Episode 12: What is Mantra?

People often ask what a mantra is, how mantra’s are used, and whether they can be understood, or whether there is value only in repetitive recitation, or specifically in the vibrational quality of sound.  Episode 12 of our Podcast begins the conversation around mantras, with the primary purpose being to debunk some of the common misconceptions regarding mantra.  I will provide some references to works in english for those interested in reading more.

What is a mantra?  Mantra’s are a method, specifically a method of training the mind. Manas= mind, tra = tool.

* Man + tra, (Sanskrit; Devanāgarī: मन्त्र)

* Man: “to think” or “mind”

* manas (Sanskrit: मनस्, “mind”) from the root man, “to think” or “mind”

* Tra: (tool or protection)

For example, where do we commonly find Mantra’s in Buddhist literature?  The Heart Sutra is recited in many languages, and all Mahayana Buddhist traditions.  One way to begin understanding it, is to view it as the distilled essence of the Buddhist Wisdom literature.  Although short in length it not easily grasped in just a few readings.  Kukai provides some explanation of the deeper meaning by offering a glimpse of the Heart Sutra mantra’s structure, and the aspects of the Buddhist teachings referenced therein:

Gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi svaha

Kukai writes that one way of looking at the mantra is as an outline of the various paths within Buddhism:

1 gate = attainment of sravakas (sound hearers)

2 gate = attainment of pratekyabuddhas (solitary cultivators, hermit)

3 paragate = attainment of mahayana

4 parasamgate = attainment of mandala (as fully realized by Shingon)

5 bodhi svaha = ultimate realization of each of the foregoing approaches

–Yoshito Hakeda, Kukai: Major Works, p. 272 (1972)

This concept could be explained as a manner of approximating the entirety of the Buddhist path, and provides a view of mantra not commonly discussed.  Beyond a practice method, a mantra could also provide a means of study and understanding of the Buddhist teaching.  Consider an example from music, where a pneumonic may be used to aid memory, more quickly recall concepts, and act as a structure onto which other ideas and skills are built.

Compare the above example to the treble clef: EGBDF = Every Good Boy Does Fine

It has long been said within Buddhist culture that mantra recitation aids memory.  So we can see some of the same concepts and ideas from standard education overlapping Buddhist education and practice.   In terms of mantra practice in Buddhist, this is also a practice to change the mind by turning the mind toward Buddhist ideas/concepts and away from those thoughts and ideas that do not aid our cultivation.

Kukai reminds us that the Buddhist teaching isn’t something that is entirely “learned” through rational means.  Practice, experience, aren’t easily explained.  As much as we may read an instruction manual for jogging, it is always a poor substitute for the actual experience.  Reading cannot impart to use the sensation of the wind across our skin, the morning air, the breeze through the leaves of the trees we pass on our run.  Nor can reading or studying alone provide our bodies and health the same exercise benefits.  But it can help us to understand the possibilities of a runner, help instruct us on technique, theory, and guide practice.

I will leave you with another except from Kukai’s writing to ponder, this time from the Secret Key to the Heart Sutra:

A mantra is suprarational; It eliminates ignorance when meditated upon and recited. A single     word contains a thousand truths; One can realize Suchness here and now. Walk on and on until the primordial Source is penetrated. The triple world is like an inn; The One Mind is our original abode.