8 Tibetan Mantras for Navigating Turbulent Times
In 2010, Deva Premal collaborated with the Gyuto Monks of Tibet to create the album "Tibetan Mantras for Turbulent Times.”
Deva Premal eloquently describes the project's intent: "As the word ‘mantra’ suggests, it becomes a technology, or tool, that holds the mind together. The power thus generated in this concentrated affirmation is believed to cut through the vision of impure self-perception, which is regarded as the root of all suffering."
The project aimed to bring the ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice of mantras into the modern world, providing a spiritual toolkit to navigate the complexities of contemporary life. The album features eight Tibetan mantras; each chanted 108 times, a sacred number in many Eastern traditions representing the universe's wholeness and perfection.
Here, we delve into the eight mantras featured in "Tibetan Mantras for Turbulent Times," exploring their meanings and offering guidance on how they can be integrated into daily life for healing, transformation, and empowerment.
COMPASSION
OM MANI PADME HUM
Pronounced: "ohm mah nee pahd may hum"
Translation: “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus.”
This six-syllable mantra is one of the most well-known Tibetan Buddhist mantras, associated with the Bodhisattva of compassion, Avalokiteshvara (also known as Chenrezig). Chanting this mantra invokes the embodiment of compassion, helping the chanter develop a deeper sense of empathy and kindness towards all beings. In daily life, this mantra can be recited when facing situations that challenge our patience or witnessing suffering to remind ourselves of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of responding with compassion.
PURIFICATION
OM BENZA SATTO HUNG
Pronounced: "ohm ben-za sah-toh hoong"
Translation: “Invoke the diamond mind of enlightenment.”
This mantra is a powerful tool for purification, aiding in the transformation of negative karma and energies into positive ones. It encourages practitioners to remember that no state of being is permanent and that we have the power to change our circumstances through conscious action and positive intention. Practically, this mantra can be used in moments of self-doubt or when seeking to cleanse the mind and space from negative influences.
BUDDHA
OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNI SOHA
Pronounced: "ohm moo-nee moo-nee mah-hah moo-nee so-hah"
Translation: “Homage to the great sage, the Buddha.”
This mantra pays homage to the Buddha and connects us to the qualities of awakening, wisdom, and compassion. It is especially useful for those seeking spiritual guidance and clarity on their path. When facing confusion or seeking direction in life, chanting this mantra can help align with the Buddha's teachings and the qualities of a wise and compassionate heart.
WHITE TARA
OM TARE TU TARE TURE MAMA AH YUH PUNE JANA PUTIM KURU SOHA
Pronounced: "ohm tah-ray too tah-ray too-ray mah-mah ah yuh poo-nay jah-nah poo-teem koo-roo so-hah"
Translation: “Homage to the liberating mother Tara, grant us prosperity, longevity, and health.”
White Tara is associated with longevity, health, and healing. This mantra calls upon her blessings for a long, healthy life filled with wisdom and compassion. It can be particularly beneficial during illness or when wishing to send healing energy to others. The practice of chanting this mantra is also a reminder of the precious nature of life and the importance of living with intention and kindness.
WISDOM
OM AH RA PA TSA NA DHI
Pronounced: "ohm ah rah pah tsah nah dhee"
Translation: "Invoking the wisdom of Manjushri.”
Emphasizing the cultivation of wisdom, this mantra helps clear the mind of ignorance, allowing the innate Buddha nature to shine forth. It can be especially useful in educational or learning environments or whenever we are challenged to see beyond superficial appearances to the truth underlying all things. Chanting this mantra encourages a discerning mind capable of deep insight and understanding.
HEALING
TEYATA OM BEKANZE BEKANZE MAHA BEKANZE BEKANZE RADZA SAMUT GATE SOHA
Pronounced: "tay-yah-tah ohm beh-kahn-zay beh-kahn-zay mah-hah beh-kahn-zay beh-kahn-zay rahd-zah sah-moot gah-tay so-hah"
Translation: “Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone utterly beyond, to the healing light, hail.”
This mantra is associated with the Medicine Buddha and is used for all types of healing: physical, emotional, and spiritual. It is a powerful reminder of the healing potential inherent in all of us and can be chanted for personal healing or directed toward others in need. In addition to its use in personal practice, this mantra can complement medical treatments, offering spiritual support alongside physical remedies.
PROSPERITY
OM ZAMBALA ZA LEN DRAH YEH SOHA
Pronounced: "ohm zahm-bah-lah zah len drah yeh so-hah"
Translation: “Invoke the blessings of Zambala for wealth and prosperity.”
Invoking the energy of Zambala, the god of wealth and prosperity, this mantra is believed to attract abundance and success. It can be particularly helpful in times of financial difficulty or when embarking on new business ventures. More than just material wealth, chanting this mantra encourages a spacious mindset, opening the heart and mind to the myriad forms of prosperity available in life.
PERFECTION
TEYATA GATE GATE PARAGATE PARA SAMGATE BODHI SOHA
Pronounced: "tay-yah-tah gah-tay gah-tay pah-rah-gah-tay pah-rah sahm-gah-tay boh-dhee so-hah"
Translation: “Gone, gone, gone beyond, gone utterly beyond, Enlightenment hail.”
This mantra from the Heart Sutra is a profound teaching on the nature of reality and the path to enlightenment. It helps practitioners move beyond attachments and aversions, realizing the ultimate emptiness of all phenomena. This understanding fosters a deep sense of peace and liberation. In practical terms, this mantra can support letting go of material attachments and ego-driven desires, guiding toward a life of simplicity and contentment.
Do you work with mantras in your spiritual practice? If so, what are some of your favorites, and how have they helped guide you during challenging times? Comment and let us know!