Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c8.10

c8.10

‘*Mantra*.’ Yāska [*Nirukta*, vii, 3, 6] derives the word *Mantra* from *manana*, "thinking," so that it means an "instrument of thought", speech, sacred text addressed to a deity. Yāska [*Ib.*, vii, 1, 1] further defines *Mantra* to mean the words employed by Ṛishis in praise of the Gods for fulfilment of those desires (*artha*) which are in their gift (*arthāpatyam*). Thus the Mantras are meant to be recited for the performance of worship in the form of what is called a *Yajña* or sacrifice. The entire Mantra portion of the Veda derives its usefulness from its practical application at the performance of sacrifices (*prayogasamavedārthasmārakā mantrāḥ*).