Mantra

mantra(sanskrit)-"awareness spell" According to traditional etymology, mantra gets its name from providing protection (trâna) for the mind (manas). A mantra can consist of a single letter, a syllable, a word, or even an entire phrase.

A mantra is a repeated many times, either verbally or in the mind. Originally these were meaningless, and were a mechanism used to prevent thought. Usage in Western society today is primarily with meaningful phrases that an individual wishes to bear in mind constantly, particularly when striving to create personal change.