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Meaning & Translation
Sanskrit
ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ
Transliteration
Om Ma-ni Pad-me Hum
Deity / Quality Invoked
Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig)
Pronunciation
ohm mah-NEE pahd-MEH hung
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.
Terms in the Glossary
Words from this page, explained in our A–Z reference.