mantra ［真言］ (;  shingon): A formula consisting of secret words or syllables said to embody mysterious powers. Mantra was rendered into Chinese as “true word.” True Word ( Shingon) later became the name of an influential school of Esoteric Buddhism in Japan. Mantras are employed in the practice and ritual of Esoteric Buddhism, where they are believed to help achieve union with Mahāvairochana Buddha. Esoteric Buddhism views them as the distillation of Buddhist truth.