Buddha’s Lamp Chapter 1 In search of the unknown Sound plays a vital role in the life of human beings. The power of sound is unimaginable. All languages need sound. Mantras and sound are closely related. Mantra is a Sanskrit word comprised of the root words ‘manas’ which means mind/to-think, and ‘tra’ meaning vehicle. So a mantra is a “mind-vehicle” or a way to transport us beyond our thoughts. Some of the mantras have remarkable illuminated sounds in it. These are the mantras that subdue the spirits. The elite ones in these mantras are some Buddhist monks!”