Is there a Catholic version of Mantra?

[tinalewis]

I was a Hindu (Shaivite) for over 30 years and I can tell you honestly there are just as many misconceptions about Hinduism as there are misconceptions about Catholicism.

The more spiritually-minded translation of “mantra” (really, it’s “mantram” in Sanskrit) is “to cross” , as in to cross the mind, or bring to mind. Any prayer is also a “mantram”, in that it’s an appeal to God by way of thinking about Him (having him ‘cross our minds’, so to speak.)

It is also true that sounds have a special importance, in that sound correspond to their vibrations. Muscians know this, of course. Violinists are experts because they know their D string vibrates when a D is played on another instrument. That’s what devout Hindus are seeking - that if they repeat the name of God or a prayer that it will have the spiritual equivalent of harmonic resonance. But sound alone by itself isn’t what attracts a Hindu to repeat a mantram. It’s the desire to be close to God that’s the motivation.

As others have posted, the Jesus Prayer of the desert fathers is probably the closest equivalent. I especially like the one the priest suggested we repeat (holy words to cross our minds - “mantram”) for all of Advent at yesterday’s Mass: “Come, Lord Jesus”. I know I’m going to repeat these words as much as I possibly can until Christmas!

 

[grace_singh]

Christians, from many eras, have used repeated prayers to aid in remembrance of God, devotions, or to atone for sins.

“formulaic prayer” might be a good name for it. but i would caution against using this kind of prayer instead of personal prayer to the Father.

we are taught in the NT to pray to our Father simply and personally, and Christ always prayed to His Father with simple, personal words about His circumstances and on specific issues (Matthew 11:25-26, Mark 14:36, John 17).

we have the joy and privelige of calling God “Father” and knowing that He knows our needs before we do (Matthew 6:31-32).

 

[Hunho]

I was a Hindu (Shaivite) for over 30 years and I can tell you honestly there are just as many misconceptions about Hinduism as there are misconceptions about Catholicism.

The more spiritually-minded translation of “mantra” (really, it’s “mantram” in Sanskrit) is “to cross” , as in to cross the mind, or bring to mind. Any prayer is also a “mantram”, in that it’s an appeal to God by way of thinking about Him (having him ‘cross our minds’, so to speak.)

It is also true that sounds have a special importance, in that sound correspond to their vibrations. Muscians know this, of course. Violinists are experts because they know their D string vibrates when a D is played on another instrument. That’s what devout Hindus are seeking - that if they repeat the name of God or a prayer that it will have the spiritual equivalent of harmonic resonance. But sound alone by itself isn’t what attracts a Hindu to repeat a mantram. It’s the desire to be close to God that’s the motivation.

As others have posted, the Jesus Prayer of the desert fathers is probably the closest equivalent. I especially like the one the priest suggested we repeat (holy words to cross our minds - “mantram”) for all of Advent at yesterday’s Mass: “Come, Lord Jesus”. I know I’m going to repeat these words as much as I possibly can until Christmas!

Thank you tinalewis for a clear and authoritative explanation of mantra/mantram according to its original usage (in Hinduism) and for your explanation of how it relates to Catholic practices. Another phrase - group of “holy words to cross our minds” - is “Jesus, I trust in you.” However, for Advent I think I’ll go with your priest’s suggestion as being especially fitting for the season.

 

[cyberwolf001]

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