What Tibetan Buddhism says is not in reference to "mantras" in particular. He was speaking about "meditational objects" in reference to developing concentration. There can be lots of ways to focus: looking at a candle, visualizing an image such as light, Christ or Buddha or some holy being you venerate, using a mantra, chanting etc. The advice is given because many people have trouble staying with the object they're focusing on, especially if it's a complex one like an image. Michael was wise when he put together his meditation course because he chose mantra as the means of focusing and I admit that perhaps I was unwise to bring in Tibetan Buddhism which is an extremely complex subject.
However, as far as using any old word to focus on I would say, yes, of course you can do that. Certain words carry vibrations that can be very helpful. The rishis of ancient India discovered mantras through very deep states of meditation. They first felt the vibrations of a mantra and then translated that vibration into sound (words). When we use such a mantra, we are saturating our being with that vibration until eventually we reach the level at which the initial discovery by the rishi was made. If we move from mantra to mantra, we have to start from the beginning again in that process. What does happen naturally is that when we develop depth in concentration, the mantra falls away and we're left in the silence.
Of course Tibetan Buddhism is an "ism" - a particular way of looking at the mind through the lens of religion. Still, I would say that it's the Buddhists who were the first psychologists! They've studied the mind and the world of phenomena by developing extraordinary states of being. They've walked this path that we've just got our first foot on and while I'm not a Buddhist myself, I do like to listen to wisdom that others have discovered through experience. I find that I can use what I find useful and leave the rest.
Finally there's another question which I'd like to post when I have a little more time, relating to the difference between the benefits of meditational serenity - the peace that comes from one pointed concentration such as you are enjoying, Edwin, and "insight" such as is mentioned in the Meditation manual that someone posted not so long ago. Its a big subject but worth exploring!
Bhavya
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