mantra

man·tra

noun \ˈmän-trə also ˈman- or ˈmən-\

: a sound, word, or phrase that is repeated by someone who is praying or meditating

: a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone's basic beliefs

Full Definition of MANTRA

:  a mystical formula of invocation or incantation (as in Hinduism); also :  watchword 2

— man·tric \-trik\ adjective

Examples of MANTRA

1. a businessman whose mantra is “bigger is better”

Origin of MANTRA

Sanskrit, sacred counsel, formula, from manyate he thinks; akin to Latin mens mind — more at mind

First Known Use: 1795

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan

Rhymes with MANTRA

contra

mantra

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred utterance (syllable, word, or verse) believed to possess mystical or spiritual power. Mantras may be spoken aloud or uttered in thought, and they may be either repeated or sounded only once. Most have no apparent verbal meaning, but they are thought to have profound significance and to serve as distillations of spiritual wisdom. Repetition of a mantra can induce a trancelike state and can lead the participant to a higher level of spiritual awareness. Widely used mantras include om in Hinduism and om mani padme hum in Tibetan Buddhism.