Mantra is a religious or mystical syllable or poem,
typically from the Sanskrit language. Mantras are primarily used as
spiritual conduits, words or vibrations that inculcate concentration in
the devotee. Mantras are also integrated in religious rituals to remove
obstacles, avoid danger, reduce foes, or accumulate wealth. Mantras got
their origin from the Vedas of India.
Mantra - The Word
The word "Mantra" has been derived from Sanskrit. Mantra
contains two words - "man" which means "to think"
(also in manas "mind") and suffix "tra" which means "tool",
hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".
A mantra is a powerful word or phrase that may or may not have meaning
in the same way as a sentence.
What is Mantra?
Mantras are single or strung together syllables. It is important to
pronounce the mantra properly with an understanding of its meaning.
Improper pronunciation of Mantra can inflict losses. So, one should be
careful while chanting mantra.
Mantras are energy-based sounds. The Indian metaphysical tradition
explains that the body is composed of the combination of five elements
and the first of them is sound. Studies in sound symbolism suggest that
vocal sounds have meaning whether we are aware of it or not. And
certainly there can be multiple layers of symbolism associated with each
sound. So even, if we do not understand them, mantras are not
meaningless; no vocal utterance is entirely without meaning.
One's subconscious mind can find its solution through meditation and
recitation of mantras. A mantra, when repeated constantly during
meditation, first loudly and then through silent and mental chanting,
changes the consciousness.
The Basic Mantra - Aum
In Hindu Mythology, the most basic mantra is Aum, which is known as the
"pranava mantra", the source of all mantras. Aum is regarded
to be the most fundamental and powerful mantra. Aum represents the first
manifestation of Brahman, the Supreme reality. Thus, Aum is prefixed and
suffixed to all Hindu prayers.
Verses (Sloka) from holy Hindu texts like the Vedas, Upanishads,
Bhagavad-Gita, Mahabharata , Ramayana, Durga Saptashati or Chandi are
considered powerful enough to be repeated to great effect, and therefore
have attained the status of a mantra. As per the Vedic practices, most
ancient techniques and classical Hinduism, mantra is symbolized as a
requisite for spiritual advancement and high attainment.
