In this post I’ve tried to cover OM Mani Padme Hum Meaning in short as well as in simple words. The phrase OM Mani Padme Hum has Sanskrit origin and is one of the best known mantras in Buddhism. It is a mantra made up of six syllables and its meaning is associated with compassion.
This mantra is usually represented with four arms Shadakshari of Avalokiteshvara.
This mantra is related to Avalokiteshvara who is one of the most revered figures by Buddhists. As mentioned above, both the mantra and this figure represent compassion.
Some currents of Buddhism consider Avalokiteshvara as a kind of deity. And others believe that the Dalai Lama is his reincarnation.
OM Mani Padme Hum Mantra can be the subject of transliteration when used in other languages. This usually happens, commonly, when you try to translate it or use it in another language.
But it also happens from the different currents and schools of Buddhism. In the latter case it happens due to the appropriations and beliefs of each current.
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Some of the most common transliterations of this mantra are the following:
- In English the last syllable is usually changed to hung or similar terms. So the mantra in English is often used as OM Mani Padme Hung or OM Mani Padme Hum.
- In the Tibetan language the pronunciation of the syllable “pad” is changed to “pe”.
- The most common transliterations, however, are found in the different eastern variants. Thus the Chinese uses it as “ǎn má ní bā mī hōng”
- The Korean pronounces it as “eom mani panme hum”
- In Japanese it is pronounced as “on mani hatsu mei”
- Other variants are found in Vietnamese and Mongolian.
In addition to changes in its pronunciation, this mantra undergoes changes in its meaning and interpretation. This usually happens because of the way practitioners use and interpret it.
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The translation of the mantra refers to “the jewel in the lotus” and sometimes this phrase is enclosed by the mantra: OM the jewel in the lotus hum.
OM Mani Padme Hum Meaning – Short and Simple Interpretations
Some practitioners of Buddhism try to expand the interpretation of the mantra. To do this they try to break down the different syllables that compose it.
Some even point out that each syllable represents “the purification of the six kingdoms of existence”. In this way, the syllables are interpreted as follows:
- OM : It is linked to meditation and serves to purify pride and ego. It comes from the Deva kingdom, the color that represents it is white. It is the symbol of the deity of Wisdom.
- Ma : It has to do with patience and serves to purify envy and lust for entertainment. It comes from the Asura kingdom, its color is green. And the symbol that represents it is the deity of Compassion.
- Ni : It is related to discipline and serves to purify passion and desire. It is typical of the Human kingdom, its color is yellow. It is symbolized with the deity Quality and activity of the body, speech and thought.
- Pad : Related to wisdom, purifies stupidity and prejudice, It belongs to the Animal kingdom, its color is blue and its symbol is the deity Equanimity.
- Me : Appeal to generosity to purify poverty and ambition. It belongs to the kingdom of the Pretas, its color is red and its symbol is the deity of Bliss.
- Hum : Linked to diligence, it purifies hatred and aggression. It belongs to the Naraka kingdom, its color is black and its symbol is the deity Quality of Compassion.
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I’ve tried to explain the OM Mani Padme Hum meaning in short and in the most simple way. Now, after knowing and learning the OM Mani Padme Hum meaning, try to meditate on the mantra on a regular basis at least for 34 minutes and you’ll be able to live fully with compassion, joy and peace.
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