Tibetan Six-Syllable Mantra: The Sacred Om Mani Padme Hum

The Six-Syllable Mantra, also known as the Six-Syllable Dharani or Mani Dharani, is the sacred heart mantra of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism. Derived from the Sanskrit phrase “Om Mani Padme Hum”, it is transcribed into Chinese as “唵 (ōng) 嘛 (mā) 呢 (ní) 叭 (bēi) 咪 (mēi) 吽 (hōng)”. These six syllables are regarded as one of the fundamental mantras in Vajrayana Buddhism, embodying boundless wisdom and compassion.

Tibetan Characters and Pronunciation

唵 (ཨོཾ): Pronounced “om” or “aum”, representing the primordial sound of the universe and the beginning of all mantras.

嘛 (玛) (ཎ): Pronounced “ma”, symbolizing Avalokiteshvara’s boundless compassion.

呢 (ཉ): Pronounced “ni”, expressing a prayer for compassion to Avalokiteshvara.

叭 (པ): Pronounced “pa”, representing the light of wisdom.

咪 (ཤ): Pronounced “shi” or “mi”, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion in Avalokiteshvara.

吽 (ཧ): Pronounced “hong”, signifying the aspiration for all beings to attain liberation and enlightenment.

Symbolic Meanings

唵 (Om): Represents the Five Wisdoms and serves as a sacred syllable that begins most mantras.

嘛呢 (Mani): Means “jewel”, symbolizing precious treasures that purify suffering.

叭咪 (Padme): Represents the lotus, signifying purity and spiritual awakening.

吽 (Hum): Conveys invocation, requesting Avalokiteshvara’s all-knowing presence and protection.

Key Considerations

Sincere Devotion: When writing or reciting the mantra, maintain a reverent and respectful mindset toward Buddhist culture.

Cultural Sensitivity: For those unfamiliar with Tibetan script or Buddhist traditions, understanding the historical and cultural context is essential to avoid misunderstandings or disrespect.

Cultural Significance in Tibetan Society

In Tibetan regions, the Six-Syllable Mantra is omnipresent, carved on prayer wheels, murals, and stones. It reflects the profound longing for happiness, the devotion to the Buddha, and the genuine, benevolent nature of the Tibetan people. By chanting or meditating on this mantra, practitioners seek inner peace, spiritual growth, and universal compassion.

Why It Matters

The Om Mani Padme Hum is more than a mantra—it is a universal prayer for liberation, a symbol of interdependence, and a testament to the enduring spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. Whether inscribed on a prayer wheel or whispered in meditation, it carries the essence of Avalokiteshvara’s vow to relieve all sentient beings from suffering.

Let the Six-Syllable Mantra guide you toward enlightenment and universal harmony.