mantra

/ˈmæntrə/

/ˈmæntrə/

Other forms: mantras

A mantra is a motivating chant, like the “I think I can, I think I can” you repeat over and over to yourself on the last stretch of every marathon you run.

A mantra is usually any repeated word or phrase, but it can also refer more specifically to a word repeated in meditation. Mantra comes from a Sanskrit word meaning a “sacred message or text, charm, spell, counsel.” The Indian spiritual leader Sri Sathya Baba said, “A pure thought from a pure heart is better than a mantra.” Meaning, a mantra is great and all, but really, pure intentions and genuine kindness mean more.

Definitions of mantra

1. noun

   (Sanskrit) literally a `sacred utterance' in Vedism; one of a collection of orally transmitted poetic hymns
   type of:

   religious text, religious writing, sacred text, sacred writing

   writing that is venerated for the worship of a deity
2. noun

   a commonly repeated word or phrase
   type of:

   catchword, motto, shibboleth, slogan

   a favorite saying of a sect or political group