Detailed Introduction
The Six-Syllable Mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is the root heart mantra of Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva and one of the most widely recited Buddhist mantras in the world. In Taiwan, practitioners of both Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions recite this mantra extensively.
Meaning of the Six Syllables
Each syllable represents one of Avalokitesvara's compassionate vow powers and functions of liberation:
- Om: Represents the three mysteries of the Buddha's body, speech, and mind. It is the primordial sound that begins all mantras, symbolizing the fundamental vibration of the universe.
- Ma: Represents the perfection of patience (kshanti paramita), dispelling jealousy and closing the gate to the realm of asuras (demi-gods).
- Ni: Represents the perfection of moral discipline (sila paramita), dispelling desire and alleviating the sufferings of the human realm.
- Pa: Represents the perfection of diligence (virya paramita), dispelling ignorance and closing the gate to the animal realm.
- Dme (Me): Represents the perfection of meditation (dhyana paramita), dispelling miserliness and closing the gate to the realm of hungry ghosts.
- Hum: Represents the perfection of wisdom (prajna paramita), dispelling hatred and closing the gate to the hell realm.
Taken together, the six syllables symbolize Avalokitesvara using the wisdom and compassion of the six paramitas to save beings in all six realms of existence from the cycle of rebirth.
Methods of Recitation
The Six-Syllable Mantra is one of the most convenient mantras to recite, requiring no special place, time, or ritual:
- It may be recited aloud (spoken or whispered), or silently (vajra recitation -- lips moving slightly but making no audible sound).
- It may be counted using mala beads (108 recitations per round) or recited without counting.
- It can be recited while walking, commuting, standing in line, or before sleep.
- A recommended daily commitment is at least 108 recitations; dedicated practitioners may recite one thousand or more.
- The most common pronunciation in Taiwan is "Om Ma Ni Ba Mi Hong." The Tibetan pronunciation differs slightly (Om Mani Peme Hung).
Prayer Wheels
In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, the Six-Syllable Mantra is inscribed inside prayer wheels, and each rotation is considered equivalent to one recitation. Tibetan Buddhist centers in Taiwan commonly provide prayer wheels for devotees to use. In recent years, small hand-held prayer wheels have also become popular, making practice even more convenient. Additionally, the Six-Syllable Mantra inscribed on prayer flags (lung ta, or wind horse flags) is believed to scatter the mantra's blessings in all directions as the flags flutter in the wind.
Spread in Taiwan
The Six-Syllable Mantra transcends the boundaries between Chinese and Tibetan Buddhism in Taiwan -- virtually all Buddhists can recite it. In temple group practice sessions, in everyday personal devotions, and at deathbed chanting ceremonies for the dying, the sound of "Om Mani Padme Hum" can be heard. Many Taiwanese, even those who are not devoted Buddhists, will recite the Six-Syllable Mantra a few times when feeling unsettled, regarding it as a form of spiritual comfort and protection.