Om Mani Padme Hum
“Om Mani Padme Hum” is the most important mantra in Buddhism. It is the six-syllable mantra of the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara.
The basic English translation of Om Mani Padme Hum is “Om Jewel in the lotus Hum” or “Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus.” However, the meaning and significance of the six syllables have been interpreted in a variety of ways. One common interpretation is that each syllable corresponds to one of the six realms of existence and purifies the vice associated with that realm:
- Om purifies bliss and pride (God Realm)
- Ma purifies jealousy and need for entertainment (Jealous God Realm)
- Ni purifies passion and desire (Human Realm)
- Pad purifies ignorance and prejudice (Animal Realm)
- Me purifies poverty and possessiveness (Hungry Ghost Realm)
- Hum purifies aggression and hatred (Hell Realm)
It has also been said that recitation of each of the syllables prevents rebirth in the corresponding realm. The first known description of the mantra appears in the Karandavyuha Sutra. In this sutra, the Buddha states: “This is the most beneficial mantra. Even I made this aspiration to all the million Buddhas and subsequently received this teaching from Buddha Amitabha.