Desire for Enlightenment and the Feminine in Early Buddhist Myth

The mantra: Om mani padme hum¹, is regarded as one of the most important in Buddhism.^* Volumes have been written by monks and religious leaders throughout the centuries about it, without ever revealing the true meaning of the mantra.

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The human soul has a unique experience with sexuality, perceived within the body. No religion or holy men can replace and occupy our individual human experience of sexuality. The experience is an overwhelming spiritual and physical experience; it needs no bizarre belief system. At the same time the experience is ecstatic and unique between two people. Because of the intimate nature of the sacred and seemingly secret sexuality of humans, a lot of confusion has taken place. This has resulted in euphemisms or nebulous symbols and expressions of sexuality instead of clear speech or words. Thus, since ancient times, people have expressed their joy in the bliss of sexuality in symbols, myths and imagery that are universally recognisable metaphors.

In light of the above it is worth looking at the mantra that the Dalai Lama considers one of the most important in Tibetan Buddhism. The mantra Om mani padme hum originates from ancient Tantric tradition, which has always celebrated female sexuality and the sexual union between the Goddess and Her Divine Consort. The literal translation of the word mani is jewel, the traditional term for the lingam - the male sexual organ. The word padme (lotus flower), is universally known in eastern cultures as the word for the yoni, symbolizing the vulva - the female principle of the sexual union.

There can be little doubt that the original meaning of Om mani padme hum - Hail, the jewel in the lotus - refers to the high esteem in which the harmony of sexual union of male and female was held - fundamental to tantric thought and religious rituals that pre-date Buddhism by thousands of years.

 It is very revealing however, that his holiness the Dalai Lama, who is generally seen as the epitome of humanity and kindness, and who for many people represents true and authentic Buddhism, chooses to interpret this important mantra entirely stripped and deprived of its original meaning: "...Thus the six syllables, OM MANI PADME HUM, mean that in dependence on the practice which is in indivisible union of method and wisdom, you can transform your impure body, speech and mind into the pure body, speech, and mind of a Buddha…”
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