Om Mani Padme Hum is a Tibetan chant that opens the heart and encourages us to face life’s challenges with more compassion and an open heart. This chant first appears in the ancient Buddhist text Mahayana Karandavuya. It is translated as “The jewel is within the lotus”. In the teachings of Buddhism, it is understood that all humans experience suffering at some point in our lives. The lotus flower symbolizes the wisdom, strength and resilience that we gain from our life experiences. The jewel represents compassion. If we can stay open hearted, despite suffering, the jewel of compassion is revealed. The mantra reminds us to acknowledge our own suffering and use it to inspire more compassion for ourselves and for others.
OM- the sound of the creation
Mani- jewel, the intention to become enlightened
Padme- lotus flower, a symbol of beauty that that grows from muddy water
Hum- that which is immovable or indivisible
Om Mani Padme Hum can be practiced as part of a japa meditation, using mala beads and repeating the mantra silently or out loud 108 times. Envision a golden seed of light at your heart center and imagine that the chanting nourishes this seed. It is powerful way to calm the mind and encourage an open heart. The lotus flower is a symbol of wisdom, beauty and strength and the ability to grow from the difficulties of life. You may have heard the phrase “No mud, no lotus” by Ticht Nacht Han. It is by overcoming adversities, facing challenges with an open heart that we grow and become more compassionate and beautiful just like the lotus flower. The lotus flower does not grow inspite of the mud, it grows because of it.
You can practice this mantra meditation on your own or follow along to music. One of my favorite versions is HERE