Om Mani Padme Hum

This is a collection of images from both Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist cultures, which are basically next door neighbors, so they compliment each other nicely I think. Even though this is a Buddhist mantra, it is embraced by the Hindu people, who (similar to Buddhists) pray for an end to suffering for all beings, and respect all religions, thus the Sanskrit phrase "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam", which means "the entire world constitutes but a family".

Om Mani Padme Hum is the six-syllabled Sanskrit mantra particularly associated with the four-armed Shadakshari form of Avalokiteśvara (the Tibetan Chenrezig or Jainraisig, Guanyin, Padmapāni "Holder of the Lotus", Lokeśvara "Lord of the World"), the Bodhisattva of compassion. Mani means "jewel" or "bead" and Padme means "the lotus flower", which is the Buddhist Sacred Flower.

The mantra is especially revered by devotees of the Dalai Lama, as he is said to be an incarnation of Chenrezig or Avalokiteśvara. It is commonly carved onto rocks or written on paper which is inserted into prayer wheels, said to increase the mantra's effects.

The six virtues of Om Mani Padme Hum are...

Om: Generosity
Ma: Ethics
Ni: Patience
Pad: Diligence
Me: Renunciation
Hum: Wisdom

The song is called "Prabhujee", performed by Ravi Shankar and George Harrison (yes, of the Beatles). It has little to do with Om Mani Padme Hum, but I thought it captured the mood I was looking for. The lyrics are (in Hindi)...

Prabhujee dayaa karo
Maname aana baso.
Tuma bina laage soonaa
Khaali ghatame prema bharo.
Tantra mantra poojaa nahi jaanu
Mai to kevala tumako hi maanu.
Sare jaga me dhundaa tumako
Aba to aakara baahan dharo

And now in English...

Oh Master, show some compassion on me,
Please come and dwell in my heart.
Because without you, it is painfully lonely,
Fill this empty pot with the nectar of love.

I do not know any Tantra, Mantra or ritualistic worship
I know and believe only in you.
I have been searching for you all over all the world,
Please come and hold my hand now.