Guide to Buddhists Mantras

A Mantra is a phrase that has special meaning. Many Buddhists chant a certain mantra repeatedly as a form of meditation. Mantras are even regarded as scared and may offer salvation.

In the Pure Land Buddhist tradition, it is believed that calling on the Buddha Amitabha will cause rebirth into his land where you become enlightened. Chanting the mantra "Namo Amitabha Buddha" will invoke his compassionate heart to rescue the caller. In Jodo Shu chanting is done as much as possible, while in Jodo Shinsu the mantra is said spontaneously as a form of gratitude.

Another mantra Mahayana and Tibetan Buddhists say is "Om mani padme hum." This mantra can be translated as "'Hail to the Jewel of the Lotus." Many chant this mantra to become one with the Bodhisattva of Compassion. According to the Dalai Lama, chanting this mantra will, "transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha."

Nichiren Buddhists chant the mantra "Nam-myoho-renge-kyo." This mantra can be translated as "'Honor to the Lotus Sutra of the True Teaching." Nichiren Buddhists believe the Lotus Sutra to be the most important of Buddha's teachings.

The Medicine Buddha has a special mantra "Om Maha Bhaishajye." This is the Sanskrit spelling and can be pronounced as "bye-sa-jee-yeah." The Medicine Buddha's mantra is chanted to promote healing. Translation of the mantra is as follows "Bhaishajye means eliminating pain, maha Bhaishajye means great eliminating of pain."

There are numerous mantras within the Tibetan Buddhism tradition. Buddha Namgyalma's mantra for a long life is recited as "Om Bhrum Svaha Om Amrita Ayur Da Day Svah." Red Tara has a mantra for the power of persuasion which is chanted like "Om Ah Tare Tuttare Ture Washen kuru So Ha." By chanting the Red Tara's mantra daily you can request blessings that enhance your persuasive skills.