Some Beautiful Buddhist Mantras and their Meanings

Mantras are chanted not by just Hindus but also Buddhists. They chant mantras for a variety of reasons. One major reasons why they do so is to develop a purpose and meaning in their lives. Mantras also help them feel connected with the Buddhist path, prepare their mind for meditation and invoke enlightenment within themselves.

The origin of most Buddhist mantras, or Buddha mantras as they are otherwise called, trace back to several thousands of years back but are practised or chanted today with the same fervour as they were way back then. Some Buddhist mantras can be chanted on a general note while some of them are associated with a specific purpose. The choice of a mantra solely depends on you and how you would like to benefit from the mantra.

Buddhist mantras typically feature Buddha’s teachings such as the Five Precepts or Three Refuges. Buddhists are of the firm belief that chanting these mantras help them to imbibe their leader Buddha’s attributes and be closer to enlightenment. Hence, they learn the mantras by heart and teach them verbally to others who are interested.

It is interesting to note that these mantras can be recited loudly, read in your mind or even sung depending on how you are comfortable chanting them. Here, we present you some beautiful Buddhist mantras that are commonly chanted along with their meanings for a better understanding of the same.

1. Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

This is a powerful Buddhist mantra that is very significant in Nichiren Buddhism and is often addressed to as the Lotus Sutra mantra. The essence of this mantra is that we should dedicate and surrender ourselves to the Almighty. The word Namo is used to mean to dedicate ourselves while Myoho means a mystic. Renge Kyo translates to blossom like a lotus. This mantra stresses on the fact that we will blossom and also feel happiness within ourselves.

Chanting this mantra will give you the strength to face any problem you encounter as you have surrendered yourself to God to give you inner strength.

2. Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

This is a popular Buddhist mantra that is primarily chanted by Tibetan Buddhists and is referred to as Green Tara mantra. Tara is a female Bodhisattva and is the epitome of compassion. She is also considered as a saviour and the mother of liberation. The meaning of this mantra can be interpreted as offering obeisance to the mother of all victorious ones and liberator.

Chanting this mantra gives you solace from suffering and guides you towards achieving your goals. You will also achieve spiritual efficacy and be safeguarded from obstacles and harm while developing love and compassion within yourself.

3. Om Mani Padme Hum

This is yet another popular Buddhist mantra and is also known as the Avalokiteswara mantra. This mantra is associated with compassion and is chanted to be bestowed with Chenrizig’s blessings who was renowned for his compassionate nature. The meaning of this mantra can be interpreted as Hail the jewel in the nature.

Chanting this mantra will help you imbibe the peace and compassion traits within yourself and purify your negative actions. You will also be bestowed with enlightenment. The six syllables in the mantra as guide towards developing the six perfections.

4. Om Muni Muni Mahamuni Shakyamuni Soha

This mantra is dedicated to Shykamuni Buddha and is highly revered for its spiritual significance. It is believed that the mantra features the main content of Buddha’s teaching. The mantra can be understood as addressing Buddha as the wise and great one and bowing down to him in respect and taking refuge in him.

Chanting this mantra can help you develop compassion and wisdom that are needed for enlightenment. You will also be able to develop a calm and focussed mind while being purified of your negative karma and being blessed with prosperity and good health.

5. Gate Gate Pare Gate Parasam Gate Bodhi Swaha

This mantra is the last line of the Heart sutra. The mantra can help you achieve clarity in your spiritual life and help you think outside worldly pleasure. The meaning of this mantra can be analysed as going completely beyond physical attachment and hailing enlightenment.

Chanting this mantra helps you to get rid of delusion and ignorance and thereby suffering in your life. You will be able to create a supportive and positive environment for your spiritual practice with the protection and blessings of Buddha.

6. Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha

This mantra is chanted as a dedication to Medicine Buddha portrayed with amrit or the nectar of immortality in one hand. The translation of this mantra can be stated as hailing the healer and the king of healing. The word Bezanke is a name by which Medicine Buddha is referred while the phrase Radza Samudgate signifies supreme.

Chanting this mantra helps you in stimulating healing from within yourself by activating your inner power. Moreover, with regular recitation of this mantra, a person is blessed with good physical health and relieved of suffering and pain.

7. Om Tare Tuttare Ture Mama Ayuh Punya Jnana Pustim Kuru Soha

This mantra is considered auspicious by the Tibetan Buddhists and is referred to as the White Tara mantra as it is chanted in honour of White Tara who is depicted with seven eyes that keep a watch in all directions and sitting cross-legged. She is invoked by Buddhists at the time of danger. The mantra can be interpreted as a request to the female bodhisattva for longer life, merit as well as wisdom referred to as Ayur, Punya and Jnana respectively.

Chanting this mantra helps you be blessed by the combined qualities of each of the Buddhas as she is an embodiment of the same. Moreover, this mantra has the power to relieve you from any kind of illness and ensure your well-being spiritually and mentally.

Buddhist mantras comprise a horde of chants and are related to various bodhisattvas, protectors and deities. They may have different interpretations as well as translations based on the type of Buddhism.

Buddhist mantras can calm and relax a troubled mind while helping to enhance your focus and concentration at the same time. When you have decided to practise these mantras, it is advisable you opt for a peaceful and comfortable place that is free of distractions. Pay attention on how you breathe and take some deep and slow breaths.

Once you are done with the above preliminary preparation, select a mantra that echoes with your present life situation and chant it. Repeat it as many times as possible. Make sure that you maintain your intention and pay attention to the meaning of each word in the mantra.

If you find your thoughts getting carried away during the recitation, take some effort and bring yourself to slowly start focussing on the mantra. Once you are done, sit alone and quietly for some time and recollect your experience when you chanted the mantra.

You can start by practising the Buddhist mantras for just a little time, as less as a few minutes every day, and then slowly increase the time spent to chant them. You can chant them either when you need to avail the benefits by chanting them or include them in your daily meditation.

Written by - Deepthi K