The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is one of the most widely known mantras in Tibetan Buddhism. It's associated with the bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig in Tibetan). The mantra is believed to embody the essence of compassion and wisdom.
Here's a breakdown of its meaning according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition:
Om: Om is considered the primordial sound, representing the essence of the universe, the beginning, middle, and end of everything.
Mani: This means "jewel" in Sanskrit. In the context of the mantra, it represents the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment, which is likened to a precious jewel.
Padme: This means "lotus" in Sanskrit. The lotus is a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and the potential for spiritual growth. It symbolizes the journey from ignorance to enlightenment.
Hum: This syllable represents indivisibility. It symbolizes the union of method (compassion) and wisdom, which are essential aspects of the path to enlightenment. It also signifies the indivisibility of the practitioner from the enlightened mind of Avalokiteshvara.
Together, "Om Mani Padme Hum" can be interpreted as a call to invoke the blessings of Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, to attain enlightenment and to develop compassionate wisdom in all actions and thoughts. It is often chanted repetitively as a form of meditation and devotion, believed to purify negative karma and cultivate compassion and wisdom in the practitioner.
