（1） Literally， "true word，" an expression of reality. （2） A mantra， or a short dha^ran!i^. A mystical utterance that contains the power to bring about spiritual or temporal results. Originally in Brahmanistic Indian religion， a syllable， word， or verse that was revealed to a seer while in meditation. Transcribed into Chinese as 曼怛罗， and variously translated as 陀罗尼、咒、明、神咒、密言、密语、密号. （3） A reference to the True Word sect 真言宗 of East Asian Buddhism.