Transcendental Meditation (TM) traditionally uses specific mantras – soothing, neutral sound-words repeated silently – as a “vehicle” to settle the mind.
These sounds carry no explicit meaning, which helps the mind focus on the gentle vibration rather than on ideas or language
The result is a calming, non-stimulating focus that allows you to drift into a quieter state of awareness.
This guide provides a list of general-purpose mantras (e.g. shirim) that reflect TM mantra characteristics, along with tips on choosing one and using it in your own meditation.
Remember, the effectiveness of a mantra comes from its sound quality and repetition, not any inherent meaning.
Examples of General-Purpose Mantras (with Pronunciation & Rationale)
Below are some sample mantras you can use for self-guided meditation.
These examples are not official TM-assigned mantras (in official TM, a personal mantra is given by a certified teacher, but they can serve a similar function for self-learners looking to practice a TM-style meditation.
Each is a neutral, soothing sound similar in style to those used in TM.
Beside each mantra is a phonetic guide for pronunciation and an explanation of why it fits the TM-style criteria.
The key is that you find the sound agreeable and can repeat it comfortably.
If one of them doesn’t feel quite right (too sharp, or your mind keeps attaching something to it), try another from the list.
The goal is a mantra that you can think without excitement or distraction, almost like a lullaby for the mind.
Shirim (pronounced “SHEE-rim”)
Two gentle syllables: “shi” has a soft sh- sound, and “-rim” ends in a light hum.
Why it’s suitable:
Shirim has no meaning in English and no strong emotional associations.
The smooth “shi” sound and the resonant -im ending make it calming and easy to repeat.
Its soft consonants won’t jar your attention, helping the mantra remain non-stimulating and allowing your mind to drift toward quietude.
Kirim (pronounced “KEE-rim”)
A similar structure with a different initial sound.
Why it’s suitable:
Kirim is a simple, rhythmic sound that doesn’t form any familiar word.
The “ki-” is a clean, light sound, and the “-rim” (with that gentle m resonance) gives it a soothing vibration.
It’s short, has soft vowels, and carries no obvious meaning, which makes it an effective neutral focus for the mind.
Enga (pronounced “ENG-gah”, like “eng” in “engage” + “gah”)
A two-syllable mantra with an open vowel ending.
Why it’s suitable:
Enga is easy to mentally elongate – the “eng” can naturally stretch into a humming sound, and “-gah” ends softly.
It doesn’t correspond to a common word, and its balanced vowel-consonant pattern is gentle.
The sound has a calming cadence that can help settle mental activity without provoking any imagery or language.
Iem (pronounced “EE-ehm” or simply “EE-em”)
A short, vowel-led sound.
Why it’s suitable:
Starting with a long “ee” sound gives this mantra a pure, clear tone, and the -m ending provides a quiet nasal vibration.
Iem is essentially just a soft sound with no definition. Its simplicity makes it feel natural to repeat inwardly.
Because it’s just a vague syllable, it’s non-stimulating – your mind is less likely to wander to thoughts or memories when hearing this neutral tone internally.
Shama (pronounced “SHAH-mah”)
Two open syllables.
Why it’s suitable:
Shama has a very soft presence – “sha” is a hush-like sound, and “-ma” ends in a relaxed open vowel.
While shama in some languages can have meanings (for instance, “equanimity” in Sanskrit), it’s not a common
English word, so to most self-practitioners it will register simply as a pleasant sound.
The mantra’s round, open “ah” vowels create a soothing effect, and there are no hard consonants to snag your attention. It’s an easy, pacifying sound to loop in the mind.
What Makes a Good TM-Style Mantra?
TM-style mantras are chosen for their pleasant sound and lack of meaning.
In the TM technique, mantras are typically meaningless sounds, valued for the soothing vibration they produce rather than any linguistic content.
This is intentional – if the word had a literal meaning (an object, emotion, or idea), your mind would tend to get caught up in those associations.
By using a neutral syllable or word, you avoid triggering active thinking and allow the mind to relax into a quieter state.
Key characteristics of TM-like mantras:
- Non-Meaningful: The sound doesn’t translate into an English word or a familiar concept. This prevents intellectual engagement or emotional reaction to the word.
For example, TM teachers do not use everyday words like “love” or “peace” as mantras, but rather simple Sanskrit-derived sounds without direct translation. - Simple and Soothing: Most are short (one or two syllables) with soft vowel sounds and maybe a gentle consonant.
They often end in open vowel sounds (aorah) or nasal sounds (morng) that can be hummed mentally, creating a calming resonance.
It’s best to keep the mantra short and sweet, because a longer or complex phrase might draw your mind into focusing on the phrase itself or its meaning. - Easy to Repeat Mentally: The mantra should roll easily in your mind without effort.
There’s no need for clear enunciation in your head or any particular rhythm, just a natural, effortless repetition.
A soft, flowing sound will be easier to stick with without straining or concentrating hard.
TM practice famously requires no forceful concentration or control – you simply let the mantra repeat gently, which makes it very beginner-friendly.
In essence, a good TM-style mantra is a bland, gentle sound – bland in that it doesn’t evoke anything specific, and gentle in how it sounds and feels.
This neutrality and softness allow it to act as a vehicle for the mind to settle down.
