When using mantras, should one focus on an image or concept along with the sound, or should one focus ONLY on the sound? Thanks.

you have to focus on just the mantra. but the mantra itself can be broken down into concentrating on saying that and thinking only that word but if saying and thinking that word brings you a mental picture of the mantra like of a wave or something just let it happen. you just basically wanna try and not think about any outside things or really anything at all but you can get to this faster by first getting yourself to focus on one and only one thing.

Egotism

The Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty was a national hero for his success as both a statesman and military leader. But despite his fame, power, and wealth, he considered himself a humble and devout Buddhist. Often he visited his favorite Zen master to study under him, and they seemed to get along very well. The fact that he was prime minister apparently had no effect on their relationship, which seemed to be simply one of a revered master and respectful student.
One day, during his usual visit, the Prime Minister asked the master, "Your Reverence, what is egotism according to Buddhism?" The master's face turned red, and in a very condescending and insulting tone of voice, he shot back, "What kind of stupid question is that?"

This unexpected response so shocked the Prime Minister that he became sullen and angry. The Zen master then smiled and said, "THIS, Your Excellency, is egotism."

Erm why say mantras what is your pupose behind doing that ?

i dont get brave new worlds reply

Perhaps a misspost as he seems to be defining egostism, I just ignored it although a nice little story.

i think its something to do with meditating