The International Centre
The World Community
for Christian Meditation
St. Mark's, Myddelton Square
London EC1R 1XX
England, UK
International Office:
+44 20 7278 2070
Email: welcome@wccm.org

Q. Why do we use a mantra? What is the role of the mantra and how do I choose one?

A. The purpose of the mantra is threefold: first, it helps to deal with distractions. The mind needs a point of focus, something for it to be absorbed in so distractions can be ignored. Secondly, it leads to a condition of simplicity. Thirdly and most importantly for us who meditate as Christians, the saying of the mantra is an expression of faith in Christ who lives in our hearts. The mantra is chosen with care. It is an expression of our faith. Meditation is Christian because of the faith of the person meditating. The mantra is our expression of this. While it is acceptable to choose your own mantra, in the ideal a teacher gives the student a mantra. The Spirit is the inner teacher, so the inner teacher can inspire a self-chosen mantra. The mantra that Fr John recommended is the word MARANATHA. It is an Aramaic word, the language Jesus spoke. It means Come Lord Jesus or the Lord comes. As it is not in our own language it does not have any thoughts attached to it and does not encourage us to think. It is a balanced rhythmic word, with the long a sound. It fits well with the rhythm of the breath and it is one of the oldest Christian prayers. Abba or the name of Jesus or the Jesus prayer or part of it or any short phrase of Scripture can be used as a mantra. The 'formula' that John Cassian recommended was the phrase. '0 God come to my aid, 0 Lord make haste to help me'. Choosing your word is important. Once you have chosen it is important, in this tradition, to always stay with the same word. Thus it becomes rooted in the heart and becomes a way to praying always.



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