mantra
This term carries a dual identity, bridging the gap between ancient spiritual discipline and modern corporate or personal branding. In its original religious context, it refers to a sacred utterance believed to possess psychological or spiritual power, where the sound itself is as important as the meaning. In contemporary secular usage, it describes a simplified guiding principle or a repetitive slogan. This shift moves the word from a tool for transcendental meditation to a tool for strategic alignment or psychological reinforcement, often used to maintain focus during stressful periods or to define a company's public identity.
Meanings
A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation or as a spiritual practice in Hinduism and Buddhism.
"The monk spent hours chanting a sacred mantra to achieve a state of deep peace."
A statement or slogan repeated frequently, often to express a core belief or a guiding principle of an individual or organization.
"The company's mantra of customer first is embedded in every department's strategy."