In the yoga context, it is common for gurus to give multiple origins of a specific word in order to 'dig' a deep meaning.
For example, let us take the word मन्त्र.
Here is a first explanation from Wikipedia: The Sanskrit word mantra- (m.; also n. mantram) consists of the root man- "to think" (also in manas "mind") and the suffix -tra, designating tools or instruments, hence a literal translation would be "instrument of thought".
I found an alternate explanation at this page: http://www.visiblemantra.org/etymology-of-mantra.html
Traditional Etymology.
One folk etymology of mantra is it is that which saves (trā- "to save, rescue") the one "who, in thought, formulates it and meditates upon it" (man-). [Gonda : 248]
My question is NOT about this specific word but rather whether it's possible, in linguistics, for a word to have multiple origins each being valid?
I tend to think only one must be right or, at least, one has to be better and more accurate than the others.
Edit by author: fixed spelling of Sanskrit word based on good answer by zwiebel.