Avalokiteshvara Mantra & Eleven-Faced Heart Dharani
A guide to the Compassion Buddha, the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara dharani and related Chenrezig practice.
Avalokiteshvara — Chenrezig in Tibetan — embodies compassion in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Next Level Meditation’s featured recording presents the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Heart Dharani, one of the important long-form practices associated with the Great Compassionate One.
Meaning & Context · Practice · Recordings · FAQ · Sources
Featured Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Dharani
This is the principal Next Level Meditation recording for the long Avalokiteshvara dharani.
Mantra of Avalokiteshvara — Eleven-Faced Avalokitesvara Heart Dharani
Avalokiteshvara / Chenrezig
Avalokiteshvara is the Sanskrit name; Chenrezig is the common Tibetan name. The bodhisattva is associated above all with compassion. Forms include four-armed Chenrezig and Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara.
The Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Dharani
The Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara dharani is a longer liturgical formula connected with a multi-faced form of the bodhisattva of compassion. In Tibetan Buddhist practice it appears alongside other Chenrezig prayers and mantras, including the famous six-syllable mantra Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ.
For visitors looking specifically for Om Mani Padme Hum, Next Level Meditation has a separate full guide and several recordings dedicated to that mantra.
Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Dharani — Full Text
Romanized Sanskrit:
Namo Ratna Trayāya
Namaḥ Ārya Jñāna Sāgara Vairocana Vyūha Rājāya
Tathāgatāya Arhate Samyaksaṃ Buddhāya
Namo Sarva Tathāgatebhyaḥ
Arhadbhyaḥ Samyaksaṃ Buddhebhyaḥ
Namo Ārya Avalokiteśvarāya
Bodhisattvāya Mahāsattvāya Mahākāruṇikāya
Tadyathā Oṃ
Dhara Dhara, Dhiri Dhiri, Dhuru Dhuru
Iṭṭe Vaṭṭe
Cale Cale, Pracale Pracale
Kusume Kusumavare
Ili Mili Citi Jvalam Apanāye Svāhā
Plain-English sense: the dharani begins by paying homage to the Three Jewels, the awakened ones and noble Avalokiteshvara, the great compassionate bodhisattva. The central recitation repeatedly calls for compassionate support, strength and forward movement on the path, ending with an image of luminous understanding and the closing syllable svāhā.
Avalokiteshvara: The Bodhisattva of Compassion
Avalokiteshvara is one of the most widely revered bodhisattvas in Mahāyāna Buddhism. Tibetan traditions know him as Chenrezig and connect his practice with the cultivation of compassion for all beings. The Eleven-Faced form expands this imagery through multiple faces and arms, expressing compassionate activity reaching in many directions.
Using the Dharani as a Listening Practice
Long dharani recordings work well for sustained listening. Sit comfortably, follow the rhythm of the recitation and keep attention on the sound rather than trying to analyse every syllable. You can also combine listening with a simple intention of compassion for people, animals and situations that come to mind.
Related Listening
The featured long dharani is the main recording for this page. For the shorter and much more widely recited Chenrezig mantra, continue with the dedicated Om Mani Padme Hum guide, which includes several Next Level Meditation recordings.
The Six-Syllable Mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum
Oṃ Maṇi Padme Hūṃ is the best-known mantra of Avalokiteshvara/Chenrezig. Next Level Meditation has several versions of it, so the six-syllable mantra has its own detailed guide with pronunciation, meaning and recordings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Avalokiteshvara?
Avalokiteshvara is the bodhisattva of compassion, known as Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism.
Is Om Mani Padme Hum an Avalokiteshvara mantra?
Yes. It is the famous six-syllable mantra associated with Avalokiteshvara/Chenrezig.
What is the Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara dharani?
It is a longer dharani connected with the Eleven-Faced form of Avalokiteshvara and appears in Tibetan Buddhist practice collections.
Why create a separate Om Mani Padme Hum page?
Because the six-syllable mantra has a very large practice and search tradition of its own, plus several Next Level Meditation recordings.
Sources & Further Reading
Explore Related Next Level Meditation Guides
Continue through the mantra and prayer library with related guides and recordings.
Om Mani Padme Hum
The six-syllable mantra of compassion with multiple NLM recordings.