Understanding the meaning of the name can show us the purpose of mantra practice.

The first part of the term – Man, corresponds to the root of the term – Manas – from Sanskrit, which means mind.

The term –Tra has several meanings. In this context, it is interpreted as protection or weaving.

From the meaning of the term, it is understood that mantra is a power that orders and protects the mind.

Yana means path leading to a goal. It refers to a set of methods of using the power of the mantra.

Authentic mantra practice restructures and clears the mind so that it can access “noble” states of consciousness where it can know subtle aspects of reality.

In terms of understanding the Mantra-Yana path, the first and most important thing is that speech is considered the organ of action in most Eastern spiritual traditions. As such, the product of speech, – the word – can be endowed with creative power.

We must know that the spoken word only becomes a mantra if it is endowed with the power of a being who, on the path of perfection, has accomplished important achievements.

In the Hindu tradition as well as in the Buddhist tradition – the power of the word is very well-known and used. In Hinduism, it is known as Mantra Sakti. It is also important to remember that the word and the spiritual power are two independent aspects. The word can be considered the carrier of the spiritual energy of a realized Guru.

The following quote expresses this idea well:

“The formulas that the ignorant recite,

they are not even close to mantras.

Without the indestructible potentiality

which is in the mouth of a Guru,

– who can endow mantras with soul and power –

they are useless, like clouds that give no rain.”

Sutra-Vimarsini

Real mantra practice begins with the transmission of the force of consciousness from the Master to the disciple. This transmission is called “empowerment” which means listening to the mantra uttered from the mouth of the Master and at the same time perceiving the state of consciousness he manifests during the utterance.

If we have received empowerment from the Master to perform a spiritual practice with a certain mantra, by repeating the mantra each time we will generate the specific spiritual energy and re-access the state of consciousness that we perceived in the presence of our Master. Practicing in this way also develops in us the qualities of the enlightened mind.

Mantra-Yana practice provides multiple benefits; – depending on the power of the recited mantra – it has a beneficial effect on health, protects against unfavorable influences, and develops spiritual intelligence.

In the process of elevating our consciousness, the authentic mantra is invaluable.