Om Mani Padme Hum

Or perhaps I should say "Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum". Translated as "Behold the Jewel of the Lotus", this mantra is actually divided up into its six syllables, each of which represent their own perfection and samsaric realm, and have their own symbolism. Given its deep meanings and purifying properties, Om Mani Padme Hum is arguably one of the most significant mantras of the Buddhist teachings.

Because of the quality and amount of information available, I have linked the background of Om Mani Padme Hum to the Wikipedia article, which provides a beautiful explanation of the syllables, pronunciations, and interpretations of several prominent Buddhists.

I personally enjoy the interpretation of HH the 14th Dalai Lama . . .

"Thus the six syllables, om mani padme hum, 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, and mind into the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of a Buddha"

And that of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, from which I have listed the following two quotations:

"The mantra Om Mani Päme Hum is easy to say yet quite powerful, because it contains the essence of the entire teaching. When you say the first syllable Om it is blessed to help you achieve perfection in the practice of generosity, Ma helps perfect the practice of pure ethics, and Ni helps achieve perfection in the practice of tolerance and patience. Pä, the fourth syllable, helps to achieve perfection of perseverance, Me helps achieve perfection in the practice of concentration, and the final sixth syllable Hum helps achieve perfection in the practice of wisdom."

"So in this way recitation of the mantra helps achieve perfection in the six practices from generosity to wisdom. The path of these six perfections is the path walked by all the Buddhas of the three times. What could then be more meaningful than to say the mantra and accomplish the six perfections?"

In my personal life, I have found this powerful mantra indispensable during meditation and to cultivate patience. 

For further reading, a different perspective, and an opportunity to hear the mantra, check out this article from Dharma-haven.

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May all beings be happy!