mantra
/ˈmæn.tɹə/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: mantras
Sense 1
Meaning · English
The hymn portions of the Vedas; any passage of these used as a prayer.
Noun
Examples
This mantra is also known as Guru Mantra or Savitri Mantra. The mention of Gayatri Mantra is found in all the four Vedas where its essence has been explained repeatedly. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the Vedic scriptures, has mentioned about […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A phrase repeated to assist concentration during meditation.
Noun
Examples
However, the five-syllable mantra is unique, for according to Kukai, it unleashes the power of emptiness already impregnated in each letter as a primeval episode of the Dharmakaya's cosmic meditation in which he created all sorts of mantras […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “mantra” mean?
The hymn portions of the Vedas; any passage of these used as a prayer.
Is “mantra” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.