Benefits of the Mantra Om Mani Padme Hum
'Om' is the helper of the mantra. 'Mani' is the jewel. 'Padme' is the lotus flower. 'Hum' is the seed of compassion. Further, as 'om' is the combination of the three [sounds] 'A,' 'O,' and 'M,' it purifies the defilements of one's three doors. [So] establish the body, speech and mind of the Victorious Ones! When you call upon Arya Avalokitesvara with the names "Mani Padma" or "Padma Mani," it is a prayer of supplication invoking [him]. One should understand the detailed [teachings on the mani mantra] from the Ratnakaranda Sutra of the General Discourses, the Mani Kabum and other [texts]. I wish [to illustrate] in detail the six benefits of the mani [mantra] and [their] six subdivisions by distinctly arranging them below.
'Om' is the helper of the mantra. 'Mani' is the jewel. 'Padme' is the lotus flower. 'Hum' is the seed of compassion. Further, as 'om' is the combination of the three [sounds] 'A,' 'O,' and 'M,' it purifies the defilements of one's three doors. [So] establish the body, speech and mind of the Victorious Ones! When you call upon Arya Avalokitesvara with the names "Mani Padma" or "Padma Mani," it is a prayer of supplication invoking [him]. One should understand the detailed [teachings on the mani mantra] from the Ratnakaranda Sutra of the General Discourses, the Mani Kabum and other [texts]. I wish [to illustrate] in detail the six benefits of the mani [mantra] and [their] six subdivisions by distinctly arranging them below.
Om |
Ma |
Ni |
Pad |
Me |
Hum |
|
Om Accomplishment of the six transcendent perfections |
Generosity |
Moral conduct |
Patience |
Diligence |
Meditative stabilization | Discriminating awareness |
Ma Closes the door to rebirth among the six classes of beings |
Closes the door to birth as a god and liberates from the suf- fering of the change and fall [to lower realms] | Closes the door to birth as a demi-god and liberates from the suffering of fighting and competition | Closes the door to birth as a human and liberates from the suffering of hunger, poverty and so forth | Closes the door to birth as a preta and liberates from the suf- fering of hunger, thirst, fatigue, fear and so forth | Closes the door to birth as an animal and liberates from the suffering of dumb- ness and stupidity | Closes the door to birth as a hell being, liberates from the suffering of heat & cold and gives rise to rebirth in the realm of Sukhavati |
Ni Attainment of the six siddhis |
The supreme siddhi is attained. | The common siddhis are attained. | The siddhi of pacifying illness and evil influence is attained. | The siddhi of in- creasing life and merit is attained. |
The siddhi of power over friends, food and wealth is attained. | The siddhi of defeating enemies and forces of obstruction and harm is attained. |
Pad Purification of the six disturbing emotions |
Ignorance is cleansed. | And the defilements of hatred, | Avarice, | Attachment, | Jealousy, | And pride are purified. |
Me Attainment of the six dimensions of the Exalted Ones |
The form of Arya Avalokitesvara is attained; | Likewise, his speech, | Mind, | Enlightened attributes, | And enlightened activity. | [Thus,] the deeds of rya Avalokitesvara are achieved. |
Hum Attainment of the attributes of the six paths |
The attributes of the path of accumulation are attained; | Likewise, the path of application, | The path of vision, | The path of cultivation, | And the path beyond learning. | [Thus,] The attributes of all [these] aspects are attained in the path of knowledge. |