What's the Difference

In the world of personal growth and spiritual practice, you’ve probably heard the words mantra, affirmation, and intention used interchangeably. But are they really the same thing? Not quite. Each serves a different purpose on your journey whether you're trying to raise your vibration, shift your mindset, or align with your soul’s path. In this post, we’ll break down the true meaning of each and help you discover how to use them with clarity and power.

What Is the Difference Between a Mantra and an Intention?

Let’s start here, because this is where most people feel confused.

A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase that’s repeated to help focus the mind, connect to higher consciousness, or activate a specific energy. Mantras are often rooted in ancient traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism. One of the most well-known is “Om,” which is believed to be the sound of the universe.

An intention, on the other hand, is a purposeful thought or desire. It’s the energetic direction you give to your day, your practice, or your life. Setting an intention is like programming your internal GPS toward a specific outcome, be it peace, love, healing, or clarity.

Think of it this way: A mantra is the tool. An intention is the target.

You might chant a mantra like “So Hum” (which means “I am that”) to help you align with your intention of embodying your higher self.

Are Mantras and Affirmations the Same Thing?

Not exactly. While they both involve repetition, the origin, energy, and purpose of mantras and affirmations differ.

Mantras are often in Sanskrit or other sacred languages and carry vibrational frequency beyond just meaning. They are a frequency medicine designed to shift your state, awaken chakras, or deepen your meditation practice.

Affirmations, by contrast, are positive statements in your own language (often English) that help shift limiting beliefs. Think:

I am worthy of love.
Abundance flows to me with ease.

While affirmations work on your mindset, mantras work on your energy field and consciousness.

What Is the Difference Between Affirmation and Intention?

An affirmation is a statement you repeat to rewire your subconscious mind. It’s like planting a seed of belief and nurturing it through repetition. Affirmations are often used to counteract negative self-talk and create new mental patterns.

An intention isn’t something you necessarily repeat. It’s something you set, a guiding principle or focus that informs your actions, thoughts, and energy. It’s less about language and more about energetic alignment.

Affirmation = “I am confident in my voice.”
Intention = “I want to show up fully and speak my truth today.”

They can work together beautifully. You set the intention, and you support it with affirmations.

What Are the Three Types of Mantras?

In traditional mantra practice, there are three main types. Each has a different purpose and energy:

Bija Mantras (Seed Mantras). These are short, potent sounds that activate specific energies or chakras. Examples include “Lam” (root chakra) or “Om” (universal consciousness). They don’t have a direct translation, it's all about the vibration.
Sagun Mantras (With Form) These mantras invoke a specific deity or divine quality. For example, “Om Namah Shivaya” honors Lord Shiva and invites transformation. These mantras often carry devotion and are used for connecting with specific energies.
Nirgun Mantras (Without Form)
These are abstract and universal. They don't refer to a specific god or form, but rather to the infinite. “So Hum” (“I am that”) or simply chanting “Om” are examples. These are often used in deep meditation and spiritual expansion.
Each type of mantra works at a different level of consciousness. Choosing one depends on your intention (see how they’re connected?) and what kind of support or shift you’re seeking.

**Get access to this meditation and the new monthly meditation drops in 2025 by joining Ritual!**

Dive Deeper into Your spiritual practice

Are you ready to dive deeper into your spiritual practice? Ritual was crated for you. Ritual is not just a guide; it’s a compass that gently navigates you through the labyrinth of your soul. Each day, you’ll receive carefully curated content designed to instill a sense of purpose, tranquility, and self-awareness. You start with a 21-day commitment to (re) discover your spiritual practice, followed by a bonus meditation dropped each month in 2025. One-time payment with lifetime access! Learn More Here.

Bringing It All Together in Your Practice

If you're still wondering how all of this fits together, here's a simple way to think about it:

Start with an intention. What do you want to feel, embody, or experience today?
Choose a mantra or affirmation to support that intention. If you want deep peace, your intention might be “to feel grounded,” and your mantra could be “Om Shanti” (peace). Or your affirmation might be, “I am calm and centered.”
Repeat with purpose. Whether it’s a sacred mantra or a personal affirmation, repetition helps you stay aligned with your intention and build inner momentum.

Final Thoughts

Mantras, affirmations, and intentions are each powerful on their own—but when used together, they create a sacred trifecta. You align your energy (intention), rewire your beliefs (affirmation), and elevate your vibration (mantra).

So next time you sit down to meditate or set your day in motion, ask yourself:

What is my intention?
What mantra or affirmation will support it?
How can I embody it in everything I do?

When you align your words, your thoughts, and your energy, transformation becomes inevitable.

MY Favorite Places to purchase items to add to your meditation practice.

Crystals, click here.
Essential Oils, click here. Use code: jennyshanks to get 10% off your order or 15% off your order of $100 or more.
Herbal Teas, click here.
Ceremonial Cacao, click here. Use code: JENNY52511 to get 10% off.

Make sure to tag me on Instagram @spiritual_medium_jenny or Facebook in our Be The Light group!

Mantras, Affirmations, and Intentions