Mantra Chant

The most powerful mantra, or prayer, in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism is Om Mani Padme Hum: "Behold the jewel in the lotus!" (the phrase attributed to this mantra). It is also thought that all of the teachings of the Buddha are embodied in this simple mantra.

The power of mantra, in my opinion, is not so much in the meaning of the words as it is in the "harmonics" (multiple notes, or "overtones") that are created during vocalization of the words. Of course the very purpose of this mantra is for achieving deep inner states of purity, concentration, bliss and wisdom; and the value of mantra chanting is in the experience of the harmonics that lead to deep inner perceptions.

In my own practice of harmonics, I'm not so inclined to focus on the meanings of the words, but to rather listen and experience the overtones that are produced, especially during the transitions between sounds. My focus upon the word meanings may occ ur during the initial phases of practice, but at a certain point, mental ponderings drop away as the overtones draw the consciousness into the simple experience of the moment. With deep listening and extended practice, you will become aware of your own abilities to produce harmonics.

For those who like definitions, here are the traditional meanings of Om Mani Padme Hum: Om (bliss, generosity), Ma (practice of purity), Ni (tolerance and patience), Pad (perserverance), Me (concentration), and Hum (wisdom).

Now here is something that you can practice on your own: recite the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra very slowly, elongating the vowels and paying close attention to the transitions between sounds. For example: Om-Mani. Draw out the sounds between the "Oh" and "Mmm" sounds. Draw out the sounds between the "mm" and "aa" sounds, and so forth.

Be aware of what happens internally and how the vibrations affect both body and mental states. Again, this is experiential and in time you will hear the harmonics and be able to reproduce them easily for purposes of moving energy in the body and for achieving remarkable mental states of clarity and calmness.

An important point to remember during practice is to not get so caught up in the intellectual meanings of the words. Beautiful as they may be in sound and meaning, the habit of just thinking about the words will ultimately prove to keep you separated from the energy component of its deeply vibratory nature. In other words, allow yourselves to melt into the vibrations of your vocal overtones. Expand and embrace the feeling states that are conveyed. Enjoy yourselves as Beings of infinite Beauty and vibration!