasize is in words repetition.
    Repeating a Mantra just like developing a habit--smoking for instance. After it takes over, we just like become one with it; just like invocation. Our frame of mind would be replaced by that of the Mantra. Once again, intention is important. You can use Mantra to create or banish anything from your mind, the same as to  create or banish anything from physical realm.

    Your experience almost the same as mine. The only difference is the curse was on me. It was really like living in hell! I had tried to commited suicide, perhaps 4 times. But thanks to the Goddess, someone(which turned out to be my Guru) came helped me out, & also gave me Mantra Dikhsa. From that experience, I chant about ten hours a day, to appereciate what my Guru has gave to me, & also because I learned that any curse, hypnosis or whatever, can work only to someone with "blank" mind. So, by chanting, I prevent my mind from "blank", & at the same time filing my own self with spiritual power. But now, I chant for spiritual progress.
    Your Guru has gave you a priceless treasure. Use it as best as you can.....& Bon Voyage!

MacLir, I find that some favorite songs of mine have become mantras... just got to pick the right ones, I guess *wink*.... thank you all for the great information! Cityhunter, thank you, too, as always lol...I have seen some of you other pic posts, but still really busy - it's crazy, but good... will respond soon though...

There's also a method that I call "passive Japa(Chanting)". That is, listening to audio tape/CD which contains Mantra chanting in it. In some countries, like mine, those kinds of CD are rare, but anyone interested can make their own. Just record your voice while you are chanting, & that's it.
This method also very useful if you use it when you're going to sleep; to prevent bad dreams.