Significance of Secret mantra

Secret mantra in Buddhism encompasses various specialized phrases and practices that aid in spiritual enlightenment and empowerment. It includes esoteric sounds used in meditation, teachings requiring specific knowledge, and sacred phrases integral to tantric rituals. These mantras possess profound spiritual significance, believed to invoke transformation and facilitate deeper understanding. They are reserved for advanced practitioners and maintained by masters, emphasizing their powerful and hidden nature as essential tools for realizing one's connection to Buddhahood and overcoming desires.

Synonyms: Sacred chant, Sacred formula

In Dutch: Geheime mantra; In Finnish: Salainen mantra; In Spanish: Mantra secreto; In German: Geheimes Mantra

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Secret mantra'

Buddhism Books

The Secret mantra in Buddhism encompasses sacred phrases and sounds integral to spiritual practices, facilitating transformation, empowerment, and deeper understanding. These esoteric expressions aid in achieving insight and enlightenment, reserved primarily for advanced teachings.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

(1) A form of teaching in tantra that aids practitioners in realizing their intrinsic nature as connected with buddhahood.[1] (2) The stage or skillful means used by individuals unable to abandon desires, focusing on a more secretive approach.[2] (3) A practice or system within Buddhism that is maintained by certain masters and relates to the inner Sangha.[3] (4) A specific spiritual practice within the tradition that emphasizes the importance of maintaining empowerments and vows.[4] (5) A specialized aspect of spiritual practice that utilizes profound techniques to expedite the attainment of enlightenment.[5]

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

(1) A spiritual practice involving a hidden sound or phrase used for meditation and realization.[6]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Secret mantra'

Hinduism Books

Secret mantra in Hinduism involves esoteric practices and powerful incantations that invoke divine energies, enable supreme results, and are recited during rituals. These sacred sounds are confidentially taught to select individuals for their mystical potency.

Significance in Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa):
Pancaratra Books

(1) Special phrases or sounds associated with the use of mudras, believed to possess mystical powers and thus must be kept confidential.[7]

Pancaratra represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

(1) Sacred sounds or phrases recited during meditation or rituals for spiritual purposes.[8]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

The concept of Secret mantra in local and regional sources

History Books

Secret mantras serve as a plot device in magical realism, emphasizing themes of belief, transformation, and the unknown, which enrich the narrative and deepen the exploration of its characters and their experiences.

Significance in India history and geography:

(1) A plot device involving magical realism, highlighting themes of belief, transformation, and the unknown in the narrative.[9]

Plural form: Secret mantras.