Changes

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.