The meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum

Om Mani Padme Hum is the most widely used among all Buddhist mantras.  It is open to anyone who feels inspired and wish to practice it to develop great loving kindness and compassion with wisdom.

This mantra originated in India and it is in Sanskrit. Once, the Lord Buddha was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika in Jeta Grove with his disciples.  He introduced this remarkable Six-Syllable Mantra to the assembly and said, "This is the most beneficial mantra."  The meaning of this mantra is:

Om, it is composed of three letters, A, U, M, these symbolize the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha and Bodhisattva.

Mani, meaning precious jewel, symbolizes the method, the great compassion and loving kindness. Just as a precious jewel is capable of fulfilling the outer needs of sentient beings, similarly the loving kindness and compassion are capable of fulfilling the inner needs of sentient beings.

Padme, meaning lotus, symbolizes wisdom. Just as lotus are grown from mud but is not polluted with mud, similarly with this analogy, wisdom "The Supreme Knowledge" are grown from an ordinary mind but are not polluted with ordinary thoughts.

Hum, indicates union. The union of method and wisdom that leads to pure exalted Body, Speech and Mind of enlightened beings.

Thus the six syllables of this mantra, Om Ma ni Pad me Hum, means that, we should practice and cultivate through this path which is a union of loving kindness and compassion with wisdom, we can transform our impure body, speech and mind into a pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha and Bodhisattva.  The merits of reciting this Mantra are limitless and cannot be fully described even by the Buddha.  It is said that the sand of the Ganges and the drops of water in the ocean can be measured but not the merits from the recitation of this Mantra.  This is the greatness and efficacious Mantra of the great loving kindness and compassion which are the manifestation of all Buddhas and Bodhisattva.  It helps us to develop the loving kindness and compassion to make our life full of meaning and to fill up the lost or gap of our inner self.  This mantra also bring healing in our mental state and physical body thus also brings benefits and happiness to other sentient beings when recites sincerely. _( )_ Om Mani Padme Hum!