RELATED TIBETAN SCRIPTS

Thursday 27 January 2011

The Mani Mantra


The Mani mantra of Avalokiteśvara arranged on a lotus Mandala.
Each of the letters are placed on each petal starting at the bottom
(Easterly quarter) running clock-wise:
oṃ ma ṇi pad me hūṃ 
In the center of the mandala is the seed syllable hri
Copyright Tashi mannox 2018 

"Mani-wood" The famous Hollywood sign adapted by Tashi July 2009.


It is said that on seeing the form of the Mani mantra, to hear the sound of the Mani mantra: oṃ maṇipadme hūṃ is to purify and liberate from the un-enlightened state of ignorance.


The meaning of the Mantra by His Holiness the Dalai Lama:

"It is very good to recite the mantra oṃ ma ṇi pad me hūṃ but while you are doing it, you should be thinking of it's meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast. 
The first, oṃ is symbolic of the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha. maṇi means jewel, symbolizes the factors of method-the altruistic intention to become enlightened, through compassion and love. padme meaning lotus, symbolizes wisdom. Just as a lotus grows from the mud, but is not sullied by the faults of mud, so wisdom is capable of putting you in a situation of non-contradiction whereas there would be contradiction if you did not have wisdom. ...Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by hūṃ which indicates indivisibility...
Thus together these syllables 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, mind into the pure exalted body, speech, mind of a Buddha."

The practice of the Mani mantra and how to integrate pure perception on a spiritual path is explained further here.

In Tibet, whole hillsides are seen as a great opportunity to plot out huge images of the sacred mantra, often with white stones. Such constructions are believed to emanate  blessing across the land, if not as a constant reminder of the mantras sacred and positive meaning.


A enormous Mani mantra in East Tibet.

The mantra was also commonly carved on flat stones and piled up in great heaps that sometimes stretch for a mile or more. As an act of respect, a person would always pass with the mantras on their right, circling clock-wise.

Other such devotional activities, such as hand spinning prayer wheels filled with mantras minutely printed on tight coils of paper, is considered that with a good intention and the act of turning the wheel, the power of the mantra is activated, similarly mantra printed prayer flags utter their prays caught on the wind.

In our modern times the sacred Mani mantra could not be more applicable in meaning and benefit. For the meaning of the Mani mantra is steeped in Loving-kindness and understanding, each of the six syllables purifying and converting negative emotions into wisdom, which is a fundamental basis to our confused state of being, that transformed; can only lead to a happy state of mind.


A modern electric powered prayer wheel,
made by the Father of Tashi: Peter Mannox
precious jewels decorate the rings of the drum
between which the Mani mantra is illuminated
in gold Lantsa Sanskrit lettering.

Our modern world also allows prayer wheels to be driven by electricity. The prayer wheel pictured above, housed at the Samye Ling Temple in Scotland, contains billions of Mantras on micro film. For every one rotation of the wheel; there are seven Mani mantras dedicated to each Human being on the planet, the praying wheel turns continually day and night.


The earliest written version of the Mani mantra is know in the Lantsha and Wartu Sanskrit forms, used by Buddhist monks in India and Tibet in the 11th century.

The mani mantra in the ancient Wartu or Vartu Sanskrit.

© Tashi Mannox 2022

Lantsha Sanskrit Mani mantra.

© Tashi Mannox 2022


The beginning of the Tibetan written language was developed to accommodate the  migration of the Buddhist teachings from India to Tibet. The original Indian manuscripts were scribed in both Lantsha and Wartu, these were fundamental to the Buddhist textual tradition and very much their visual identity. Indeed Lantsha and Wartu is still today considered a sacred and classical written language, which is often upheld; painted and gilded high up on Tibetan temple walls, beams and pillars.
The Mani mantra arranged as a monogram, a very
condensed and convoluted form of
Lantsha Sanskrit called Kutaksyar.
© Tashi Mannox 2022

As the written form of a mantra is considered divine, there was much care and respect when translating Sanskrit to Tibetan. Moreover, most mantras where translated phonetically into Tibetan, maintaing as near correct as possible to the original quality of sound, which is considered integral to the meditation practice they belong to.

The classical Uchen script style is perhaps the most common and recognizable of the Mani mantra in Tibetan, a script style very similar in appearance to Sanskrit to an untrained eye,  so it is somewhat understandable that the Uchen style is often miscalled 'Tibetan Sanskrit'.
The Mani mantra is an early form of Tibetan called High Uchen

© Tashi Mannox 2022
Below follows a list of the Mani mantra in the main Tibetan script styles, these are shown without the traditional 'heading character' the addition of a heading character dose not change the meaning of the mantra, for more explanation on the heading character.

A more standard version of the Mani mantra in the Uchen script.

© Tashi Mannox 2022 



The Mani mantra in a short form called Tsugtung

© Tashi Mannox 2022

A script style derived from East Tibet, Kham, called Petsug or Khamyig

© Tashi Mannox 2022

A more cursive script form called Dru-tsa

© Tashi Mannox 2022

A quick style of hand-writing called Khyug

© Tashi Mannox 2022


The Mani mantra in three scripts,
From left to right:
vertically stacked in Uchen
Horyig seal script
Phags-pa

© Tashi Mannox 2022

The Horyig and Phags-pa scripts are related to Mongolian and where developed for the use of seals across Mongolia Tibet and China. A more in-depth explanation on the Phags-pa script is shown here, and for the Horyig script please click here.

The Mani mantra has in recent times become popular as a tattoo design. Because the mantra is a sacred word, there are advised guidelines as where and where not to place the mantra, this is not only to safe-guard the mantras integrity but also to curb any negative karma to others and ones self in miss-placing the mantra, such as up-side-down or back-to-front.

Many of the above mantras and more are available as high resolution downloadable images from the Tashi Mannox on-line store.





48 comments:

  1. Can the Mani Mantra be written at the vertical?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Though it is not so traditional, the Mani mantra can be written vertically, but one needs to be carful in understanding how to divide the characters correctly to stack them one below each other vertically.
    Otherwise the mantra will not read properly.

    The 'staking' arrangement is explained in more detail here:

    http://www.inkessential.com/scripts.html

    Tashi

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've just got my first tattoo my the upper back, I've always wanted to have the mani mantra on my skin and there it is now! Compassion is the most beatiful feeling in the world, the purest. It hurt to have the tattoo but it's worth the pain. Jules

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  4. is it bad luck if you tattoo the mani mantra when your not buddhist? Can anyone tattoo this on their body as long as they believe in it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. it is in the Buddhist philosophy that every living being is accepted with compassion and that all living sentient beings be freed from suffering. And it's the mantra from Buddha Avalokiteshvara.. and his is the Buddha of Infinite Compassion. So yeah i think it's ok!

      Delete
  5. Anybody can benefit from having the Mani mantra on their body if the right intention and believe is there.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Can only 1 symbol of the mantra syllable be tattooed?...
    I want to have a tattoo of the seed syllable Hri which is in the centre of the "Om Ma Ni PehMe Hum"...Will it have a meaning...?Or is it a must to have the full mantra?..
    Please help me on this..
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The Hri syllable can be depicted alone without the mani mantra, it still holds integrity of its own meaning.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello!
    I was wondering what the Mani Mantra means?

    Kind regards Isabel de Vries
    Holland

    ReplyDelete
  9. There is an explanation and meaning of the Mani mantra at the start of this post, by H H Dalai Lama.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thanks for the fast response, wow the tekst is impressive...
    I already have an tattoo on my lower arm it means Family in Tibetan, now I would like to add 3 words, do you know who I can write for a translation English _ Tibetan (uchen script)

    ReplyDelete
  11. yes, i run a service translating English to Tibetan for tattoo designs in the various forms of Tibetan writing.
    Please contact me me via the order form of www.inkessential.com

    with thanks

    Tashi

    ReplyDelete
  12. Tashi,

    You do amazing work, I'm thinking of getting a Mani Mantra in the Horyig script, vertically, by Erik Rieth on the inside of my upper arm. Can each letter be connected to the last? Is this an appropriate place to put this? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps the inside of your upper arm in not the best place for this sacred mantra, as encroaching the armpit area is not so dignified.

      Each letter can be connected to the last in the characteristic vertical Horyig script, though this needs to be carefully organized and a high resolution image required from which a template is made for a clear sharp tattoo design.

      You may like to contact me on info@inkessential.com to acquire a clear digital image for your tattoo.

      warmly

      Tashi

      Delete
  13. Hello Tashi!
    My name is Lucas, and if you don't mind, I would like to ask you a couple of questions before the question about the drawing. I will understand if you don't have the time to answer them, though :)
    I'm currently starting my studies in Buddhism by myself, and I'm a little lost and confused with the lots of information I've found. One of my main concerns is that I would like to practice both Zen and Vajrayanna, is that counterproductive? Could you point me some good books or give some pointers to a beginner?
    Now about the drawing: I'm considering getting a tattoo of the Vajrasattva mantra in Vartu script, do you think that it's appropriate? Where should be a good place for it?
    Thanks for your time and help!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello Lucas.

    There are many different traditions of the Buddhas teaching and practice that has developed differently in different locations. The origins Zen Buddhism started in China, though the characteristics that makes Zen Zen as we know it today, is influenced by the Japanese culture and the way that the Japanese people are. Whereas Vajrayana is one of the three main vehicles that the Buddha taught that may encompass Zen as well as other traditions, but i would not say that Zen is especially Tantric.
    Actually, of all the Tantras that make up Vajrayana, only a few of these Tantras historically migrated as far as Japan, so the complete teachings and practice of Vajrayana did not fully establish in Japan. What did establish is called Shingon.
    If you mix teachings from different traditions you will find differences and contradictions, it is not like one is right and the other is wrong, it is just that they are different to suit the culture they have established with and different in their origin, be it from Hinayana, Mahayana or Vajrayana.

    On the other subject of Vajrasattva... The mantra associated with this deity can be depicted in a number of languages, in someways a reflection of what i have been explaining above. The origin of the Mantra is Sanskrit, as Vartu or Wartu is an ancient Sanskrit script style, that just so happened to be persevered by the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, because of this it is perhaps more appropriate depicted in the Wartu script style, though the mantras can be more commonly found scripted in the Tibetan language.

    Regarding placing the Vajrasattva mantra on your body as a tattoo... There are two versions of the Mantra, long and short, the long mantra is called the 100 syllable mantra and would require a large space on your body, such as the whole of your back to fit well. The short mantra can fit most places, as long as it is not in disrespect of the sacred integrity of the mantra. I have give some advise concerning mantras on the body and an appropriate code of respect, this you may find in the link provided:

    http://tashimannox.com/inkessential.com/index.php/ink_essential/sacred-integrity

    The information i have written here is perhaps on the basic side, of course there is a lot more to it than i can write in this small area, but the questions you ask are quite big, so i have tried my best to be more simple and concise.

    If you wish to obtain a copy of the Vajrasattva mantra in the Wartu script, you will need to contact me via email: info@inkessential.com

    With kind regards

    Tashi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Tashi!
      Your answers have clarified my doubts. I intend to make the one hundred syllabe mantra tattoo on my chest. When I feel confident enough about that I surely will contact you!

      Kind regards,
      Lucas

      Delete
  15. Hi Tashi,
    I found all this information very enlightening, i want to get the mani mantra tattoed on my spine vertically and i have a question for you. Can the 4th and 5th syllables be stacked? (having the 5th syllable under the 4th) or do they have to be only the way itis on your drawing were two parts of the syllable are next to each other horizontally and part of the 5th syllable is under? Ive seen it tattooed both ways but not sure if both ways are correct, thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you contact me by email, i can send you examples and explain the difference and correct ways the Mani mantra can be stacked vertically.

      please get in touch and remind me of your questions.

      with kind regards

      Tashi

      email: info@inkessential.com

      Delete
  16. can it b tattooed on foot?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would not advise such a sacred mantra to be tattooed on the lower part of the body such as on the foot, the reasons for this are explained in more detail here:

      https://www.inkessential.com/index.php/ink_essential/sacred-integrity

      Tashi

      Delete
  17. Hello Tashi Mannox. I am looking to get a tattoo of possibly the Chenrezig Mantra Garland, however I have seen it drawn in different ways. For example, with the om syllable upside down at the bottom of the circle, or alternatively at the top the right way up. Would be so kind as to inform me of the correct arrangement? Stay well and happy, Matt

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Mathew

    I presume you are referring to the Mani mantra mandala? which is found at the top of this post.

    When a Japanese enso is painted, it always starts at the bottom and painted clockwise. In the same way the mantra starts at the bottom and reads around clockwise. However there is another reason why the mantra starts with om at the bottom.....
    Being a mandala the cardinal direction that always faces us is East. The eastern direction is always where the start of a mantra or seed syllables of buddhas or deities is placed. So the first letter of the Mani mantra is placed in the East direction at the bottom. This very much relates to the traditional practice of visualization in meditation, in this case the mind aspect of Chenrezig.

    If the first letter of the Mani mantra is placed at the top, this means it is in the Westerly direction and the furthest away from us.

    I hope this makes sense, but in short, there is a good reason and correct way to place the Mani mantra on the lotus mandala reading from the bottom first.

    Tashi

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Tashi!

    Your post is so informative!

    Anyway, I would like to ask whether the Lantsha script can be connected as one bar; similar to how you connected it in the monogram format, but as a straight horizontal text?

    I also read that you don't recommend the mantra on the inside of the upper arm. I originally thought of putting it there so that I could most readily read it and have it close to my heart. Do you think that there is a way that I can put it there while still showing it proper respect and dignity?


    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello !

      The lantsha Sanskrit script does not traditionally connect at the top as one horizontal bar unless it is written as a combined monogram.

      However there are some very similar script styles that are often mistaken for Lantsha that do link up as one horizontal bar, such as some of the Himalayan Newari scripts and the more contemporary Devanagari script.

      Personally i would not recommend a sacred mantra to be placed too near a sweaty armpit, but it all boils down to your motivation and if you consider it nearer your heart, then so be it.
      Ultimately it is best to meditate on a sacred mantra as a visualization practice in ones heart, there are very specific visualizations traditionally practiced which with devotion can be far more effective than a tattoo on the skin.

      Delete
  20. hi tashi

    may I ask if there are specific colors of green, yellow, blue, red when it comes to the Mani mantra and wearing it as a tattoo? ie. dark green, sky blue etc.

    cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a specific order of colours for the Mani mantra, however not all of these colours are so practical and effective as a tattoo, but if your tattooist can ink similar that would be very good.

      Here are the correct corresponding colours to the six syllable Mani mantra:

      oṃ = white. ma = green. ṇi = yellow. pad = light blue. me = red. hūṃ = dark blue/black.

      Delete
  21. Hi Hope you are well! I would like to know if I can use the Mani Mantra in Uchen Script (found in your website) for my tattoo. Can i also add the Hri at the end? I am planning to get it done on the outer portion of the palm in my left hand. Kindly let me know if the place is appropriate.
    Thank you so much in advance.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hello there Miss Niki

    I would not say the palm of the hand is the best place for a sacred mantra, but if any hand it will be the right hand of course.

    You can find a down-loadable image of the Mani mantra with hri at the end here in the link:

    https://store.tashimannox.com/index.php/product/mani-mantra-hri-syllable-uchen-script

    Once purchased you can down-load the design and print out as a clear sharp tattoo template to take to your tattooist.

    with kind regards

    Tashi

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hi Tashi,

    I was wondering if you could help me. I've become somewhat enticed by the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, but recently came across this image- http://flickr.com/photos/cryptikmovement/6267102387/lightbox/

    Now I've seen it a few times, always described or captioned as "Om Mani Padme Hum" but I've never been able to find any authenticity. Could you help?

    Thank you and regards, Samantha

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Samantha

    The image you found on Flicker is not the Mani mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum", this is an abstract artwork by another artist, it is not authentic Tibetan, it is not the Mani mantra, in fact it does not read as anything, it is like a made-to-look-like Tibetan or Sanskrit script. Perhaps the artist was inspired by the Mani mantra to paint this piece, but it is not the actual mantra.
    The red seal in the artwork may give the impression of authenticity, but it is not, though agreed, a beautiful artwork.

    ReplyDelete
  25. thank you so much for your clarification!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Tashi,

    What a remarkably informative thread you have here.

    So this is purely a tattoo question, since being young i had a tattoo on my forearm of a skull, I am looking to incorporate it into a Buddhist design, perhaps representing death and impermanence. Would it be appropriate to have the skull sitting in a lotus flower on water which would in turn wash footprints off a beach?.

    I understand the difficulty in achieving those effects with the water and beach but putting that aside would such an idea be appropriate.

    Would you like a commission to design a decent cover up?

    Hippi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Hippi

      For pictorial tattoo designs and especially for a cover-up, it would be far better to ask the opinion of a tattooist rather than myself who specialises in Calligraphy designs.

      You can also find a number of Tibetan script designs on the theme of impermanence in the link here, that you and your tattooist may like to incorporate with your tattoo:

      https://store.tashimannox.com/catalog/result/id/30dc89c1c4e57b1a703f8c97443e2606538ce0d9/filters/page=all

      If you have any further questions for me or wish to commission a calligraphy design, please email me directly to info@inkessential.com

      with thanks

      Tashi

      Delete
  27. Hello Tashi,
    I am looking to get the Om Mani Padme Hum tattoo symbols in a lotus mandala. My question is, instead of having the HRI in the center, would it be appropriate to have the OM universally written ॐ instead?
    Thanks for your time,
    Lyndsey

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would not consider this a good Idea, it is mixing up different traditions and languages, the Hindi om is not the seed syllable of the Mani mantra. the ॐ character has its own integrity.

      Delete
    2. Thank you!
      What exactly is the seed syllable HRI?

      Delete
    3. Hi Lyndsey
      The Hri syllable is the essence character of Avalokiteśvara, who is the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion.
      During the practice and recitation of the Mani mantra, it is visualised that the mantra turns clockwise around the hri syllable at the heart centre of Avalokiteśvara that emanates light rays to bless and benefit all beings. The quality of Avalokiteśvara and light rays should be seen as rainbow light.

      So as I have explained, the hri syllable is an essential part of the Mani mantra.

      Delete
  28. Hello,
    I am seeking help regarding the proper colour of the HRIH syllable. Associated with Chenreizig I have always known it to be white. I've seen it depicted in other colours and wonder if this is appropriate. Will you please help me with understanding these details.
    Thank you, palms together

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed the traditional colour of the Hrih character is white, however it would depicted in black if all the other syllables of the mantra are also in black. Sometimes you may see the hrih syllable in red, however this belongs to another deity called Dorje Palmo or Gyalwa Gyamsto. It would not be appropriate the depict the hrih character in red when associated with the Mani mantra of Chenrezig.

      I hope this helps clarify things for you.

      Tashi

      Delete
  29. Hi Tashi,

    First of all I'd like to thank you for all this information you are giving us. I jsut got a question for you, as another person here I'm looking to get a big Om Mani Padme Hum symbols tattoo in a Lotus Mandala. I'd like to have it in my triceps zone and I think the petals will comme a little to the front of my arms like "embracing it".. ( I'm sorry, my english is not perfect) Could you please tell me if the place is appropiated? because I've been reading your link abour sacred integrity but there's something that I don't get... when you say "not to place (it) back-to-front"... and I'm afraid tha'ts what I'm planning to do!

    Thank you so much and kind regards

    Paola



    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Paola

      Back-to-front means to reverse the image, so that everything is backwards, it seems you are not doing this, so the way and placement you intend is respectful enough.

      Tashi.

      Delete
  30. Thank you so much for your answer, Tashi!

    Best regards,

    Paola

    ReplyDelete
  31. I hope that this thread is still active because I have learned so much. Thank you!! I plan on getting the hri symbol tattooed on my inner wrist facing me so that I can see it read it correctly, however, when my arm lays in a neutral position (down) or when others are looking at it, it will appear "upside down". I'm confused which is appropriate. The symbol and the meaning is so beautiful, I'm hoping to have it placed there as a constant reminder. Also, is the correct pronunciation hri, as in hurry without the u?

    Thank you,
    Respectfully yours,
    Angel

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Angel

      Yes this feed is still live, though less attended because I am super busy with other projects.

      Any syllables on the wrist should read the right-way-up to your self when looking down at your wrist.

      I hope this helps

      Delete
  32. I just found a necklace that I am very interested in. The necklace interpretation of Om Mani Padme Hum is written in phags-pa script. I have looked and looked but I'm having trouble finding matching symbols. I am used to reading Om Mani Padme Hum in Tibetan and reading left to right. Could someone please help me identify if this is the correct inscription on the pendant. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Here is a link to the necklace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jeff, there is an image of the Mani mantra in the Phags-pa script you can compare with here:

      https://inkessential.blogspot.co.uk/2010/07/pure-perception.html

      Where is the link to your necklace ?

      Delete