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In the Indian religions, a '''mantra''' (Devanāgarī मन्त्र) is a [[sound]], syllable, [[word]], or [[group]] of [[words]] that are considered capable of "creating transformation" (cf. spiritual transformation). Their use and type varies according to the school and [[philosophy]] associated with the mantra.  Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in the Vedic [[tradition]] of [[India]], later becoming an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within [[Buddhism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Jainism]]. The use of mantras is now widespread throughout various [[spiritual]] [[movements]] which are based on, or off-shoots of, the practices in the earlier Eastern traditions and religions.  

In the Indian religions, a '''mantra''' (Devanāgarī मन्त्र) is a [[sound]], syllable, [[word]], or [[group]] of [[words]] that are considered capable of "creating transformation" (cf. spiritual transformation). Their use and type varies according to the school and [[philosophy]] associated with the mantra.  Other purposes have included religious ceremonies to accumulate wealth, avoid danger, or eliminate enemies. Mantras originated in the Vedic [[tradition]] of [[India]], later becoming an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within [[Buddhism]], [[Sikhism]] and [[Jainism]]. The use of mantras is now widespread throughout various [[spiritual]] [[movements]] which are based on, or off-shoots of, the practices in the earlier Eastern traditions and religions.  

Mantras can be interpreted to be effective as [[vibration]], or more simply as [[sound]], which may include verbal repetition, in the form of [[chant]]ing, or internal mental repetition. For this reason great emphasis is put on correct pronunciation (resulting in an early development of a science of [[phonetics]] in India). Mantras can be used in Eastern spiritual traditions to divert the mind from basic instinctual desires or material inclinations, by [[focus]]ing the mind on a spiritual [[idea]], such as "I am a manifestation of divine consciousness".

Mantras can be interpreted to be effective as [[vibration]], or more simply as [[sound]], which may include verbal repetition, in the form of [[chant]]ing, or internal mental repetition. For this reason great emphasis is put on correct pronunciation (resulting in an early development of a science of [[phonetics]] in India). Mantras can be used in Eastern spiritual traditions to divert the mind from basic instinctual desires or material inclinations, by [[focus]]ing the mind on a spiritual [[idea]], such as "I am a manifestation of [[divine]] [[consciousness]]".

In [[English]] language usage, the term "mantra" has a colloquial meaning quite distinct from [[prayer]], and carries the interpretive (or misinteretive) and derogatory connotations based in [[monotheism]]'s negative view of [[polytheism]] and many of its [[concept]]s. In short, "mantra" in English carries a negative connotation of 'mindless or thoughtless repetition of a concept,' similar to the negative connotations associated with the term "[[dogma]]."  

In [[English]] language usage, the term "mantra" has a colloquial meaning quite distinct from [[prayer]], and carries the interpretive (or misinteretive) and derogatory connotations based in [[monotheism]]'s negative view of [[polytheism]] and many of its [[concept]]s. In short, "mantra" in English carries a negative connotation of 'mindless or thoughtless repetition of a concept,' similar to the negative connotations associated with the term "[[dogma]]."  

 

==Background==

==Background==

In the context of the [[Vedas]], the term ''mantra'' refers to the entire portion which contains the texts called [[Rigveda]], Yajur or Saam, that is, the metrical]] part as opposed to the prose [[Brahmana]] commentary. With the transition from [[ritual]]istic Vedic traditions to [[mysticism|mystical]] and egalitarian Hindu schools of [[Yoga]], [[Vedanta]], [[Tantra]] and [[Bhakti]], the orthodox attitude of the elite nature of mantra knowledge gave way to spiritual interpretations of mantras as a translation of the human will or desire into a form of action, with some features in common with spells in general.

In the context of the [[Vedas]], the term ''mantra'' refers to the entire portion which contains the texts called [[Rigveda]], Yajur or Saam, that is, the metrical]] part as opposed to the prose [[Brahmana]] commentary. With the transition from [[ritual]]istic Vedic traditions to [[mysticism|mystical]] and egalitarian Hindu schools of [[Yoga]], [[Vedanta]], [[Tantra]] and [[Bhakti]], the orthodox attitude of the elite nature of mantra knowledge gave way to spiritual interpretations of mantras as a translation of the human will or desire into a form of action, with some features in common with spells in general.

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===Etymology===

==Etymology==

The [[Sanskrit]] word ''mantra-'' (m. मन्त्रः, also n. मन्त्रं) consists of the [[root]] ''man-'' "to think" (also in ''manas'' "mind") and the suffix ''-tra'' meaning, tool, hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".

The [[Sanskrit]] word ''mantra-'' (m. मन्त्रः, also n. मन्त्रं) consists of the [[root]] ''man-'' "to think" (also in ''manas'' "mind") and the suffix ''-tra'' meaning, tool, hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".

Another explanation is that the suffix ''-tra'' means "protection".   

Another explanation is that the suffix ''-tra'' means "protection".   

The  Chinese translation is '''zhenyan''' 眞言, 真言, literally "true words", the Japanese on'yomi reading of the Chinese being ''shingon'' (which is also used as the proper name for the prominent esoteric Shingon sect).[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra]

The  Chinese translation is '''zhenyan''' 眞言, 真言, literally "true words", the Japanese on'yomi reading of the Chinese being ''shingon'' (which is also used as the proper name for the prominent esoteric Shingon sect).[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mantra]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]

[[Category: Anthropology]]