Pronunciation: NAH MOH BOO DAH YAH, NAH MOH DAR MAH YAH, NAH MOH SAHNG GAH YAH
Meaning: "I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha."
This is a traditional way of expressing respect and trust in the Three Jewels: the awakened teachers (Buddhas), the teachings that show the path (Dharma), and the community of fellow seekers (Sangha). Reciting this is like saying,
You can use this mantra when you want to reconnect with a sense of spiritual purpose, grounding, or safety.
The mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha
Pronunciation: OHM MOO NEE MOO NEE, MAH HA MOO NEE, MOO NEE YĀ SO HA
Meaning: It praises the deep wisdom and great compassion of the Buddha. “Om” is a sacred sound; “Muni” means sage; “Maha Muni” means great sage; “Soha” means “may the blessings be received.”
It can be used to connect with the Buddha’s calm presence and to remember that awakening is possible for us, too.
The mantra of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig), the Bodhisattva of Compassion
Pronunciation: OHM MAH NEE PAHD MĀ HOONG
Meaning: Literally, “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus.” It symbolizes the union of wisdom (the jewel) and compassion (the lotus), which together bring about awakening.
You can use this to awaken your own natural compassion and as a prayer to develop the wisdom that will enable you to act skillfully for the well-being of others.
The mantra of Tara, the female manifestation of Avalokiteshvara
Pronunciation: OHM TAH RĀ TOO TAH RĀ TOO RĀ SOH HAH
Meaning: Tara is a female Bodhisattva who acts swiftly to help beings in need. This mantra calls upon her qualities of protection, courage, and compassion.
Tare liberates from suffering, Tuttare removes fears, and Ture brings success in spiritual practice. Soha is an offering of trust.
You can use this when feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or in need of encouragement. Tara represents a loving, brave energy that is always available, to help you or others in need.
The mantra from the Heart of Wisdom Sutra
Pronunciation: OHM GAH TĀ GAH TĀ PAH RAH GAHTĀ PAH RAH SAHM GAH TĀ BOH DEE SO HA
Meaning: “Gone, gone, gone beyond, completely gone beyond, awakened, so be it!”
This is a mantra of transcending illusion and realizing the true nature of reality. It expresses the movement beyond ego and false appearances into the deep peace and clarity of wisdom.
It’s good to recite when one is seeking clarity, letting go of confusion, or facing transitions.