Top 5 Buddhist Mantras

chrysanthemum flower with a drop of water on one of the petals

Buddhist mantras vary depending on the tradition and school of Buddhism, but here are five widely known and frequently recited mantras along with their meanings:

 

1. Om Mani Padme Hum

This is perhaps the most famous of Buddhist mantras, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. It’s associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The mantra is believed to invoke compassion, wisdom, and enlightenment. Each syllable carries profound symbolism: “Om” represents the union of body, speech, and mind; “Mani” means jewel, symbolizing the factors of method (the altruistic intention to become enlightened) and wisdom; “Padme” means lotus, symbolizing wisdom; and “Hum” symbolizes indivisibility or enlightenment.

 

2. Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

This mantra is central to Nichiren Buddhism, particularly in the Japanese sects. It comes from the Lotus Sutra and is believed to encompass the essence of the sutra’s teachings. The mantra expresses devotion to the Lotus Sutra and is believed to activate the Buddha nature within oneself, leading to enlightenment. “Nam” means devotion or dedication; “Myoho” refers to the mystic law; “Renge” represents the lotus flower (symbolizing the simultaneity of cause and effect); and “Kyo” means sutra or teaching.

 

3. Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

This mantra is associated with Tara, a female Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism known for compassion and protection. The mantra is believed to invoke Tara’s blessings, protection, and guidance. “Om” represents the divine within oneself; “Tare” represents liberation from suffering; “Tuttare” signifies liberation from fears and dangers; “Ture” symbolizes the deliverance into the true path of enlightenment; and “Soha” is a common Tibetan mantra ending, similar to the Sanskrit “Swaha,” which is often used in Hindu rituals.

 

4. Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha

This mantra is from the Heart Sutra, one of the most important Mahayana Buddhist texts. It’s often chanted in meditation practices to invoke the perfection of wisdom and realization of enlightenment. Translated, it means “Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone altogether beyond, O what an awakening, all-hail!” It signifies the transcendence of all suffering and attainment of enlightenment.

 

5. Buddham Sharanam Gacchami, Dhammam Sharanam Gacchami, Sangham Sharanam Gacchami

This is the Threefold Refuge in Buddhism, recited by followers when taking refuge in the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). It’s a declaration of commitment to the Buddhist path. Translated, it means “I go to the Buddha for refuge, I go to the Dharma for refuge, I go to the Sangha for refuge.” It’s a pledge to seek guidance from the Buddha, his teachings (Dharma), and the community of practitioners (Sangha).

 

Each of these Buddhist mantras holds deep significance and is recited for various purposes, including meditation, devotion, and seeking blessings or protection.

 

Why are Buddhist Mantras chanted 108 times?

Chanting mantras 108 times is a practice rooted in several cultural, spiritual, and philosophical traditions. Here are some of the reasons why this specific number is significant:

  1. Sacred Number in Hinduism and Buddhism: In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, 108 is considered a sacred number. There are 108 Upanishads, which are the ancient texts of wisdom in Hinduism, and 108 defilements in Buddhism that one must overcome to reach enlightenment.
  2. Astronomical Significance: The distance between the Earth and the Sun is roughly 108 times the diameter of the Sun. Similarly, the distance between the Earth and the Moon is about 108 times the diameter of the Moon. These relationships are often cited as cosmic reasons for the significance of the number 108.
  3. Mathematical Properties: The number 108 has many interesting mathematical properties. It is a Harshad number, which means it is an integer divisible by the sum of its digits (1 + 0 + 8 = 9). Such properties can contribute to the mystical and esoteric significance of the number.
  4. Symbolic Representation: The number 1 represents unity or the higher truth, 0 represents emptiness or completeness in spiritual practice, and 8 represents infinity or eternity. Together, 108 can symbolize the journey towards spiritual completion and unity.
  5. Mala Beads: In many spiritual practices, mala beads are used for counting recitations of mantras, and a full mala contains 108 beads. This allows practitioners to keep track of their chanting and meditation.
  6. Vedic Culture: In Vedic cosmology, there are 27 constellations (Nakshatras), each with 4 quarters (Padas), making a total of 108 parts. This structure reflects the comprehensive nature of the cosmos.
  7. Human Body: In Ayurvedic and yogic traditions, it is believed that there are 108 energy lines (nadis) that converge to form the heart chakra. Therefore, chanting 108 times can be seen as aligning with the body’s subtle energy system.

Chanting mantras 108 times is therefore a practice imbued with spiritual, cosmic, and cultural significance, aiming to harmonize the mind, body, and spirit with the larger universe.

 

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Best Wishes,

David.

© D. R. Durham, All rights reserved, 2024.

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