Mantras, meaning “mind protection” are Sanskrit syllables, usually recited in conjunction with the practice of a particular meditational deity, and embody the qualities of the deity with which they are associated.  They bring benefit to all who see, touch, hear or speak them.  Further, when you recite mantras with the correct motivation (the wish to benefit others), your speech becomes holy speech capable of offering blessings to others.  Some mantras are so powerful that they are said to be able to benefit others even when no virtuous motivation is present.  See the Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive site for more information.

One of the important mantras recited by many Buddhists is Om Mani Padme Hum.

For a lovely article on the this mantra please click here.

Because mantras are universally beneficial, Lama Zopa Rinpoche designed a baseball cap covered in powerful mantras in order to provide an opportunity for us to be of benefit to others simply by walking around.

The mantra cap is available through the FMPT Foundation Store.