om gate gate paragate parasamgate bodhi soha
When I have encountered Buddhist practitioners reciting this mantra, it has always been recited very fast and as with om ah hung, it is typically undertaken 108 times. This is the mantra that is reputed to have been uttered by the Buddha himself and is recorded in the Heart Sutra. It translates quite beautifully as: gone...gone...gone beyond...gone beyond the beyond...hail to the one who awakens.
om mani padme hum
This is another mantra to be recited quickly with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. It is the most recited mantra in the world, a favourite in both Hindu and Tibetan traditions. In the Tibetan lineages, it is known as the mantra of Chenrezig, the Buddha of compassion. Its six syllables prevent unfortunate rebirths in the six lower realms or lokas which include the realms of the devas (gods), asuras (titans), humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell. The Tibetan Book of the Dead encourages one to recite this mantra often to prepare oneself for the transition into the state of consciousness known as the bardo of death enabling one to fully embrace the Dharmakaya, the fundamental clear light of emptiness.
om shanti shanti shanti-hee and/or amen amen amen
This is an exquisitely appropriate coupling of two famous mantra to conclude a session of chanting. Shanti is a Sanskrit word for peace and I have often heard Hindu masters and yoga teachers in India conclude their practice with a very conscious recitation of this mantra. It is interesting how the word amen resembles aum could it be that the two stem from the same origin?
When I have encountered Buddhist practitioners reciting this mantra, it has always been recited very fast and as with om ah hung, it is typically undertaken 108 times. This is the mantra that is reputed to have been uttered by the Buddha himself and is recorded in the Heart Sutra. It translates quite beautifully as: gone...gone...gone beyond...gone beyond the beyond...hail to the one who awakens.
om mani padme hum
This is another mantra to be recited quickly with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. It is the most recited mantra in the world, a favourite in both Hindu and Tibetan traditions. In the Tibetan lineages, it is known as the mantra of Chenrezig, the Buddha of compassion. Its six syllables prevent unfortunate rebirths in the six lower realms or lokas which include the realms of the devas (gods), asuras (titans), humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hell. The Tibetan Book of the Dead encourages one to recite this mantra often to prepare oneself for the transition into the state of consciousness known as the bardo of death enabling one to fully embrace the Dharmakaya, the fundamental clear light of emptiness.
om shanti shanti shanti-hee and/or amen amen amen
This is an exquisitely appropriate coupling of two famous mantra to conclude a session of chanting. Shanti is a Sanskrit word for peace and I have often heard Hindu masters and yoga teachers in India conclude their practice with a very conscious recitation of this mantra. It is interesting how the word amen resembles aum could it be that the two stem from the same origin?
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