What Is a Mantra Chanter?
A mantra is simply a repeated word or phrase. However, in Hinduism, Buddhism and many modern spiritual practices, the word "mantra" has a more specific meaning. It is a word, phrase or sound that is repeated as a form of prayer or meditation. A mantra chanter is someone who speaks, or "chants," a mantra while praying or meditating.
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Definition
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In Sanskrit, the ancient language used in Hinduism, mantra literally means "instrument of thought," Broken down, "man" translates as "to think" (from "manas," which is "mind" in Sanskrit), and "tra" means instrument, or tool. A Sanskrit saying often quoted in reference to mantras is "Mana at trayate iti mantra," that which uplifts by constant repetition is a mantra. A mantra chanter uses a mantra either as an "instrument" to bring about what they want (like a prayer), or to relax and uplift.
Origins
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In Hinduism, the word "mantra" originally referred to a portion of the "Vedas," Sanskrit texts written in India that form the oldest part of Hindu sacred scripture. The Vedas are believed in Hinduism to have mystical potential, and words, phrases or lines from the Vedas would be (and still are) recited as mantras. In the Vedic tradition of India, a mantra chanter was any follower of Hinduism who chanted parts of the Vedas as mantras.
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Development
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Mantras are not only an essential part of the Hindu tradition. They are also a customary practice within Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. The Dalai Lama, a Buddhist religious leader, states, "Without depending upon mantra ... Buddhahood cannot be attained." This suggests that every Buddhist must also be a mantra chanter. However, while Buddhists, like Hindus, use Sanskrit mantras, they are less likely to chant parts of the Vedas. Instead, they use short sounds and words that have developed as mantras over centuries of religious practice.
Benefits
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Today, it is not necessary to belong to any religion to be a mantra chanter. Mantra chanting is used in yoga and meditation by those without any spiritual tradition. As a form of meditation, mantra chanting can concentrate your mind, relax and uplift you. Should you wish to use mantra chanting as a form of prayer or spell, there are specific mantras you can use to bring about change in your life.
Examples
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One mantra that is used by mantra chanters in Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as those from no particular spiritual tradition, is "Om." Om is believed to be the "primordial sound"--the first sound in the universe--and as such is considered very powerful. Some mantras can be used to bring about specific effects. For example, "Om Shrim Mahalakshmiyei Swaha" can be used for attracting prosperity. There are also mantras for healing, love and success.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Meditation image by Volker Schwere from Fotolia.com
