The benefits of reciting mantra [Tibetan: nyén pa] are vast and without measure. Although there are thousands of mantra within the Yungdrung Bön tradition, there is one mantra known as The Great Mantra. It is commonly referred to as the MA TRI mantra. This mantra has eight syllables: OM MA TRI MU YÉ SA LÉ DU. In general, the power of a mantra is in the sound and vibration of each syllable. They are like a vibrational seed of energy that gives birth to a specific energy and power. For this mantra, the first two syllables are the seed syllables of a male and female buddha. The remaining six syllables are the sound of the six buddhas that guide sentient beings out of suffering and misery caused by the five poisons of anger, attachment, jealousy, pride, and ignorance.
From Thirty-three Benefits of the MA TRI Mantra:
“This is the heart mantra of all the buddhas. It is of benefit for sentient beings at the end of the eon when their lifespan has become shorter and there is less morality.”
And,
“The recitation of this mantra is enough. It is the fundamental essence of the entire collection of sacred teachings. It is the ultimate of all recitations. It is the innermost essence of all meditations. It is a sacred connection for sentient beings during a dark time.”
— Words from the mouth of Buddha Tönpa Shenrap Miwoché
The great mantra has many profound benefits and meanings. However, it is not necessary to be familiar with the thousands of pages of teachings and commentary devoted to the MA TRI mantra. In order to receive benefit from the mantra, it is enough to recite it with openness and trust. A mantra can be recited anytime, anywhere, out loud or silently if necessary. Especially when the mind is disturbed by inner or outer circumstances, focusing on the recitation of mantra has the immediate effect of protecting the mind from negativity and increasing a positive and beneficial state of mind.
“OM MA TRI MU YÉ SA LÉ DU
Alas! Fortunate Ones Listen!
Right here and now, because of our ignorance and delusion we have not attained mastery of the experience of awareness, and we wander throughout cyclic existence. We take on the magical illusion of solid flesh and undergo many kinds of suffering and misery.
There is no final escape. How sad!
Noble Ones who wish to travel the path of liberation in order to escape from that suffering and misery and arrive at a place of bliss, proclaim the melody of the MA TRI MU YÉ!”
And,
“OM MA TRI MU YÉ SA LÉ DU
Alas! Fortunate Ones Listen!
The many troops of mental dullness are the first.
The mighty coat of armor of pride is the second.
The trained army of envy is the third.
The sharp weapons of anger and hatred are the fourth.
These are the four frightening enemies that come from behind.
Noble Ones who wish to be delivered from those enemies, proclaim the melody of the MA TRI MU YÉ!”
— From Inspirational Verses Regarding the MA TRI written by the tertön Tülku Loden Nyingpo
All translations and content by Raven Cypress Wood ©All Rights Reserved. No content, in part or in whole, is allowed to be used without direct permission from the author.
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This is a very pertinent boost today especially but always. Thank for your tireless efforts Raven to share the inspiration of Yungdrung Bön
Before leaving for work most every morning, I sing the mantra to my dogs, the majority of which have horrifically traumatic backgrounds from previous owners. It calms them in a truly remarkable manner, and allows me to be present with them in the moment instead of dwelling on their past and possibly contributing to their anxiety.
Wonderful. According to “Thirty-three Benefits of the MA TRI Mantra,” when authentic strong compassion is generated and the MA TRI mantra recited, any sentient beings whose ear canal receives the clear sound of the mantra will be liberated.
Raven