What is the meaning of the mantra "Om mani padme hum". Translation of mantra

In Buddhism, as in many other religions, there are words and phrases that are considered main for believers and adepts, because in them the main sacred meaning is concentrated. This, 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. "O pearl (or, in other cases," jewel ") that shines in the lotus flower!" She is credited with being one of the most famous figures in Mahayana Buddhism - 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 reach nirvana until all living entities are saved. His birth is shrouded in legends. Unlike the Buddha Gautama, who is spoken of as a real man who has attained enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara appeared to his father already sixteen in the flower of a huge lotus. Therefore, the original meaning of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" has this: it symbolizes the birth of the Bodhisattva. It would seem that everything is simple. But Buddhists, as a rule, very rarely treat these words in a literal sense.

Mantra Symbolism

Very many authorities of Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) revealed in their writings the meaning and meaning of these words. First, the word "mani," that is, the 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. "Padmé," that is, the 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 speech, Tibetans and Mongols call this phrase simply "mani." So they briefly summarize its meaning. The mantra "Om mani padme hum" symbolizes the Avalokiteshwar proper, the perfection of his heavenly body, words and mind.

Interpretations of the Mantra

They are connected with the hidden sacral meaning of the ritual phrase. One of them, the most popular among the people, means that the one who accepts 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 significance. The mantra "Om mani padme hum" (the very reading and sounds of these words) helps, as the Mahayana devotees believe, to awaken the Buddha's nature asleep in every person. All the jewels of the universe shine in the heart, like a snow-white lotus, but it is only possible to see it enlightened. In addition, it is believed that this mantra should be pronounced not for its own personal welfare, but for the good of all living beings - only then it will act.

The meaning of the ritual phrase for self-improvement

Many Buddhist teachers also consider it useful to utter this mantra, that, in their opinion, it can have a beneficial effect on the psyche and consciousness of the person who repeats it. The word "om" can cope with vanity and pride. "Mani" suppresses jealousy, envy, selfishness. "Padme" is pronounced against ignorance, stupidity and greed. And "hum" calms the 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 takes at least some of the manifestations of his nature. After all, 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 prevent him from revealing to his body and mind, and also gives knowledge of the truth.

Positive sense

This "queen of mantras" in Buddhism serves not only as an instrument of self-improvement and struggle with vices. It is also capable of attracting positive qualities to a person, turning what prevents enlightenment into what it promotes. And here a huge role is played not only by words. The mantra "Om mani padme hum", the meaning of which we are considering, is also called "Six-syllable". And it's no accident. Each syllable that makes up this phrase also has a sacred meaning. So, "ohm" gives a person generosity, "ma" - gives him the opportunity to lead a right and decent life, "neither" - brings patience, "pad" - causes the ability not only to apply effort, but also to rejoice in 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 afterlife

The sacred meaning of this ritual phrase, of course, is not limited only to symbolism and help in self-improvement. She, according to the beliefs of Buddhists, gives direct practical benefit in obtaining salvation. Their religious texts assert that the utterance of this mantra saves from reincarnations in the so-called lower worlds. That is, this practice can interrupt the "circle of samsara" and lead a person out of this "vale of sorrows".

• The syllable "ohm" closes the way to the so-called world of the gods. This place is like an earthly paradise, the inhabitants of which experience various pleasures. But they are not immortal, and when their good karma ends, they may again find themselves in a circle of rebirths. But while they are well, they do not think about salvation.
• The syllable "ma" closes the doors to the world of the demigods. These creatures really want to go to heaven, and because of this constantly bicker each other. But their karma from such conflicts only worsens.
• The syllable "neither" does not allow us to be reborn in our world where people live.
• "Pad" - relieves the migration to the bodies of animals, where you can get stuck very long - for thousands of years.
• The "me" syllable does not, after death, become one of the hungry spirits that are always looking for someone to eat and have no rest.
• And "hum" gets rid of hell. From the point of view of Buddhists, this is an illusory world, but causing real suffering. People who are there, it seems that they are tortured, and it seems to them that this happens endlessly.