In Tibetan Buddhism, the sacred mantra of Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara is OM MA-NI PAD-ME HUM, which is now probably the most well-received mantra in the Buddhist community worldwide.

In Tibet, the six-syllable mantra can be found everywhere; it is recited when Tibetan women milk cows; when children sing their songs; and when old people give their prayers. This mantra is part of their daily lives.

The ubiquity of Avalokiteshvara's mantra displays her deep connection to all sentient beings in this world of cyclic existence. Stories of her miracles are familiar to many Tibetan people. Therefore, the doctrine of Avalokiteshvara is the most popular path for Vajradhara disciples.

According to Buddha, there are eighty-four hundred paths to enlightenment. The six-syllable mantra, however, represents the "very essence of all Buddhist practices and teachings." For devoted practitioners of this mantra, Special Achievement and Universal Achievements are waiting for them at the end of their spiritual journey.

The benefits of reciting the six-syllables mantra include empowering all sentient beings, cleansing our bad karmas, transforming our karmic imprints (recurring habitual patterns), removing obstacles in our spiritual path, liberating us from the chain of reincarnation, and freeing us from cyclic birth and death in the six realms.

According to scripture, Avalokiteshvara once said that "any sentient beings, male or female, can cleanse all their bad karma by holding me close to their heart when reciting the six-syllable mantra. When people wear a necklace with this mantra on their neck, all disease and evil spirits will stay away from them. Furthermore, they will not be reborn in the three bad realms in the next lives."

According to Buddhist belief, suffering comes from the karmic imprints accumulated in our endless reincarnations in the six realms. When we recite this mantra, we can visualize the six syllables in different colors, each with a specific power to eradicate certain karmic imprints left from our innumerous previous lives in the six realms:

OM	white light on Deva Realm, clearing the suffering caused by exaltation;
MA	red light on Asura Realm, clearing the suffering caused by hostility;
NI	yellow light on Human Realm, clearing the suffering caused by dissonant emotions;
PAD	green light on Animal Realm, clearing the suffering caused by ignorance;
ME	blue-gray light on Hungry Ghost Realm, clearing the suffering caused by unsatisfied craving;
HUM	black light on Hell Realm, clearing the suffering caused by hatred, anger and fear.

The merit of reciting the six-syllable mantra can purify and eradicate the karmic propensities of ourselves and other sentient beings. In other words, this mantra can release us from the conditioned cyclic rebirth in the six realms and empower us to transcend karma and attain Buddhahood.

Although this short mantra has only six syllables, it is the embodiment of immeasurable purity, inconceivable powers and incredible blessings.Each syllable represents one critical aspect of Vajrayana teaching.

OM is a syllable for homage and invocation to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in the vast expanse.OM, MA, and NI are the seed syllables for three kinds of spiritual attainments: OM for the Specific Achievement, MA for Universal Achievement and NI for spiritual and physical well-being. MANI represents the luminous Jewel of Blessing, the symbol of our inherent true nature. PAD is the seed syllable for longevity and merits, ME for contentment and success, and HUM for victory over evil enemies. As the concluding syllable of all mantras, HUM represents the source and convergence of all Chi (energy). In your visualization of this syllable, you ascend from the empty voidness to permeate the entire space with your Chi.

OM MA-NI PAD-ME HUM is easy to remember and recite. This short, but inspiring mantra of Avalokiteshvara can produce inconceivable benefits, answer any prayer, and awaken the innate wisdom of all sentient beings. Everyone should become familiar with it.

When you recite the mantra, try your best to relax and clear all the thoughts in your mind. Focus your mind on your Wurzel chakra, which lies in the bottom of your Central Channel, the central point of your body. Recite the mantra with the energy arising from this chakra. Do not push yourself too hard or make your recitation audible; just let the syllables rise naturally inside your body, one syllable at one time.

The more relaxed and clear your body and mind are, the stronger the vibration. The mantra recitation can bring you great benefits because the Chi will flow smoothly from your Central Channel to the rest of your body.

We can also visualize Avalokiteshvara reciting the mantra in our Wurzel chakra, or any other Chakra, or even all chakras. As the vibration of the six syllables fills up every inch of our body, visualize that all your tissues and cells are filled with Avalokiteshvara. Even the whole universe is filled with OM MA-NI PAD-ME HUM. Stay in this mental state until you and Avalokiteshvara become one entity, inseparable from each other.