The Meaning of the Six Syllables

The Six Syllables of OM MANI PADME HŪM are the name-mantra of Ārya Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of the compassion of all Victorious Ones. The heart-essence of the Dharma, these Six Syllables, themselves are the distilled essence of the 84,000 masses of Dharma. They are the inner essence of the five families of Sugatas and of all the classes of the tantras of Secret Mantra. They are the origin of all good qualities and the root of all spiritual attainments. Furthermore: 

OM is the forerunner of mantra. 
MANI means “jewel”.
PADME means “lotus flower”. 
HŪM is the vajra seed of enlightened mind, and is a word of request, saying “Please look after me!” 

In meaning, it is saying “May the holder of the jewel and the lotus, or the holder of the lotus and the jewel, protect me!” Furthermore, in the right hand of Ārya Avalokiteshvara, there is a jewel, and in the left hand is held a lotus, and so he is referred to as “The Holder of the Jewel and Lotus”. In any case, it is a request, saying:

“Kye! Avalokiteshvara, who holds the jewel and the lotus, I pray that you may grant your blessings that love, compassion, and the precious bodhichitta be generated in the mental continuums of myself and others, all sentient beings!”

The Benefits of the Six Syllables

If one recites the Six Syllables Dharani-Mantra in the correct way, then there are limitless benefits, as is taught in the Mani Kabum and so on. An abbreviated versoion which was spoken by the Dharma King Songtsen Gampo is listed below: 

“Furthermore, the King Who Protected the Dharma, Songtsen Gampo, said that if one recites the awareness-mantra of the Six Syllables, then the Dharmas of the Six Transcendent Perfections will be completed. 

1) Through OM, the Dharmas of the transcendent perfection of generosity are thoroughly completed. Likewise, 
2) Through MA, the Dharmas of the transcendent perfection of ethical discipline are thoroughly completed. 
3) Through NI, the Dharmas of the transcendent perfection of patience are thoroughly completed. 
4) Through PAD, the Dharmas of the transcendent perfection of diligence are thoroughly completed. 
5) Through ME, the Dharmas of the transcendent perfection of concentration are thoroughly completed. 
6) Through HŪM, the Dharmas of the transcendent perfection of wisdom are thoroughly completed. 

If this awareness-mantra of the Six Syllables is recited, then the six spiritual accomplishments will be attained.

1) Through OM, the supreme spiritual accomplishment is attained.
2) Through MA, the ordinary spiritual accomplishment is attained. 
3) Through NI, the spiritual accomplishment of the pacification of malevolent influences is attained. 
4) Through PAD, the spiritual accomplishment of expansion of lifespan and merit is attained. 
5) Through ME, the spiritual accomplishment of bringing humans, wealth, and food under your power is attained. 
6) Through HŪM, the spiritual accomplishment of cutting off enemies, hindrances, and harmful influences is attained. 

Through reciting these Six Syllables, the six root afflictive mental states will be purified. 

1) Through OM, the obscurations of the afflictive mental state of ignorance are purified. 
2) Through MA, the obscurations of the afflictive mental state of anger are purified. 
3) Through NI, the obscurations of the afflictive mental state of greed are purified. 
4) Through PAD, the obscurations of the afflictive mental state of desire are purified. 
5) Through ME, the obscurations of the afflictive mental state of jealousy are purified. 
6) Through HŪM, the obscurations of the afflictive mental state of pride are purified.

The Attainment of the Six Good Qualities:

1) Through OM, the form of Avalokiteshvara is attained. 
2) Through MA, the speech of Avalokiteshvara is attained. 
3) Through NI, the mind of Avalokiteshvara is attained. 
4) Through PAD, the qualities of Avalokiteshvara are attained. 
5) Through ME, the activity of Avalokiteshvara is attained. 
6) Through HŪM, the deeds of Avalokiteshvara are attained. 

Likewise, 

1) Through OM, the qualities of the path of accumulation are attained. 
2) Through MA, the qualities of the path of preparation are attained. 
3) Through NI, the qualities of the path of seeing are attained. 
4) Through PAD, the qualities of the path of meditation are attained. 
5) Through ME, the qualities of the path of no-more-learning are attained. 
6) Through HŪM, the qualities of knowing all aspects (omniscience) is attained.

Translated by Erick Sherab Zangpo.

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