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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]]."