Om Mani Peme Hum
is the most widely used of all Buddhist mantras. It is open to anyone who feels inspired to practice it to develop great love and compassion. This mantra originated in India and it is in Sanskrit. Once, Buddha Shakyamuni was dwelling at the monastery of Anathapindika, in Jeta Grove, with his disciples. He introduced this remarkable Six-Syllable Mantra to the assembly and said: "This is the most beneficial mantra. Even I made this aspiration to all the million Buddhas and subsequently received this mantra from Buddha Amitabha." The meaning of this mantra is:

Om, composed of three letters, A, U, M, which symbolize the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha and Bodhisattva.

Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the method, great compassion and love. Just as a jewel is capable of fulfilling the outer needs of sentient beings, similarly, love and compassion are capable of fulfilling the inner needs of sentient beings.

Peme, meaning lotus, symbolizes wisdom. Just as a lotus grows from mud but is not polluted with mud, similarly, wisdom "the supreme knowledge" is grown from ordinary mind but not polluted with ordinary thoughts.

Hum indicates union. The union of method and wisdom leads to pure exalted body, speech and mind of enlightened beings.

om ma ni pe me hum