ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Om mani padme hum

Om Mani Padme Hum is a very popular chant in Buddhist culture. It is believed to have a powerful spiritual significance and is used to aid in meditation, enlightenment, and connecting with the divine. It can be broken down into six syllables, each holding its own unique meaning.

The first syllable is "Om," which is believed to represent the entirety of the universe and all that exists within it. It is said to be the sound of creation, representing the beginning of all things.

The second syllable is "Ma," which represents the benevolent deity, Avalokiteshvara, who is viewed as the embodiment of compassion.

The third syllable is "Ni," which represents the principle of patience and perseverance.

The fourth syllable is "Pad," which represents the principle of pure meditation and wisdom.

The fifth syllable is "Me," which represents the principle of generosity and ethics.

The final syllable is "Hum," which represents the principle of indivisibility and the union of wisdom and compassion.

So when someone chants Om Mani Padme Hum, they are essentially calling upon the benevolent deity of compassion, Avalokiteshvara, and aligning themselves with the principles of patience, perseverance, pure meditation, wisdom, generosity, ethics, indivisibility, and the union of wisdom and compassion. It's like asking for help in becoming a better and more enlightened person.