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“Om Mani Padme Hung” (ཨོཾ་མ་ཎི་པདྨེ་ཧཱུཾ) is one of the most well-known and frequently chanted mantras in Tibetan Buddhism, which has deep roots in Bhutanese spiritual practices as well. This six-syllable mantra is associated with Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In Bhutanese culture, the mantra is deeply revered and widely recited for invoking compassion, wisdom, and the purification of negative karma.

​​The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hung” is often interpreted as a prayer for the development of compassion and wisdom. Each syllable is believed to have profound spiritual significance:

• Om: Represents the purity of the body, speech, and mind. It is the universal sound and symbolizes the vibration of the universe.

• Mani: Means “jewel” and symbolizes the altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassionate, and loving.

• Padme: Means “lotus,” which represents wisdom. The lotus is a symbol of purity, growing unstained from the mud, symbolizing the ability to rise above worldly defilements.

• Hung: Represents the union of wisdom and method, and the immutability of the enlightened mind.

When chanted together, “Om Mani Padme Hung” is a powerful invocation to purify one’s mind and body, eliminate suffering, and cultivate compassion for all sentient beings.

​In Bhutan, the mantra holds immense spiritual significance. It is chanted by monks, lay practitioners, and pilgrims, both in formal rituals and as part of daily practice. The mantra is often inscribed on prayer wheels, prayer flags, and mani stones, which are found throughout Bhutan. Spinning prayer wheels or walking past these sacred objects while reciting the mantra is believed to generate positive karma and extend blessings to all sentient beings.

The mantra is central to Bhutanese religious festivals and rituals, where it is chanted to invoke the blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion. Devotees believe that reciting the mantra with sincere intention purifies negative karma and helps cultivate the qualities of compassion and wisdom, leading to spiritual awakening.

“Om Mani Padme Hung” is not just a religious practice but an integral part of Bhutanese daily life and cultural identity. The mantra can be seen and heard in almost every aspect of Bhutanese society. Prayer flags printed with the mantra flutter in the wind, spreading the blessings of compassion and peace to all beings. Prayer wheels in homes, monasteries, and even along mountain paths are turned by both the devout and passersby, symbolizing a continuous flow of prayers for the well-being of all life.

Many Bhutanese people wear prayer beads (mala) and recite the mantra as they go about their daily activities, believing that the repetition of “Om Mani Padme Hung” brings peace, compassion, and protection from negative influences. It serves as a reminder of the core Buddhist teachings of kindness, interconnectedness, and the aspiration to relieve suffering.

​Reciting “Om Mani Padme Hung” is considered a simple yet profound form of meditation. It helps practitioners focus their minds and cultivate a sense of compassion for others. The act of repeating the mantra allows the practitioner to connect with Chenrezig’s compassionate energy, working toward a purer state of being.

Practitioners often visualize Chenrezig while chanting, or imagine the syllables of the mantra radiating out as light, bringing blessings and peace to all beings. This meditation helps develop both wisdom and compassion, key virtues in Buddhist practice.​

“Om Mani Padme Hung” is more than just a mantra; it is a powerful symbol of compassion, spiritual transformation, and the path to enlightenment. In Bhutan, its constant presence in prayers, art, and daily life reflects the deep-seated Buddhist values of kindness, interconnectedness, and the aspiration to benefit all beings. Through its recitation, Bhutanese Buddhists seek to purify their hearts, cultivate compassion, and ultimately, awaken to the true nature of reality.

Product 0022 showcases the depiction of mani khorlo carved from ‘Bogh’.

Our Timber Source is a remarkable piece with a rich history. It was originally utilized as a Bogh element in Chagri Monastery and is believed to be around 400 years old. The age and significance of this timber element make it a valuable addition to any collection.