Buddhists recite mantras for various reasons--though some eschew mantras altogether.For myself, I mostly recite mantras and gathas before and during meditating. They are great tools that aid me in relaxing my body and preparing my mind and lungs to allow for the deep breathing that is so important in most forms of meditation. They unite the body, speech and mind to aid in maintaining mindfulness. As we know, It is quite difficult to maintain mindfulness during meditation if our body, speech and mind are off doing their own things.
If I find myself wandering around in my mind during meditation I usually recite the gatha:
(Breathing in) I am present, (breathing out) I am mindful. This statement of intention brings my mind back to the current moment. It is a slight "nudge" that helps remind myself why I'm sitting here with my eyes closed and my legs crossed.
The Avalokiteshvara mantra (Om Mani Padme Hung in Tibetan) of compassion related to the Bodhisattva of Compassion Avalokiteshvara, for example, is a fantastic mantra that I use. It is like a key that aids my mind in opening the locks of duality, fear, anger and other unskillful emotions that tend to block my realization of compassion and its expression. It allows me to refocus my attention and concentration upon the importance of all beings and how their peace is my peace. It empowers me by realizing that Avalokiteshvara is within me and thus I have his/her potential.
It is like a "travel size" meditation that can be easily repeated in my mind during any situation where compassion might be difficult to realize. It isn't the words that matter so much for me but the intention and energy it summons. It is the intention and energy of remembering.
I see mantras as little "tricks" that can be used to access the peace, understanding and mindfulness that one experiences during meditation--at any place and at time. They act as symbols that help us reconnect with the timeless, formlessness of Sunyata (emptiness).
I wear prayer beads (mala) to count out the mantras as something to concentrate upon when I'm out somewhere. For example when we are on vacation and are waiting our turn in line to see a particular attraction I'll count the beads. Or when we go camping or backpacking and I do not have access to my cushion and altar. Just simply wearing the beads reminds me of the great teachings of the Buddha and his energy itself.
~Peace to all beings~
