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Mantras Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mantras

[หˆmantrษ™ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

spiritual practice

Mantras are sacred words or phrases that are repeated or chanted during meditation or prayer. They are believed to have spiritual power and can help the practitioner focus their mind and connect with a higher power.

Synonyms

chant, incantation, prayer.

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Word Description / Examples
mantras

Often used in meditation and spiritual practices, mantras are repeated phrases or sounds believed to have psychological and spiritual power. Suitable for personal growth or mindfulness settings.

  • She repeated her mantras every morning to start the day with positivity.
  • The yoga instructor guided the class through a series of mantras.
chant

Refers to rhythmic speaking or singing of words, often in a religious or communal setting. Suitable for rituals, ceremonies, or religious gatherings.

  • The monks began their evening chant as the sun set.
  • The crowd joined in a chant of unity and peace.
incantation

Used in contexts involving magic, spells, or mystical rituals. Often carries a mystical or supernatural connotation.

  • The witch uttered an incantation to summon the spirits.
  • He discovered an ancient book filled with mysterious incantations.
prayer

Refers to a solemn request or expression of thanks addressed to a deity or higher power. Commonly used in personal or communal religious practices.

  • She knelt down and said a prayer for her family's well-being.
  • The congregation joined together for a prayer of guidance.

Examples of usage

  • Chanting mantras can help create a sense of inner peace and calm.
  • Many yogis use mantras to enhance their spiritual practice.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'mantra' comes from ancient Sanskrit, where 'man' means 'mind' and 'tra' means 'tool' โ€“ so it's a tool for the mind!
  • Mantras have been used in Hindu and Buddhist traditions for thousands of years as part of meditation and spiritual practices.
  • Early texts from the Vedic period in India describe various mantras used in rituals to invoke deities or attain spiritual goals.

Psychology

  • Repetition of mantras can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation through focused breathing.
  • Studies show that people who use mantras in meditation often report improved emotional regulation and greater feelings of well-being.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sometimes incorporates mantra-like phrases to help individuals challenge negative thoughts.

Pop Culture

  • In modern wellness culture, mantras have been embraced by celebrities, with many sharing their favorite phrases as tools for motivation.
  • Apps dedicated to meditation and mindfulness often provide users with curated mantras to enhance their practice.
  • Mantras are also used in music and art, where repetition of phrases contributes to a trance-like experience.

Literature

  • Mantras have appeared in various literary works, symbolizing the pursuit of inner peace or enlightenment.
  • Authors often repeat certain phrases throughout a story, creating a mantra-like effect that reinforces a central theme.
  • Famous poets, like Rumi, utilized repetitive language in verses to evoke deep emotional responses, echoing the essence of mantras.

Science

  • Research in neuroscience has shown that repetitive verbal or auditory stimuli, like mantras, can physically alter brain patterns, promoting calmness.
  • Studies have demonstrated that using a mantra during meditation can increase alpha wave activity in the brain, correlating with relaxed states.
  • Mantras can activate the body's relaxation response, lowering heart rates and improving overall health.

Origin of 'mantras'

The concept of mantras originated in ancient India, where they were used in various spiritual and religious practices. The word 'mantra' itself is derived from Sanskrit and is a combination of 'man,' which means 'mind,' and 'tra,' which means 'tool' or 'instrument.' Mantras have been an integral part of Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Eastern religions for centuries, and their use has spread to other parts of the world as well.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,882, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.