OM MANI PADME HUM

by Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua

The first word is "Om". When you recite "Om" once, all ghosts and spirits must place their palms together because this signifies their intent to maintain the rules and regulations. By conforming to the regulations, they stay on the proper way. Recite this once and all ghosts and spirits do not dare rebel and create confusion; they do no dare disobey orders. This is the first sound in the mantra.

"Mani" means "silent wisdom". Using wisdom one is able to understand all truths, and thus abide in the state of quiescene that is without birth. It is also defines as "separating from filth", which means living a morally pure life free of defilement. It can be compared to the "precious as you-will pearl" which is extremely pure and immaculate. Whatever you wish to excel in can be done if you have the "precious as-you-will pearl". It can also fulfill your wishes in accord with your thoughts. Every vow you make will be fulfilled. These are its benefits.

"Padme" means "light perfectly illuminating", and is also defined as "the opening of the lotus". This is the wonderful mind of Avalokitesshvara Boddhisattva. This is "Padme".

Next come "Hum", which means to "give rise to". Anything at all can be created from this character"Hum". It also means "to protect and support". Recite this word and all Dharma protectors and good spirits come to support and protect you. It also means "eradicating disasters". Recite this word and whatever difficulties you encounter will be eradicated. It also means "success", whatever you cultivate can be accomplished.

Recite the Brilliant Mantra Six Words once, and the immeasureable Buddhas, Boddhisattvas and Vajra Dharma protectors support and protect you. Therefore, when Avalokiteshvara finished saying this Brilliant Mantra of Six Words, there were seven million Buddhas who came to support, protect, and surround him. The power and capacity of the Brilliant Mantra of Six Words are inconceivable; "the path and the response interwine in an inconceivable way. " Therefore it is called the secret school. If one were to explain in detail, the meanings would be limitless and boundless. They cannot be completely spoken. So I have just given this simple explanation for everyone.

Now I will tell you a little about what cannot be told of the Secret school's power. Why do I say "what cannot be told"? Because my talking does not even comprise one ten-thousandth part of it. What is it? If you are able to constantly recite and maintain the Brilliant Mantra of Six Words, the darkness of the six paths of existence will change into bright light. You must be single-minded when reciting this mantra to achieve this type of samadhi. Then, not only will the six paths of existence emit light, but all the ten dharma realms will become the "great storehouse of light". So now we know something of the power of the Brilliant Mantra of Six Words. I hope everyone will set aside time from their activities to recite Brilliant Mantra of Six Words.