A mantra is a syllable, word or sacred expression that is recited as a support during meditation.
The first thing we are going to do is determine the etymological origin of the term that we are now going to analyze. Thus, we can establish that mantra emanates from Sanskrit and is the result of the sum of two elements: the word mans , which can be defined as "mind", and tra , which is synonymous with "liberation".
Mantra is a term that can be translated as "thought" . In religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism , a mantra is a sacred phrase, word, or syllable that is recited to support meditation or to invoke divinity.
It is important to emphasize the fact that, as a general rule, mantras are usually made up of long phrases. However, this circumstance is an exception in Hinduism, since this religion relies, however, on chains of mantras, litanies and stanzas.
Characteristics of a mantra
In addition to all this, it must be determined that mantras are used in the following way for them to be useful:
• They are pronounced by individuals both out loud and internally, according to the circumstances of each moment.
• They are repeated constantly and in a rhythmic way.
• As happens in the Christian religion, in some cases it is usually resorted to the use of a series of elements that help to follow the chain of mantras, to not get lost and to count them. In that country these are known as rosaries and in other religions they are called Mapalas.
• Thanks to mantras, what is achieved is that the person who recites them can relax, concentrate on a specific task and also put an end to the wanderings that his mind has. All of this without forgetting that they will also help that individual to eliminate all types of impure thoughts from his head and that prevent him from purifying everything around him.
A mantra must be repeated rhythmically.
Liberation of the mind
The mantra acts as a tool that helps free the mind from the constant flow of thoughts. Thanks to the repetition of the mantra, the person enters a state of deep concentration . Meditation, with the help of mantra, allows the subject to focus their attention on their own consciousness, on a thought or an external object.
Although the mantras do not have an exact or precise meaning, it is said that each sound corresponds to an aspect of enlightenment and allows the mind to be associated with one of these aspects.
Best-known mantras in Buddhism and Hinduism
The most popular mantra in Buddhism is "om mani padme hum" , which corresponds to compassion. Its most frequent translation is "The jewel in the lotus" . Buddhists hold that the six syllables of this mantra are linked to bliss or meditation ( om ), patience ( ma ), discipline ( ni ), wisdom ( pad ), generosity ( me ), and diligence ( hum) . ).
Certain Buddhist traditions indicate that the mantra will only have effect if its recitation is authorized or supervised by a lama or guru . For some leaders like the Dalai Lama , the mantra “om mani padme hum” is always useful but whoever recites it must think about its meaning.
Among Hindus, one of the best-known mantras is "om namah shivaia" which is usually translated as "Obeisances to Shiva" (a god ).