Om Mani Padme Hum — Tibetan Mantra of Compassion
Four Next Level Meditation recordings of the six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteshvara / Chenrezig.
Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ is one of the most famous Buddhist mantras in the world. In Tibetan Buddhism it is the six-syllable mantra of Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Meaning & Context · Practice · Recordings · FAQ · Sources
Featured Om Mani Padme Hum Recording
Start with the extended main recording, then choose from alternate Tibetan, female-vocal and flute versions below.
Om Mani Padme Hum — Extended Version ×9
Mantra / Chant
OṂ MAṆI PADME HŪṂ
Tibetan pronunciation is often heard as Om Mani Peme Hung.
Six Syllables
The six syllables are Oṃ · Ma · Ṇi · Pad · Me · Hūṃ. Tibetan traditions connect the mantra closely with compassion, Chenrezig and the cultivation of bodhicitta.
What Does Om Mani Padme Hum Mean?
A useful literal reading of Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ is “Om, jewel in the lotus, hum,” but Tibetan Buddhist explanations go much further than the literal words. Maṇi means jewel and is linked with compassion and altruistic intention; Padme means “in the lotus” and is linked with wisdom; Hūṃ brings the two together in an indivisible practice.
The six syllables are also explained as a complete path of purification and transformation. In practice, the simplest way to hold the meaning is: cultivate compassion, develop wisdom, and unite the two.
Chenrezig — Avalokiteshvara
Chenrezig is the Tibetan name for Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Four-armed Chenrezig is one of the most familiar forms in Tibetan Buddhist art, often shown holding a jewel at the heart and a mala and lotus in the outer hands.
How to Practise Om Mani Padme Hum
Use the mantra anywhere you can maintain a compassionate intention: formal seated practice, walking, travel, quiet work or mala recitation. A simple method is to coordinate a few repetitions with the breath, then let the rhythm become natural.
When difficult people or situations arise, bring them to mind and continue the mantra without turning the practice into an argument in your head. That is usually where compassion becomes interesting.
More Om Mani Padme Hum Recordings
Choose a classic Tibetan chant, female-vocal version or flute arrangement depending on the mood and length of your practice.
Om Mani Padme Hum — Tibetan Version
Om Mani Padme Hum — Female Vocal
Om Mani Padme Hum with Tibetan Flute
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Om Mani Padme Hum?
It is the six-syllable mantra of Avalokiteshvara/Chenrezig, the bodhisattva of compassion.
How is it pronounced in Tibetan?
You will often hear Om Mani Peme Hung.
What does the mantra mean?
A useful literal reading is “Om, jewel in the lotus, hum.” In Tibetan practice the deeper emphasis is the union of compassion and wisdom, with the six syllables also used as a complete purification practice.
Can I repeat it while walking or travelling?
Yes. It is one of the most portable Buddhist practices and is often recited informally as well as in formal meditation.
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