སྔགས། | Glossary of Terms

Literally “an instrument of thought,” it is usually a brief verbal formula used with multiple repetitions, usually beginning with oṃ and in essence a salutation to a particular deity. It can also be used as a healing spell, which is the meaning here.

Literally “an instrument of thought,” it is usually a brief verbal formula used in multiple repetitions, usually beginning with oṁ and in essence a salutation to a particular deity.

Literally “an instrument of thought,” it is usually a brief verbal formula used in multiple repetitions, usually beginning with oṁ and in essence a salutation to a particular deity.

A formula of words or syllables that are recited aloud or mentally in order to bring about a magical or soteriological effect or result. The term has been creatively etymologized to mean “that which protects (trā) the mind (man)”.

Words of power; incantation; lit. “mind-protector”; single or combined Sanskrit syllables repeated as invocations, based on the power of sound (Rigzin 98).

A syllable or phrase used in esoteric rites to invoke a deity and its power for the purposes of both worldly aims and liberation.

A spell. Although a technical term in its own right, it is also at times used interchangeably with the terms dhāraṇī and dhāraṇīmantra, vidyāmantra, etc.

See “Secret Mantra Vajrayāna.”

One of ten different kinds of verbal phrase or statement (Skt. pada) mentioned in this text.