What is a mantra in Buddhism?

A mantra is a short sacred word or phrase that is repeated as a form of practice. The word is Sanskrit (mantra). It is often explained as "an instrument of the mind" or "that which protects the mind". Mantras are found across Indian religions. In Buddhism they are most prominent in Vajrayana, which is sometimes called the Mantrayana, but they are used in many Mahayana traditions too.

How mantras work

A mantra is not simply a phrase with a meaning to be understood. Its sound, rhythm and repetition matter. Reciting it steadies attention, rather like following the breath in meditation. Traditional teaching also holds that a mantra connects the practitioner with the qualities of an awakened being, such as compassion or wisdom.

In Vajrayana, mantra recitation is often joined with visualisation and hand gestures called mudras, so that body, speech and mind are all engaged. Many such practices are traditionally received from a teacher.

Well-known examples

• Oṃ maṇi padme hūṃ is the mantra of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. It is the most widely recited mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, carved on stones, printed on prayer flags and spun inside prayer wheels. It is often loosely rendered "the jewel in the lotus", though its meaning is explained in many ways.
• The Heart Sutra ends with a mantra, gate gate pāragate pārasaṃgate bodhi svāhā, usually understood as "gone, gone, gone beyond, gone completely beyond, awakening, so be it".
• Oṃ tāre tuttāre ture svāhā is the mantra of Tārā, a female figure of compassion and protection in Tibetan Buddhism.

Longer recitations are called dhāraṇī. One example is the Great Compassion Dhāraṇī, widely chanted in Chinese Buddhism.

Recitation in practice

People recite mantras aloud, in a whisper or silently. Many use a string of 108 beads, called a mala, to count repetitions. Some recite a mantra a set number of times each day. Others repeat it quietly while walking, working or falling asleep.

If you would like to try, you can sit comfortably, let the body settle, and recite a mantra slowly, giving your full attention to the sound. When the mind wanders, return to the next syllable.

Mantra and other chanting

Not every Buddhist chant is a mantra. Theravada chanting in Pali, for example, recites discourses and verses whose meaning is meant to be understood and reflected on. Pure Land and Nichiren practitioners chant a name or title. All of these share the use of the voice to gather the mind and turn it towards the teaching.