Om Mani Peme Hum is the most widely used
of all Buddhist mantras. It is open to anyone who feels inspired to
practice it to develop great love and compassion. This mantra
originated in India and it is in Sanskrit. Once, Buddha Shakyamuni was
dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika, in Jeta Grove, with his
disciples. He introduced this remarkable Six-Syllable Mantra to the
assembly and said: "This is the most beneficial mantra. Even I made
this aspiration to all the million Buddhas and subsequently received
this mantra from Buddha Amitabha." The meaning of this mantra is:
Om, it is composed of three letters, A,
U, M; these symbolize the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a
Buddha and Bodhisattva.
Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the
method, great compassion and love. Just as a jewel is capable of
fulfilling the outer needs of sentient beings, similarly, love and
compassion are capable of fulfilling the inner needs of sentient
beings.
Peme, meaning lotus, symbolizes wisdom.
Just as a lotus grows from mud but is not polluted with mud,
similarly, wisdom "the supreme knowledge" is grown from ordinary mind
but not polluted with ordinary thoughts.
Hum, indicates union. The union of method
and wisdom leads to pure exalted body, speech and mind of enlightened
beings.
Thus the six syllables, Om Ma ni Pe me
Hum, mean that through the practice of a path that is a
union of love and compassion with wisdom, you can transform your
impure body, speech and mind into the pure exalted body, speech and
mind of a Buddha. The merits of reciting this Mantra are limitless and
cannot be fully described even by the Buddha. It is said that the sand
of the Ganges and the drops of water in the ocean can be counted but
not the merits from the recitation of this Mantra. This Mantra is the
great love and compassion manifestation of all the Buddhas. It helps
us to develop the love and compassion to make our life full of
meaning. Also this mantra can bring healing and can be use as a prayer
for other sentient being.
The Om Mani Peme Hum Mantra In Tibetan
Script