Om Mani Padme Hum Chanting

In moments of stress and turmoil, many people seek something simple, reliable, and powerful to ground themselves and find a sense of inner calm. For years, practitioners have turned to the sacred chant Om Mani Padme Hum for exactly this purpose. While the mantra originates in the spiritual and philosophical traditions of Buddhism, anyone can use this mantra as Buddhism can be seen as a religion or as a life philosophy. I love this idea and I learned about this concept of Buddhism also being a life philosophy for secular/non-Buddhists after reading Awakening the Buddha Within by Lama Surya Das. While this chant may be associated with Buddhism, it’s a secular practice for me, and I use this chant in addition to my daily meditation practice. I frequently use it to calm a frenetic, racing mind with ruminating thoughts.

The chant is a simple six syllables: Om Mani Padme Hum. It is wonderfully simple and so easy to do. Many chant this 108 times, counting with mala beads, a string of 108 beads. Each time you say it, you move onto the next bead and recite it again. Again, this is very secular for me. I know many use the mala bead for religious reasons, but I want to make sure people feel they can come to the table using these tools in whatever way they want, whether it’s from a secular perspective, a religious perspective or a spiritual perspective.

There is only one ‘rule’ about doing the chant, and that is that you are thinking of what it means, so let’s dive into the meaning of the individual words and the interpretation of the full mantra!

  • Om: The essence of the universe and the vibration of the divine, however you interpret the divine, such as God/The Universe/Nature/Source.

  • Mani: A precious jewel that can lead you to be loving and compassionate while growing in consciousness, better able to appreciate the greatness of the world around you.

  • Padme: The lotus plant which is a symbol of wisdom growing out of muddy water, yet not stained by the muddy water.

  • Hum: The immovable, a foundational rock, indicating indivisibility or one consciousness shared by all of us; that we are all in this together and not separate from each other on a consciousness level.

While there are literal translations of this mantra, there are also many interpretations. I do not pretend to be an expert, and below is but one interpretation of many that resonates with me as a modern interpretation inspired by the traditional meanings. The goal is to practice chanting this mantra, allowing you to find an inner-peace and calm. When I chant Om Mani Padme Hum, I bring my awareness to the following:

The path to our inner awakening arises when we harmonize compassion with wisdom, discovering the treasure of our true nature and our oneness with all beings.

Mala Beads & The Significance of 108
The guru bead on a mala is usually the larger, distinctive bead that symbolizes a spiritual teacher or guide and marks the starting and ending point of meditation. It is not included in the 108 bead count and serves as a reminder of unity, oneness, and self-reflection. Traditionally, practitioners pause at the guru bead and reverse direction instead of crossing over it, honoring its significance in their practice.

108 holds deep significance across spiritual, cosmic, and mathematical realms. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, 108 symbolizes wholeness and unity with the universe, allowing practitioners to connect each recitation with an element of existence and channel energy into all aspects of life. The number also has cosmic resonance, as the distance from Earth to the Sun and from Earth to the Moon is approximately 108 times their respective diameters, highlighting a sense of universal harmony. In yogic traditions, 108 represents the energy lines, or nadis, that converge at the heart chakra, strengthening one’s connection to higher consciousness. Mathematically, 108 is a Harshad number, meaning it is divisible by the sum of its digits, symbolizing balance and completeness, a concept reflected across various cultures and spiritual practices.

I put a link below where you can purchase very low-cost mala beads. I did this so that you can get some mala beads and begin chanting this mantra with them, knowing you do not need beads to do so. I get pleasure out of the chant regardless of the beads I have in my hand, and often I am without my beads and will still recite this lovely 6-syllable mantra and I hope you do as well.

Selecting mala beads:
If you’re new to malas, you may wonder how to pick the right one. There are various types, but here are a few things to consider:

  • Material: Malas can be made of gemstones, wood, seeds, or even bone. Gemstone malas are often selected based on their energetic properties—like amethyst for calm or rose quartz for love. Wood malas, such as sandalwood or bodhi seed, are traditional and grounding.

  • Intuition: Choose a mala that resonates with you personally. You may feel a subtle connection to certain beads or colors, and that intuitive connection is a valuable guide.

  • Accessibility: Malas can vary widely in price. You can find affordable options that are great for beginning a practice without focusing on the need for “authentic” malas. Simplicity is perfectly effective.

  • You can purchase a low cost set of mala beads here or wherever you find mala beads to your liking.

How to Meditate with Om Mani Padme Hum
For me, this is the simplest meditation I can do whenever I need to center and calm a racing mind. I can have my eyes open or closed. I can be sitting, lying down, walking, it doesn’t matter. I can think it, speak it or whisper it and no one will ever know. I have done it with my mala beads and without. That is the beauty of it.

Before beginning, take a moment to set an intention or gently remind yourself of the purpose of the practice, such as fostering peace, compassion, or calming the mind. Then, place your fingers on the first bead after the guru bead and recite mentally to yourself or aloud “Om Mani Padme Hum”, and then move onto the next bead and repeat the mantra for a total of 108 times.

When you reach the guru bead again, pause and take a few deep breaths. Allow yourself to sit in stillness, absorbing the effects of the practice. You can end there or go in reverse order now 108 more times if you like. It’s up to you. If you don’t have a mala, you can still meditate by simply setting a timer for a few minutes.

Why You Should Start Today
Meditating with Om Mani Padme Hum offers a gentle yet powerful way to begin your journey into meditation and mindfulness. This mantra allows you to step back from the stress of the past or future and become grounded in the present moment. It offers a sense of unity, of being part of something larger, while also empowering you with inner peace and clarity.

So why wait? Embrace the simplicity and beauty of Om Mani Padme Hum. Start today, whether with or without mala beads, and let this ancient mantra become a source of calm, strength, and compassion in your life.