The syllable ‘man’ in the word ‘Manthra’ indicates the process of probing through the mind. The syllable ‘thra’ means that which has the capacity to liberate or save. In short, ‘Manthra’ is that which saves you when your mind dwells upon it. While rites, rituals and sacrifices are performed, you should remind yourself of their nature and significance. You must repeat the Manthras to attain the goals you pray for. If you recite them mechanically without learning the meaning, they yield no fruit. You can reap the full reward, only when you recite them with the knowledge of their meaning and their significance.

-Divine Discourse,  Leela Kaivalya Vahini.

Keep your senses and the mind under rigorous control.  Be sweet and soft in your speech. - Baba