Mantra
मन्त्र (mantra)
A formula of sound held in the mind - an instrument that protects attention by giving it one thing to carry. Read in English
मन्त्र — मन में धारण किया गया ध्वनि-सूत्र, जो अवधान को आधार देकर उसकी रक्षा करता है।
The traditional gloss splits the word into manas (mind) and tra (instrument, protection): a mantra is a tool for the mind, and a shelter for it. Whatever else is claimed for sacred sound, this much is observable - a phrase repeated with care gives attention a handle.
A mantra is not an affirmation. Affirmations argue with the mind in its own language; a mantra sidesteps the argument. Its usefulness lies partly in not meaning very much to the discursive intellect, which eventually falls quiet for lack of anything to negotiate.
Begin unglamorously: one phrase, spoken or silent, kept through a walk or a queue or the minutes before sleep. The measure of progress is not ecstasy but the shrinking gap between remembering and returning.