The Vedas were perhaps the earliest texts which
sampled the mantras as part of their writing style. If literally
translated the term mantra would mean an "implement of thought".
The term mantra is derived from the Sanskrit root 'man' or 'manas'
meaning the mind and suffixed by the root 'tra' meaning tool. A mantra
is usually a religious or spiritual syllable or poem, not necessarily
adhering to the rules of grammar. These mantras provide one with a
spiritual discourse and are chanted in a unique way. A mantra is
generally used for paying obeisance to the respective lord it is
dedicated to, and sometimes it is just meant for spiritual enhancement.
Its use and way of utterance hence differs according to the school of
philosophy and religion it belongs to
A mantra is a powerful and energy producing sound. A mantra is used in
religious rituals or chanted in a particular context, producing patterns
of vibrations. It is imperative to chant a mantra with correct
pronunciations to have a positive effect. Incorrect chanting of a mantra
can boomerang and may result in some unhappy situation. A mere chanting
of a mantra without knowing its meaning also serves no good, it is just
like a body without a soul. The Sanskrit mantras if uttered with proper
knowledge of their meaning can work wonders for one's fortune and
spiritual enlightenment.
A mantra makes a Sadhak reflect upon his actions as well as over the
meaning of the syllables which provide one with great amount of
knowledge and wisdom. While meditating if one chants a mantra initially
loudly and gradually to himself, this has a magical effect on the sadhak
and takes him to a different spiritual plane. The mantras are often
referred by scholars as sound symbols which when ever chanted give you a
special energy that cannot be experienced otherwise.
The most common mantra in Hinduism is the 'Gayatri Mantra', also called
the mother of all mantras. The mantra is a simple prayer to the lord to
remove our ignorance and illuminate our minds with knowledge and
intellect. The syllable or mantra which is used in most of the mantras
and is deeply sacred to the Hindus is 'Om' or 'pranava' mantra. The
ancient repository of knowledge - the Vedas are read only after one
chants the sacred mantra 'Om'. The pranava mantra is used in almost all
prayers recited for Hindu worship and hence occupies the supreme
position in remembering the formless and nameless god.