In ancient India, Mantras were practiced under the religion which consistently practiced
through out Pre-sectarian Buddhism and Early Buddhist Schools period and gradually it
developed with different dimension. When it comes to Early Mahāyāna, it further developed
as Dhāraṇī which is different dimension.
The principle of Mantra Dhāraṇī practice is as follows:
Firstly through Sutras of Early Buddhist School, it can be confirmed that Mantras are
one kinds of esoteric principle for escaping disaster and provoking deity.
Secondly, through Mahāyāna Sutras, expiation of unwholesome deeds did in passed life
and emerging from Wheels of Samsāra relying on Buddha's Puṇyaprabhāva.
Thirdly, It can be found in the principle of attainment of Buddhahood during lifetime
which is intensively taught by Vajrayāna after Mahāyāna.
Through the practice of Mantra Dhāraṇī, practitioners have a change of mind and body,
human relations, and the mystical experience etc and experience in the changes of the
world that Buddhism provide is accepted as a reality of existence beyond the cognitive
dimension is to present the Buddhist worldview. But if you reveal the magnetic sphere to
reach only the merits of Mantra practice and ever forget the fundamental Buddhist purpose
of attaining enlightenment then the true meaning contained in the mantra Dhāraṇī practice
would be lost. So while chanting the Mantra Dhāraṇī one should put on mind about the
spirit of Mahāyāna Buddhism which is "First attain Enlightenment, then Save all sentient
beings."