Editing Tibetan Buddhism (section)

=== Mantra ===
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 | caption1 = An elderly [[Tibet]]an woman with a [[prayer wheel]] inscribed with mantras
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 | caption2 = Visualizing mantric syllables is a common form of meditation in Tibetan Buddhism.
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The use of (mainly [[Sanskrit]]) prayer formulas, incantations or phrases called [[mantras]] (Tibetan: ''sngags'') is another widespread feature of Tibetan Buddhist practice.<ref name="Kapstein 80" /> So common is the use of mantras that [[Vajrayana]] is also sometimes called "''Mantrayāna''" (the mantra vehicle). Mantras are widely recited, chanted, written or inscribed, and visualized as part of different forms of meditation. Each mantra has symbolic meaning and will often have a connection to a particular Buddha or Bodhisattva.{{sfnp|Powers|2007|pp=23–24}} Each deity's mantra is seen as symbolizing the function, speech and power of the deity.{{sfnp|Samuel|2012|p=74}}

Tibetan Buddhist practitioners repeat mantras like [[Om mani padme hum|Om Mani Padme Hum]] in order to train the mind, and transform their thoughts in line with the divine qualities of the mantra's deity and special power.{{sfnp|Powers|2007|p=265}} Tibetan Buddhists see the etymology of the term mantra as meaning "mind protector", and mantras is seen as a way to guard the mind against negativity.<ref>{{cite book |first1=Robert E. Jr. |last1=Buswell |first2=Donald S. Jr. |last2=Lopez |title=The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism}}{{full citation needed|date=March 2024}}</ref>

According to [[Lama Zopa Rinpoche]]:<blockquote>Mantras are effective because they help keep your mind quiet and peaceful,  automatically integrating it into one-pointedness.  They make your mind receptive to very subtle vibrations and thereby heighten your perception. Their recitation eradicates gross negativities and the true nature of things can then be reflected in your mind's resulting clarity. By practising a transcendental mantra, you can in fact purify all the defiled energy of your body, speech, and mind.{{sfnp|Powers|2007|pp=266–267}}</blockquote>Mantras also serve to focus the mind as a [[samatha]] (calming) practice as well as a way to transform the mind through the symbolic meaning of the mantra. In Buddhism, it is important to have the proper intention, focus and faith when practicing mantras, if one does not, they will not work. Unlike in Hinduism, mantras are not believed to have inherent power of their own, and thus without the proper faith, intention and mental focus, they are just mere sounds.{{sfnp|Powers|2007|p=267}} Thus according to the Tibetan philosopher [[Jamgon Ju Mipham Gyatso|Jamgon Ju Mipham]]:

<blockquote>if a mantra is thought to be something ordinary and not seen for what it is, it will not be able to perform its intended function. Mantras are like non-conceptual wish-fulfilling jewels. Infusing one's being with the blessings of mantra, like the form of a moon reflected on a body of water, necessitates the presence of faith and other conditions that set the stage for the spiritual attainments of mantra. Just as the moon's reflection cannot appear without water, mantras cannot function without the presence of faith and other such factors in one's being.<ref>{{cite book |author=Jamgon Mipham |title=Luminous Essence: A Guide to the Guhyagarbha Tantra |page=147}}{{full citation needed|date=March 2024}}</ref></blockquote>

Mantras are part of the highest tantric practices in Tibetan Buddhism, such as [[Deity Yoga]] and are recited and visualized during tantric [[sadhana]]s. Thus, [[Tsongkhapa]] says that mantra "protects the mind from ordinary appearances and conceptions".<ref>{{cite book |author=Tsoṅ-kha-pa Blo-bzaṅ-grags-pa |title=Tantra in Tibet: The Great Exposition of Secret Mantra |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |year=1987 |page=47}}</ref> This is because in Tibetan Buddhist Tantric praxis, one must develop a sense that everything is divine.