Wk 158 – Buddhism – Om Mani Padme Hum
The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” is a powerful and sacred mantra in Buddhism, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. It is associated with the 3 Bodhisattvas: Bodhisattva of Compassion – Avalokiteshvara, Bodhisattva of Wisdom – Manjushri and Bodhisattva of Power – Vajrapani. It is believed to have profound benefits, for ourselves and all beings when we contemplate it’s meaning, feel the words vibrate as we recite or chant Om Mani Padme Hum.
“Om” is considered to be the primordial sound of the universe, representing the body, speech, and mind of enlightened beings.
“Mani” means jewel, symbolising the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings by cultivating compassion, wisdom and the power of peace.
“Padme” means lotus, The lotus is a powerful symbol in Buddhism, representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth leading you to understand the nature of reality, particularly the concept of emptiness and abiding in that stillness radiantly awake in recognising our true nature.
“Hum” emphasises the powerful union of wisdom and compassion. Om Mani Padme Hum
The mantra is often seen as a condensed form of the entire Buddhist path, encapsulating the essence of the teachings on wisdom and compassion.
The jewel and lotus represent the purity of the enlightened mind, while the syllables “Om” and “Hum” represent the method and wisdom aspects of the path. I encourage you to reflect on the symbolism and how it relates to your own life, within your intention of practice today. Now notice what is between you and being peaceful, serene and content right now? What life circumstances are causing dis-ease, discontentment, dissatisfaction, pain or suffering?
There is a slogan in Buddhism stating, “No mud, no lotus” is a phrase that conveys the idea that challenges and difficulties (the “mud”) are necessary for personal growth and transformation (the “lotus”). Suggesting that often, in order to achieve something beautiful or meaningful in life, one must first go through difficult or challenging experiences. Just as a lotus flower grows out of muddy waters, the idea is that the process of facing and overcoming difficulties can lead to personal discovery, resilience, and ultimately, a more positive loving outcome for ourselves and others around us.
Om Mani Padme Hum – the idea that suffering can be a catalyst for our enlightenment or awakening.
In this practice, use the mantra to emphasises the importance of embracing the challenges you face today, learning from them, and using them as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. The intention when we practice Yoga is to overcome the obstacles that keep you stuck in the core false belief that your not enough, develop compassion for the parts that hurt and attain your own awakening to the truth inside, that you can rely on.
In the Yoga Sutras it suggest to contemplate a stable mind, one uses mantra increasing the ability to concentrate and develop mindfulness, wakefulness, aware- fullness as you notice what tries to distract the mind away from the mantra and it’s meaning. The meaning anchors you to a sense of connection to the teachings of loving-kindness. This development of a compassionate heart and to cultivate altruistic actions for the benefit of all beings.
Reflect on ways you can show kindness and compassion in your own life, both towards others and yourself. Om Mani Padme Hum – Open to your heart lotus and bathe in your inner light of knowledge, wisdom and the power of love!
