How to Chant the Compassion Mantra

There are many "compassion mantra" chants that help remind us to be loving and helpful to other people, including the Great Compassion Mantra. In this instance, we will chant a simple compassion mantra that is of just four words.

Things You'll Need

• Copy of the mantra

Instructions

1. Prepare to chant, if possible, by finding a quiet and sacred space where you'll be free from interruptions. Use candles or incense to help set the mood. You can chant at home or even while driving in your car.

2. Learn the mantra: Om Mane Padme Hum. These six syllables are loaded with meaning and symbolism. Om, pronounced with a long O sound and a drawn our Mmmm, is used to start many mantras and prayers. It refers to the God quality in the universe. Mani (MAH-nay) means "jewel," and refers to the treasure of compassion. Padme (PAHD-may) means "lotus," a symbol for the God quality in man. The lotus, with its many layers of petals, is often used as a symbol for human spirituality. Hum (sometimes pronounced "Hung") is used as an ending for all many mantras, returning the chanter's thoughts and his mouth to the drawn-out Mmm sound of the first word. Taken together, these four words also describe one of the manifestations of Buddha, who holds a jewel in one hand and a lotus in the other. The most literal translation is, "The jewel is in the lotus," or "the spirit and quality of God is in the human consciousness". There is no direct translation for any mantra, but the syllables affect the chanter, even if he has no idea what they mean.

3. Think about the goddess Kwan Yin, "who hears the cries of the world" and her masculine counterpart, Chenrezig. The strength of each of these symbolic gods is in compassion for the suffering of humanity. When you feel yourself becoming angry, chanting the mantra can help remind you that God--whatever or whomever you conceive him or her to be--is within your enemy just as he or she is within you.

4. Remember, when the going gets rough, to chant the Compassion Mantra to help open your heart. The spirit that created the universe is always with you. The jewel is in the lotus.

Tips & Warnings

• Singer Deva Premal has recorded wonderful, easy-to-remember songs chanting most of the major mantras, including this one.

• Chanting mantras is an easy way for some people to achieve a meditative state. If you have tried to meditate, but found it hard to sit still and concentrate on nothing, try chanting as a way to effortlessly focus your thoughts.