MANTRA:

A “mind tool,” in the form of a brief sound phrase, which harnesses and focuses the mind’s power to speak good things into your life. An encapsulated affirmation used to awaken positive energies within you that will create better experiences, and bolster and accentuate positive forces. A mantra awakens hidden or dormant divine forces, within oneself, and the universe. Using a mantra invites and permits these divine forces to assist you. And when awakened, these divine forces help you create a more abundant life.

man•tra [ mántrə ] (plural man•tras) noun

Definitions: 1. Holy word in meditation: in Hindu and Buddhist religious practice, a sacred word, chant, or sound that is repeated during meditation to facilitate spiritual power and transformation of consciousness; 2. Often repeated expression or idea: an expression or idea that is repeated, often without thinking about it, and closely associated with something [Late 18th century. < Sanskrit, "thought" < man "think"]

—Encarta Dictionary

Man (= mind) and tra (= tool). A mantra is a unique blend of syllables that create a sacred phrase. Each syllable's sound works on body, mind, and emotions in positive ways. A mantra supports concentration by becoming a focus for the mind.

Each mantra's unique sound phrase calls upon and awakens hidden or dormant divine forces, within oneself, and the universe. Using a mantra invites and permits these divine forces to assist you. And when awakened, these divine forces help you create a more abundant life.

—Stephen C. Benton

A mantra is a thought manifest in, or encapsulated by, a sacred utterance that possesses profound spiritual significance. Sound holds a key place in Hindu thought. Some writers believe that it preceded the creation of the universe, and its vibrations are thought to bind the atoms of the world. Mantras are sacred syllables that encapsulate particular forms of cosmic power (Shakti).

—India, by Richard Waterstone, 1995