How does mantra purify past negative karma?

[rai]

So basically nobody knows.

We just hope it does work.

I read in one Ngondro manual that to understand why Vajrastava work one should study Guhyagarbha Tantra.

[Danny]

So basically nobody knows.

We just hope it does work.

I read in one Ngondro manual that to understand why Vajrastava work one should study Guhyagarbha Tantra.

Yes, but to infer nobody knows.. thats not it.
Studying the tantra is a good start.
Remember everything is “sound light and rays”.
Purification leans on what one has swallowed and “knows”
It’s not abstract.

Practice...

Regards

[Nemo]

Karma can also be understood as momentum. Mantras can add subtle positive influences to ones life. This changes ones mood and trajectory. Drinking water doesn't change your Karma of being thirsty but you are no longer dehydrated. Did the glass of water change your Karma?

[Danny]

Did the glass of water change your Karma?

Water, element...element,
Is it sound light or a ray?

[Padmist]

Okay, I will do this. How do I get started with a mantra?

Note that I do not have a teacher yet and yes I already know that I need one.

[Hazel]

Okay, I will do this. How do I get started with a mantra?

Note that I do not have a teacher yet and yes I already know that I need one.

No need to "have" a teacher . Find a local dharma center, attend their teachings (remotely), and then when it comes up or privately to the teacher (like over email), ask.

[Virgo]

So basically nobody knows.

Dependent Origination.

Virgo

[明安 Myoan]

Okay, I will do this. How do I get started with a mantra?

Note that I do not have a teacher yet and yes I already know that I need one.

Pray to the Three Jewels, Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, for inspiration, protection, and guidance.
The Three Jewels are the source of blessings, the source of true refuge, your living connection to the method of mantras.
Then just explore, trial and error

FPMT has a fine collection of mantras. Popular ones open to everyone are Amitabha, Chenrezig, Medicine Buddha, Green Tara... I like Namgyalma, too.

[Astus]

How does mantra purify past negative karma?

Since prayers and wishes are of no use (SN 42.6, AN 5.43), and one does not know what actually to purify (MN 101), nor can what has already happened be changed (SN 42.8), it is changing the present mind that really matters (AN 3.99). In other words, it is in changing the present course of thoughts where mantras can make a difference.

[Inedible]

A lot of those mantras are available on the internet as songs. If you can find one you really enjoy and spend time with it, you can get it stuck in your head just like other songs. It can start showing up at random times as a sort of pattern interrupt. This is to be encouraged and appreciated. It is like the sunlight coming through as the clouds break up, if the sunlight could take a more active role in the process.

[Danny]

Regardless of how mantras are in the public commons, the only way is to receive from a teacher of mantras. With the proper explanation etc from them.

Transmission is key. Anything else won’t work.
Don’t be fooled.

[Inedible]

Any practice will fail if you expect it to. If you pick a mantra because you are drawn to it and you value it and believe in it, at least give it a chance. There may be difficult times with it not because it isn't working, but because it is. People often drop successful practices when disturbing things arise for healing. Going for regular walks is a good way to clear your mind when that happens.

[Danny]

Mantras work to perform a certain function. All mantras are basically like that. One can know the most famous mantra in the world and think it is ok to recite.
But without the proper instruction on the mantra, one is just repeating like a parrot.
Nobody follows a parrot.

[PadmaVonSamba]

Regardless of how mantras are in the public commons, the only way is to receive from a teacher of mantras. With the proper explanation etc from them.

Transmission is key. Anything else won’t work.
Don’t be fooled.

That may be your experience or the way in the tradition you practice, but may not always be the case in every tradition.