Mantra

A Mantra is usually a sound, syllable, word or sentence, which is considered being capable of creating transformation. It is also used to keep you focused, to calm your mind and at the same time keep it busy so that the unconscious can arise. Certain Mantras are said to have healing influences. Mantras can be used in several languages, most of them are in Sanskrit.

The word mantra consists of two parts: ‘man’ (mind) and ‘tra’ (vehicle). That makes a Mantra the vehicle to enter into our wonderful state of meditation. With the Mantra you introduce an idea, a seed, into your awareness, so you can transform this idea into your life and start growing.

The most renown Mantras are probably:
OM which is known as the universal sound, repeating OM honours our connection to the Universe.
SO HUM I am
SHAM connects us to our wisdom and inner knowledge
OM MANI PADME HUM is associated with the four-armed Shadakshari form of Avalokiteshvara (Tibetan Chenrezig, Chinese Guanyin), the bodhisattva of compassion.

Geshe Kelsang Gyatso: “The meaning of this mantra is: with ‘OM’ we are calling Avalokiteshvara, ‘MANI’ means the precious jewel of enlightenment, ‘PAME’ means liberation and ‘HUM’ means bestow. Together, the meaning is: ‘O Avalokiteshvara, please bestow the precious jewel of enlightenment to liberate all living beings’. Through the recitation of this mantra we train in the compassionate mind of bodhichitta.”

GREAT COMPASSION MANTRA