Quick facts
- Origin: India, ancient
- Lineage: Across all Hindu and Buddhist tantric schools
- Primary teachers: Sanskrit lineage teachers globally
- Primary techniques: Mantra repetition (japa), Yantra meditation (visual concentration), Combined mantra + yantra practice
Where it comes from
Mantra and yantra are foundational practices across all classical tantric schools. The Sri Yantra is the most famous yantra; mantras like Om Namah Shivaya and the Gayatri Mantra are foundational.
What you actually do
Daily seated practice of mantra repetition (often with mala beads) and/or visual concentration on a yantra.
Common misconceptions
- Mantras are magic spells (they are concentration practices with subtle energetic effect)
- You need special initiation for all of them (some require initiation, many do not)
Who this is best for
- People wanting a simple, daily, seated practice
Who this is NOT for
- People wanting purely body-based work
How it shows up in Tantra Clinic programs
We do not teach mantra in our programs but recommend it for those drawn to it.
Take the free quiz to see whether this modality (or another) is matched to your specific issue.