Definition of mantra - What it is, Meaning and Concept

The first thing we are going to do is determine the etymological origin of the term that we are going to analyze now.Yes, we can establish that mantra emanates from the 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 like Buddhism and Hinduism , a mantra is a phrase, sacred word or syllable that is recited in support of meditation or to invoke divinity.

It is important to emphasize the fact that, as a general rule, the mantras are usually made up of long sentences, however, this circumstance is an exception in Hinduism, since in this religion it is committed, however, by chains of mantras, litanies and stanzas.

In addition to all this, it is necessary to determine that the mantras are used as follows to be useful: • They are pronounced by individuals both loudly and internally, according to circumstances of each moment • They are repeated constantly and in a rhythmic way • As in the Christian religion, in some cases the use of a series of elements that contribute to follow the chain of mantras, not to get lost and to count them.In that they are known as rosaries and in other religions they are called maps.• Thanks to the mantras, what is achieved is that the person who recites them can relax, concentrate on a task determined he also gives an end to the ramblings that his mind possesses.All this without forgetting that they will also help that individual to eliminate from his head all kinds of impure thoughts and prevent him from purifying everything around him.

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 Mantra help, allows the subject to focus their attention on their own consciousness, on an external thought or object.

Although the mantras do not have an exact or precise meaning, it is said that each sound corresponds to an aspect of the illumination and allows the mind to be associated with one of these aspects.

The most popular mantra of Buddhism is "om mani padme hum" , which corresponds to compassion.Its most frequent translation is "The jewel in the lotus" .Buddhists argue 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 an effect if its recitation is authorized or supervised by a lama or guru.For some leaders such as the Dalai Lama , the mantra "om mani padme hum" is always useful but who recites it should think about its meaning.

Among Hinduists, one of the best known mantras is "om namah shivaia" which is usually translated as "Reverend to Shiva" (a god ).