Om Mani Padme Hum

What Does Om Mani Padme Hum Mean?

Om Mani Padme Hum is a powerful Buddhist mantra that invokes the blessings of the Divine whether the mantra is chanted aloud, recited within, written down or viewed in the written form. Om is believed to be the sound of universal creation, mani means "jewel," padme refers to the sacred lotus flower, and hum means "the spirit of enlightenment." The exact meaning of the mantra cannot be easily conveyed in a few sentences as the mantra is the essence of the entire teachings of Buddha.

The mantra is the path of perfection and the path of Buddha. Practicing the mantra helps transform the impure body, mind and speech to pure body, mind and speech, which is the state of Buddha.

Yogapedia Explains Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum is believed to invoke Avalokiteshvara, the protector from danger and the representation of compassion. The mantra can be recited by anyone who treads the path of love and compassion. Spinning a prayer wheel with this mantra inscribed is believed to be as beneficial as chanting the mantra.

While chanting the mantra, the focus should be on its meaning, which can be generally thought of as follows:

Om (or Aum), the cosmic sound, contains three letters – A, U and M – which symbolize the impure body, mind and speech of those who chant the mantra as well as the exalted body of Buddha, his mind and speech.

Mani is a representation of the intention of the practitioner to achieve superior levels of compassion and enlightenment. It is capable of fulfilling one's worldly and inner needs.

Padme symbolizes wisdom. Wisdom leads to realizing one's inner self by aiding in achieving perseverance, focus and perfection.

Hum helps to perfect the practice of wisdom.