Mantra yoga (Hinduism, Yoga)

In the process of unification, the use of a mantra is referred to as mantra yoga, whether in meditation, ritual recitation or chanting (bhakti yoga). [Mantra yoga]

is said in Hindu scripture to be particularly suitable to the present [kali yuga]

(iron age) as it is a simple means to attain knowledge of God - [brahmavidya]

. Repetition of mantra (in particular a single word or phrase given to an individual by his or her teacher at initiation) is referred to as [japa]

or [mantra japa]

. This repetition will be practised during meditation, but also throughout waking life, until it and its embodied truth become a permanent source of strength and inspiration. The syllables, words or sentences have a symbolic meaning, the knowledge or consideration of which may or may not be involved in the practice. The mantram may be accompanied by visualization or there may be concentration exclusively on sound. There may also be variation in the degree of repetition and the extent to which mantra are invested with cosmic or magical significance. These all depend on the school or individual to decide.

The mantram is not an end in itself but an aid on the path to meditation. Concentration on the sound replaces the continuous chatter in the mind, concentration on the symbol replaces the endless flicker of images. This brings a state of inner quiet when the mantram can be discarded as true meditation begins.