Mantra is an incantation, a song of praise, sacrificial formula, or all these together. The word mantra, from the ancient Sanskrit language, indicates that it’s an external, vocalized instrument of the mind’s power or the power of meditation.

The Vaishnavas (followers of Vishnu and the Bhagavad Gita), recite mantras to praise Vishnu, but they also consider it to be a sacrifice to Vishnu.

Since the Vedic era 5000 years ago, mantras have been used as an essential part of sacrifice, which is the chief method for humanity to connect with the higher powers, meaning the gods and the God of gods, Vishnu.

In the current age, glorification of the Supreme has replaced most ancient forms of sacrifice, since those forms are no longer considered effective due to the imperfections of modern humanity.

The principal methods of glorification are observing festivals, singing songs of praise, and chanting mantras, both loudly and softly.

Also, the teachings of the Gita associate the process of yoga, or reuniting with the supreme, with the practice of sacrifice. Thus, mantras like om namo bhagavate vasudevaya, om namo narayanaya, and the hare krishna maha-mantra are often used as core components of yoga, especially bhakti yoga.

How does mantra relate to the environment?

One way is practical and observable. And one is more subtle, mystical.

First, the yoga practice of chanting mantras controls the senses. The mantra detaches the mind from the sense objects, frees it, and allows it to connect with the soul and the Supreme. Thus, a person whose mind is detached from sense objects has controlled greed, which is the root cause of environmental destruction.

This is an observable phenomenon. Admittedly, not all the 300 million followers of Vishnu chant mantras. However, the majority do. The general influence of the culture is such that living simply, chanting praises to Vishnu, and controlling greed are all essential aspects of life.

The second, or subtle aspect of chanting is that of reciprocation with Vishnu. Since ancient times, sacrifice has been the vehicle to connect with the gods and the God of gods, Vishnu. The more selfless the connection the more elevating. In other words, when the sacrificer desires rewards or material benefit from the higher powers, according to the Gita, that selfish perspective binds the sacrificer to the world of suffering and enjoyment.

Truly selfless sacrifice elevates individuals, communities, and societies to the point of liberation from all suffering.

Nevertheless, whether selfish or unselfish, when one sacrifices, the result is good. One controls greed, as stated above, but more important, through the practice of reciprocation, the higher powers—that is, the gods and the God of gods, Vishnu, assist humanity by ensuring that humanity’s necessities are met. This is the way to live in harmony with Nature and not exploit her.