Om Mani Padme Hum: The Meaning Behind the Popular Mantra

Next to OM, om mani padme hum is one of the most commonly chanted mantras in yoga.

Om mani padme hum is an ancient Buddhist mantra. In English, this rhythmic chant literally translates to “Praise to the Jewel in the Lotus.” This might not make much sense to new yoga practitioners or even to well-practiced yoga practitioners, but the mantra’s essence is powerful and pure.

Read on to discover the meaning of this powerful prayer and why yoga practitioners choose to chant it.
 

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Let’s Break Down Om Mani Padme Hum

This special yogic chant is Sanskrit, and it’s pronounced OHM-MAH-NEE-PAHD-MAY-HUM. It’s comprised of four words, and those four melodic words are all the words on many of those colorful Tibetan prayer flags.

There are a lot of different meanings and different opinions on what each syllable means. Generally, each syllable represents one of the six goals of Buddhist existence and helps heal or purify and bring forth the positive qualities associated with that goal.
 

 
 
Let’s take a look at the meaning of each word in the mantra:

• Om = the vibration or sound of the universe; represents divine energy and generosity and purifies the ego
• Ma = represents ethics and purifies jealousy
• Ni = represents patience and purifies want or desire
• Pad = represents diligence and purifies ignorance and judgment
• Me = represents concentration and purifies attachment
• Hum = the unity of all; represents wisdom and purifies hatred

Looking for more articles on mantra, check out our full library of Mindfulness articles here
 
 

Why Do Yoga Practitioners Chant Om Mani Padme Hum?

Chanting in general soothes the senses and sends energy to the parts of your body (or the chakra centers) that most need it.

Calming sounds are known to help heal the body and mind. Plus, with all the division in the world, chanting allows all voices to come together to show unity and oneness not just of the self, but of the community and world.

There are many reasons why yoga practitioners choose to chant this powerful mantra, but here are a few main benefits:

• It clears the mind, allowing you to detach from the ego
• The words help release karmas that may be holding you back
• These words can send out a message about the kind of life you wish to manifest
• It empties the body of everything but an awareness of the inside

The Takeaway Behind This Powerful Mantra

As the Dalai Lama said, the meaning of this mantra is “great and vast” because all the teachings of Buddha are wrapped up in this one phrase. Many people consider this to be the most powerful, all-encompassing chant in yoga. So don’t be afraid in your next yoga class. Give it a try and chant away!

Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum. Om mani padme hum.

Do you have any mantras that you use for purification and manifestation? We would love to hear them! Please share in the comments below – we love hearing from you!