Om Mani Padme Hum

Q: What does Om Mani Padme Hum mean?

Literally "the jewel is in the lotus." The jewel represents the altruistic intention to become enlightened for the benefit of all beings, and the lotus represents wisdom — their union is the path to awakening.

Q: Who is this mantra associated with?

Om Mani Padme Hum is the mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

Q: How many times should I chant Om Mani Padme Hum?

108 repetitions on a mala is traditional, though it's also commonly chanted continuously throughout the day as an ongoing practice.

ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ · Buddhist tradition

The six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion — one of the most widely chanted mantras in the world.

Sanskrit and phonetics

ॐ मणि पद्मे हूँ

Phonetic: Oṁ Maṇi Padme Hūṁ

Meaning and translation

Om, the jewel in the lotus, hum. More fully: hail to the jewel — the altruistic intention to become enlightened for the sake of all beings — held within the lotus of wisdom.

Tradition

Om Mani Padme Hum belongs to the Buddhist tradition, especially prominent in Tibetan Buddhism, where it is the mantra most associated with Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the embodiment of compassion. Some contemporary practices extend it with an added invocation of the awakened mind — chanted as "Om Mani Padme Buddhaya Hum" — but the six-syllable form above is the mantra most people encounter and search for.

Symbolism

The mantra symbolizes the transformation of ordinary body, speech, and mind into the pure, awakened body, speech, and mind of a Buddha. The jewel represents bodhicitta (the wish for enlightenment for all beings); the lotus represents wisdom, blooming untouched from muddy water.

Benefits of chanting

Cultivates compassion for oneself and others
Traditionally said to purify negative karma
Calms suffering and agitation of mind
Plants the seed of recognizing one's own awakened nature

How to chant

Repetitions: 108 repetitions on a mala is traditional; many practitioners chant it continuously, informally, throughout the day.
Best time: Any time — it's one of the few mantras commonly practiced without a fixed schedule, including while walking or working.
Seated position: Sit peacefully with a straight spine, resting attention on the heart center, letting each repetition feel open and steady.

Frequently asked questions

What does Om Mani Padme Hum mean?

"The jewel is in the lotus" — the union of compassionate intention and wisdom, the path to awakening.

Who is this mantra associated with?

Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas.

How many times should I chant Om Mani Padme Hum?

108 repetitions is traditional, though continuous informal chanting throughout the day is also common.

Chant this mantra in the app

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