Mantra

Gayatri Mantra

A mantra to awaken awareness and one of the most famous mantras in Yoga


OM Bhur Bhuvaha Swaha

Tat Satvitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Dhi Mahi

Dhiyo Yonaha Prachodayat

Let us contemplate the radiant Source of all Light;

may our minds merge with It,

thereby awakening our Perception and Understanding on all three planes - physical, vital and mental.



Purnamadah

A mantra for abundance and acceptance

Om Punramadaha Purnamidam Purnat

Purnamudachyate Purnasya Purnamadaya

Purnamewa Washishyate

Om Shanti Shanti Shantih

Om. This is the Full, this is the Full.

From the Full, the Full is taken and the Full has come.

Even though the Full is taken from the Full, still the Full remains.

Om Peace Peace Peace

Sometimes this is more simply translated as One minus One still leaves One.




Om Saha Navavatu

Om Saha Navavatu

Saha Nau Bhunaktu

Saha Viryam Karavavahai

Tejasvi Navadhitamasti

Ma Vidvi Shavahai

OM Shanti Shanti Shantih

Om. May the Supreme Intelligence protect both the teacher and the disciple; may it cherish us both. Let us work together. May we work with abundant energy. May our studies be full and fruitful. May we never feel ill will towards others.

Om Peace Peace Peace.


Om Mani Padme Hum

OM Mani Padme Hum

This is a very short 6 syllable mantra that is repeated in verses of 4 lines. It has been translated as "jewel in the lotus" and I would associate this mantra primarily with Buddhism. The mantra OM Mani Padme Hum can be found on Tibetan prayer wheels and prayer flags and inscribed on stones in the landscape.

Given this mantra is so ancient there are numerous interpretations of it's meaning, but I like this one I found on Wikipedia:

According to the 14th Dalai Lama

"It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast... The first, Om [...] symbolizes the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; it also symbolizes the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"

"The path of the middle way is indicated by the next four syllables. Mani, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factors of method: (the) altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassion, and love.[...]"

"The two syllables, padme, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom[...]"

"Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable hum, which indicates indivisibility[...]"

"Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path which is an indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha[...]"

—H.H. Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama, "On the meaning of: OM MANI PADME HUM"


I also like this interpretation, also found on Wikipedia.

Syllable - Paramita - Renounces

Om - Generosity - Pride / ego

Ma - Ethics - Jealousy / lust for entertainment

Ni - Patience - Passion / desire

Pad - Diligence - Ignorance / prejudice

Me - Renunciation - Greed / possessiveness

Hum - Wisdom - Aggression / hatred