Are Mantras and Intention Setting the Same in Yoga?

While mantras and intention setting are both valuable tools used in yoga practice, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help deepen your practice and make it more meaningful. Let’s explore how they differ and how they work together.

What Is Intention Setting?

Intention setting is about choosing a purpose or guiding idea for your practice. It’s a conscious decision to focus on a particular quality or goal, such as cultivating patience, gratitude, strength, or compassion. Think of it as setting a mental or emotional roadmap before you begin... something that helps you deepen awareness and connect with your practice on a meaningful level. Your intention acts as a compass, guiding your movements and mindset throughout your session.

What Are Mantras?

Mantras are specific sounds, words, or phrases repeated during meditation or yoga practice. They serve as a focal point to calm the mind, anchor your attention, and sometimes invoke certain energies or qualities. Unlike intention setting, which is about *what* you want to cultivate, mantras are *how* you maintain focus. They help you stay present, deepen concentration, and can even vibrate with positive energy that aligns with your practice or intention.

How Do They Differ?

How Do They Complement Each Other?

Often, intention setting and mantra practice work hand-in-hand. You might choose the intention, “inner peace” and then select a mantra, like “Shanti,” to reinforce that focus during your session. Your intention guides your choice of mantra, and the mantra helps keep you connected to that purpose as you move through your practice.

Final Thoughts

Both intention setting and mantra repetition are powerful tools that support mindfulness, clarity, and inner growth especially in yoga. By understanding their differences and how they complement each other, you can craft a more purposeful and transformative practice. Whether you’re seeking calm, strength, or insight, integrating both can elevate your yoga journey to new heights.

Happy practicing!

Namaste.

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Explore the power of journaling, pranayama, meditation, guided meditations and audio practices in our 10 Days to Mindfulness online course. Use coupon code BLOG15 at checkout to receive 15% off.

Listen to more about mantras in our series Healing Trauma through Art on the Personal Shaman Podcast, to reset your body and mind. And if you're in or near Oklahoma City, come to the next class, Release and Reset Yoga Class focused on Trauma & Fascia Release with Yoga Nidra (NSDR) at Cosmic Shakti House in Moore, Oklahoma.

Until next time,

Polly Behringer

Holistic Modalities Specialist