A mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of "creating transformation". Their use and type varies according to the school and philosophy associated with the mantra.

Mantras originated in the Vedic tradition of India, later becoming an essential part of the Hindu tradition and a customary practice within Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism. The use of mantras is now widespread throughout various spiritual movements which are based on, or off-shoots of, the practices in the earlier Eastern traditions and religions.