In Buddhism, as in many other religions, there are words and phrases that are considered important for believers and adepts, because the main sacred meaning is concentrated in them. Such, for example, is the Indian mantra "Om mani padme hum", the meaning of which we will consider below. It is fundamental in the so-called Buddhism of the "Great Chariot," or Mahayana. Mostly this phrase, despite its Indian origin, is used in Tibet and Mongolia.
Mantra "Om mani padme hum": meaning and translation
If we turn to the literal meaning of these ritual words, then it is quite simple. “Oh, a pearl (or, in other versions, a“ jewel ”) that shines in a lotus flower!” It is attributed to one of the most famous figures in Mahayana Buddhism - the Bodhisattva of compassion. He has several names and hypostases - Avalokiteshvara and Kuan-Yin, male and female. This bodhisattva is one of the incarnations of the Buddha. He refuses to attain nirvana until all living beings are saved. His birth is shrouded in legends. Unlike Buddha Gautama, who is spoken of as a real person who has achieved enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara appeared to his father already sixteen years old in a huge lotus flower. Therefore, the original meaning of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" has this: it symbolizes the birth of a Bodhisattva. It would seem that everything is simple. But at the same time, Buddhists, as a rule, very rarely interpret these words in the literal sense.
Symbolism of the Mantra
Many authorities of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) revealed in their works the meaning and meaning of these words. Firstly, the word "mani", that is, a pearl, embodies the main moral categories of this religion - the desire for enlightenment (awakening from the illusions of this world), as well as love and compassion for living beings. "Padme", that is, a lotus, traditionally symbolizes wisdom and purity. And the word “hum”, or heart, means Buddhist orthopraxia, that is, behavior that makes it possible to come to salvation. In common parlance, Tibetans and Mongols call this phrase simply “mani”. Thus, they briefly summarize its meaning. The mantra "Om mani padme hum" also symbolizes Avalokiteshvara proper, the perfection of his heavenly body, words and mind.
Interpretations of the Mantra
They are associated with the hidden sacred meaning of the ritual phrase. One of them, the most popular among the people, means that one who takes the Buddha with all his heart will prosper, like lotuses in a pond, wealth and jewelry. But this, of course, is not the only and not entirely theological meaning. The mantra "Om mani padme hum" (the reading itself and the sounds of these words) helps, as the Mahayana adherents believe, to awaken the Buddha nature that is sleeping in every person. All the jewels of the universe shine in the heart like a snow-white lotus, but only the enlightened one can see it. In addition, it is believed that this mantra should not be pronounced not for your personal well-being, but for the benefit of all living beings - only then it will work.
The meaning of the ritual phrase for self-improvement
Many Buddhist teachers also find it useful to pronounce this mantra because, in their opinion, it can have a beneficial effect on the psyche and consciousness of the person who repeats it. The word "om" is able to cope with vanity and pride. "Mani" suppresses jealousy, envy, selfishness. Padme is pronounced against ignorance, stupidity and greed. And “hum” pacifies anger and hatred. Buddhists say that words can change a person precisely because of their hidden meaning. Since the mantra symbolizes the Bodhisattva, then, repeating it, a person thereby at least slightly accepts some of the manifestations of his nature. Indeed, for Buddhists, sounds are inseparable from the essence, which is of great importance. The mantra "Om mani padme hum", from the point of view of believers, purifies a person, removing a kind of veil of habits and emotions that interfere with his body and mind, and also gives knowledge of the truth.
Positive meaning
This "queen of mantras" in Buddhism is not only an instrument of self-improvement and the fight against vices. It is also capable of attracting positive qualities to a person, transforming what prevents enlightenment into what contributes to him. And here not only words play a huge role. The mantra "Om mani padme hum", the meaning of which we are considering, is also called the "Six-syllable". And this is no accident. Each syllable that makes up this phrase also has a sacred meaning. So, “om” gives a person generosity, “ma” - gives him the opportunity to lead a right and dignified life, “neither” - brings patience, “pad” - causes the ability not only to apply effort, but also to rejoice him, “me” - helps meditation, and “hum” develops wisdom. In addition, the six syllables of the mantra symbolize the number of hands of Avalokiteshvara, as it is often depicted in Buddhist iconography.
Mantra "Om mani padme hum": meaning and its influence in the other world
The sacred meaning of this ritual phrase, of course, is not limited only to symbolism and help in self-improvement. It, according to the beliefs of Buddhists, provides immediate practical benefits in obtaining salvation. Their religious texts state that the recitation of this mantra eliminates rebirths in the so-called lower worlds. That is, such a practice is able to break the “circle of samsara” and lead a person out of this “vale of sorrows”.
- The syllable “om” closes the path to the so-called world of the gods. This place is like an earthly paradise, whose inhabitants experience a variety of pleasures. But they are not immortal, and when their good karma ends, they may again find themselves in a circle of rebirth. But while they feel good, they do not think about salvation.
- The syllable ma closes the door to the world of the demigods. These creatures really want to go to heaven, and because of this they are constantly biting with each other. But their karma from such conflicts only worsens.
- The syllable “no” does not allow to be reborn again in our world where people live.
- "Pad" - eliminates the migration to the bodies of animals, where you can get stuck for a very long time - for thousands of years.
- The syllable “me” does not allow after death to become one of the hungry spirits who are always looking for someone to eat and have no rest.
- And "hum" saves from hell. From the point of view of Buddhists, this is an illusory world, but causing real suffering. It seems to the people who are there that they are being tortured, and it seems to them that this happens endlessly.