“Om mani padme hum” is a six‐syllable Sanskrit mantra closely associated with the Bodhisattva of Compassion (Avalokiteśvara in Sanskrit, Chenrezig in Tibetan). A direct, word‐for‐word translation into English is tricky, because mantras often carry layers of spiritual and symbolic meaning rather than literal definitions.

A commonly cited rough translation is often rendered as:

“Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus.”

Here’s a bit more detail on what each syllable can represent:

• Om – The primordial sound of the universe, often associated with the divine or sacred essence.
• Ma Ni – Literally “jewel.” This can symbolize qualities like compassion and love—“the jewel” we seek or hold within.
• Pad Me – Literally “lotus,” which often symbolizes purity and spiritual growth, blossoming out of the mud.
• Hum – A syllable that signifies the indivisibility of the spiritual realm from the material world—often a closing or grounding sound.

In Tibetan Buddhism, reciting the mantra is said to invoke compassion, purify the heart, and lead to spiritual awakening. Thus, beyond any literal interpretation, “Om mani padme hum” is widely regarded as an invocation of compassion and a reminder to cultivate love and kindness.