Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ
Transliteration
Om Ma-ni Pad-me Hum
Pronunciation
ohm mah-NEE pahd-MEH hung
Deity / Quality Invoked
Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig)
Full Translation
Om Mani Padme Hum is the most widely recited mantra in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Each of the six syllables is said to purify a realm of suffering and cultivate a quality of awakening.
Spiritual Significance
This mantra is said to contain the essence of all the Buddha's teachings. Reciting it purifies negativity, cultivates compassion, and moves the practitioner toward liberation. It is the mantra of Avalokiteshvara — the embodiment of all Buddhas' compassion.
Cultural Context & History
Central to Tibetan Buddhist practice, this mantra is inscribed on prayer wheels, prayer flags, and mountain stones across the Himalayas. It is recited millions of times daily by practitioners around the world.
For Leaders
Chords and structure for leading this chant on harmonium or guitar — transcribed from the linked recording. New to leading? Read our guide to leading kirtan →
Original key
Em
Tempo & feel
Very slow and even (~55 bpm); a walking meditation in sound
Chord Chart
Strumming & rhythm (4/4)
D = downstrum, U = upstrum, · = let it ring. slow turning of the wheel: one down, one soft answer; endless, even cycles.
Drone — one chord throughout
Call & Response Structure
Traditionally recited more than sung, so keep it minimal: a single Em (or a bare E–B drone on the harmonium or shruti box) under a stepwise melody. Rather than call-and-response, everyone chants together in a continuous river of sound.
Terms in the Glossary
Words from this page, explained in our A–Z reference.