Yesterday I learned the etymology for the Sanskrit word mantra. Man means "mind," and tra is a common suffix for "tool" or "instrument." Literally translated, therefore, mantra means an instrument of the mind. I learned this at an evening of kirtan (Sanskrit chanting). Now I understand more clearly what people are doing when they chant, in both eastern and western traditions. Cool.
Monday, April 15, 2013
meaning of mantra
Yesterday I learned the etymology for the Sanskrit word mantra. Man means "mind," and tra is a common suffix for "tool" or "instrument." Literally translated, therefore, mantra means an instrument of the mind. I learned this at an evening of kirtan (Sanskrit chanting). Now I understand more clearly what people are doing when they chant, in both eastern and western traditions. Cool.
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