The following are a list of mantras that may be used with a MalaÑa string of 108 beads
These are some of the mantras I regularly chant
In chanting I find it best to silently say the words
Shaping them with the lips
Group vocal recitation is also very powerful
While chanting,
Empty the mind
Focus completely on the words
Do not try to think of meaning
Simply say the words of the mantra over and over
The chanting of a set
Going through the mala of 108 beads
Could be an excellent way to prepare for zazen
1
The famous mantra that concludes the ÒHeart SutraÓ
Gate! Gate!
Paragate!
Parasamgate!
Bodhi Svaha!
Gone, Gone, Gone Beyond,
Completely gone beyond
Enlightenment, Hail!
2
Two very old mantras that predate Buddhism
OM
Om ManiÑPadme
Hum
Om in the lotus
A jewel
Hail
3
The mantra of Tara
Female representation of Avalokiteshava
Manifestation of the BuddhaÕs compassion and mercy
This mantra is very helpful
When thinking of someone in need
Or when in need yourself
Om Tara Tuttare
Ture Svaha
4
The famous mantra found in the Lotus Sutra
This mantra invokes the name of the Buddha Amitabha
Who represents the Immortal or
Boundless Light of the Buddha
Three forms of the mantra are given in Japanese
The first is the full mantra
The second is the shortened version
And the third is the quick vocalization of the mantra
Namu Amida
Butsu
Nembutsu
Nam man da bu
5
A mantra praising Shakyamuni
The intent here is that you hope that whatever act you are About to perform, zazen, speaking, reading, writing, Teaching, study, washing dishes, gardening, etc.,
Your act does not come from egoistic self-interest, but From the heart-mind of the Buddha
Or in Christian terms
ÒNot my will but YoursÓ
Namo tasso
bhagavato
Arahato
Sammasambuddhassa
Homage to the Blessed One
The Perfected One
The Fully Enlightened One
6
The ÒnameÓ mantra of Shakyamuni Buddha
Om Muni Maha
Muni Ye Svaha
7
The mantra of Manjushri
Bodhisattva of Wisdom
Om Vaki Shuri
Hum
8
The mantra of Vajrapani the Lord
The Bodhisattva of power
Om Vajrapani
Hum
9
The mantra of Padmasambhava
Om Ah Hum Vajra
Guru
Padma Siddhi
Hum
10
This mantra celebrates the Lotus Sutra
Namu Myoho Rengekyo
Praise to the Sutra
Of the Lotus
Of the Wonderful Law!
11
Perhaps the most important teaching
Of Mahayana Buddhism is the famous formula
Of the ÒHeart SutraÓ
Which can be used as a mantra
Rupam shunyata
Shunyateva
rupam
Form is emptiness
Emptiness is form.
12
The Tri Sharana or the Three Treasures
Can be used as a mantra
Each line can be recited as a single set
Buddham
sharanam gacchami
Dhamman
sharanam gacchami
Sangham
sharanam gacchami
I take refuge in the Buddha
I take refuge in the Dharma
I take refuge in the Sangha
13
Mahatma Ghandi said the name of God
Rama
As a mantra throughout his life
It was the last word he said after he was shot
Rama
14
The Jizo Mantra
Om Ka Ka Kabi
San Man E Sowaka
The following are ÒChristian mantras.Ó
15
The ÒJesus prayerÓ
Lord Jesus Christ
Have Mercy on me
A Sinner
16
In all probability
The Jesus prayer has its root in these words
From the mass
Kyrie Eleison
Christe Eleison
Lord have mercy on us
Christ have mercy on us
17
Each line of the following mantra can be used
For one entire round of recitation
Laudamus te
Benedicimus te
Adoramus te
Glorificamus te
We praise Thee
We bless Thee
We adore Thee
We glorify Thee
18
These beautiful words of the mass
Make a very powerful mantra
Dona nobis pacem.
Give us peace
19
Finally
The beautiful greeting of St Francis
Pace e bene
Peace and Good Will