mantra
/ˈmantrə
/noun
1(Originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation: a mantra is given to a trainee meditator when his teacher initiates him...
- John Lennon used Buddhist mantras in the lyrics of his music such as Across the Universe.
- I think there is no difference in Zen, propagating Buddhism, reciting mantra, and worldly jobs.
- If you are using a Siva mantra, then the mantra will bring you closer to Siva-consciousness, as the mantra is Siva as sound.
1.1A Vedic hymn: her high, sweet voice began chanting the mantra of life...
- The children have been shifted to an ashram or hermitage run by a local sage where they are being made to recite Vedic mantras and fire rituals are being performed to drive the spirits away.
- He attributes his current success in popularizing Sanskrit to his love of God and, not surprisingly, blessings derived from chanting Vedic mantras.
- Vedic mantras which are chanted should not go in vain.
1.2A statement or slogan repeated frequently: the environmental mantra that energy has for too long been too cheap...
- The statement repeated the mantra that rates are appropriate but also added inflation outlook is favourable.
- Most likely, you're filling some need to alleviate a social guilt imposed by an environmental mantra.
- By including NGO's into the daily mantras of the state media, the society is being prepared for the introduction of what we know outside China as a civil society.
Derivatives
mantric
- ‘Slow,’ ‘steady’ and ‘certain’ are your mantric keywords right now.
- A lead singer acts as cantor, while the human chain behind joins in the chorus as everyone stamps the floor rhythmically in this mantric ritual.
- But when does joyous, mantric reiteration tip over into something more sinister, or worse, monotonous?
Origin
Late 18th century: Sanskrit, literally 'a thought, thought behind speech or action', from man- 'think', related to mind.