ॐ मणि पद्मे हूं — Word-by-Word Meaning
ॐ मणि पद्मे हूं
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ
Om
The sacred syllable — represents the practitioner's impure body, speech and mind, and also the pure body, speech and mind of a Buddha
मणि
Mani
Jewel — symbolizes compassion, love, and the altruistic intention to become enlightened for the benefit of all beings
पद्मे
Padme
Lotus — symbolizes wisdom, the understanding of impermanence and emptiness, growing pure from the mud of attachment
हूं
Hum
Indivisibility — the union of method (compassion) and wisdom, which can only be achieved through practice, not just intellect
ॐ (purifies)
Om
Purifies the veils of body — pride and ego
म (purifies)
Ma
Purifies the veils of speech — jealousy and lust for entertainment
णि (purifies)
Ni
Purifies the veils of mind — passion and desire
पद् (purifies)
Pad
Purifies the veils of conflicting emotions — ignorance and prejudice
मे (purifies)
Me
Purifies the veils of latent conditioning — poverty and possessiveness
हूं (purifies)
Hum
Purifies the veils of hatred — aggression and hatred
Complete Translation
Om Mani Padme Hum cannot be translated into a simple phrase, but its essence is: "The jewel of enlightenment is in the lotus of the heart." Each of the six syllables purifies one of the six realms of existence — pride, jealousy, desire, ignorance, greed, and anger — and corresponds to one of the six perfections: generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, concentration, and wisdom.
Origin & History
Source: Karandavyuha Sutra
Author: Revealed by Buddha Shakyamuni
Period: 4th-5th century CE (sutra composition)
According to the Karandavyuha Sutra, the Buddha taught this mantra as the essence of all compassion. It is the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva who vowed not to rest until every sentient being is freed from suffering. When his head split from the pain of witnessing endless suffering, Buddha Amitabha gave him eleven heads to see all beings, and a thousand arms to help them all. The mantra became the most chanted in Tibet after Buddhism arrived in the 7th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Om Mani Padme Hum mean?▼
It literally means 'The jewel in the lotus' but its meaning is far deeper. The six syllables represent the purification of the six negative emotions (pride, jealousy, desire, ignorance, greed, anger) and the cultivation of the six perfections (generosity, ethics, patience, diligence, concentration, wisdom).
Is Om Mani Padme Hum a Hindu or Buddhist mantra?▼
It is a Buddhist mantra, specifically from Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana). It is the mantra of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig in Tibetan), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. However, it is universal and can be chanted by anyone seeking compassion and peace.
How many times should I chant Om Mani Padme Hum?▼
There is no limit. Tibetan Buddhists chant it continuously — some accumulate millions of recitations in a lifetime. For formal practice, 108 repetitions (one mala) is standard. Even a single sincere recitation is beneficial.
Why is this mantra so popular?▼
It is the most widely chanted mantra in the world. The Dalai Lama has said it contains the essence of all Buddhist teachings. Its six syllables encompass the complete path from suffering to enlightenment through compassion and wisdom.
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