The mantra or prayer, Om Mani Padme Hum is one of the oldest and widest used Buddhist mantras in Tibet and the world. It is the 6 syllable mantra of the Bodhissatva of compassion, known as Avalokiteshvara (sanskrit) or Chenrezig (Tibetan). The Dalai Lama is said to be an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara. The mani mantra is truly revered by his devotees. The recitation of this mantra will help achieve the perfection in the 6 practices of Buddhism from generosity to wisdom. Anyone can recite this prayer at anytime. There is no exact or simple translation but the following is a very close interpretation of its mystical energy.
“The jewel of consciousness is joined with the Heart’s Lotus.”
The lotus is the symbol of conscious immortality. It is also the symbol of the world of manifestation. As the seeds contain the plant in miniature, it is the microcosm within the macrocosm; the past, the present, and the future. The lotus rooted in the mud, rises through the water and opens in the air to receive the fire of the sun. Thus it encompasses all elements in nature. Earth, water, fire, air, and ether.
The heart is the symbol of pure love and compassion. There is nothing, not one thing, greater than love. “Love is the only freedom in the world because it so elevates the spirit that the laws of humanity and the phenomena of nature do not alter its course.”*
The meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum is infinite. It is said that all teachings of the Buddha are contained in this mantra or prayer.
The six syllables purify the 6 realms of existence in suffering.
The Six Syllables
- 1. Om - Blessed to help achieve perfection in the practice of Generosity
- 2. Ma - Blessed to perfect the practice of pure ethics
- 3. Ni - Blessed to achieve perfection in the practice of Tolerance and Patience
- 4. Pad - Blessed to achieve perfection in the practice of Perseverence
- 5. Me - Blessed to achieve perfection in Concentration
- 6. Hum - Blessed to surrender to the perfection of pure Wisdom
The path of the 6 perfections is the path walked by all Buddhas. This mystic prayer above all, refers to the indissoluble union between man and the universe. It conveys “I am in thee and thou are in me.” Each of us has within himself the jewel in the lotus or the divine self within. This mystic phrase signifies the divine kosmic self within ourselves, inspiring all within range of that cosmic divinity. When properly pronounced or changed it produces different results according to the intonation and will given to the mantra and its syllables. Not only is every syllable said to have a secret power of producing a specific result, but the whole invocation has infinite meanings.
May you embrace the Mani Mantra
Om Mani Padme Hum
Your Mantra
Your Sadhana
Your Evolution
ILLUMINATION and LOVE
Vyana
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