Mantra: The Language Of Awakening - by Bodhipaksa

COURSE

Mantra: The Language Of Awakening

With Bodhipaksa

This course introduces you to eight mantras from the Buddhist tradition, and explains the background of mantras as a practice. You'll learn how they work, and how you can benefit from chanting them. You'll learn about the mythic and sometimes historical figures they evoke, and how they embody qualities of the awakened mind.

AwakeningGroundedConfidenceSpiritualityTraditional BuddhismMantraSpiritualHealth & HappinessSpiritualityReligionGentle Repetition

Meet your Teacher

Bodhipaksa
New Hampshire

Bodhipaksa is a Buddhist teacher and the author of multiple books. He's been following the Buddha's path to awakening since 1982, which is when he was first taught mantras as a form of devotional meditation. While mantra isn't the central focus of his personal practice, he is strongly drawn to them and finds chanting mantras to be highly effective and deeply meaningful.

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8 Days

281 students

5.0 stars

17 min / day

Awakening

English

Lesson 1

What Are Mantras, And How Do They Work?

We'll be exploring what makes a mantra a mantra, and the effects they have on us, not just in terms of displacing our normal mental chatter and thus calming the mind, but as a mindfulness practice and as a way of connecting with the qualities of the awakened mind. We'll also chant the mantra, Oṃ Āḥ Hūṃ.

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Lesson 2

A Mantra For Connecting With Compassion

Today we'll explore the mantra of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. This is Om Mani Padme Hum, which is probably the most famous of Buddhist Mantras. We'll explore the meaning and symbolism of the mantra, and we'll chant Oṃ Manipadme Hūṃ as both a mindfulness practice and as a way to awaken compassion.

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Lesson 3

Mantra, And The Magic Of Names

Today we'll explore a new mantra. It's Oṃ Akṣobhya Hūṃ, which is the mantra of a mythic, symbolic Buddha of the eastern direction, Akṣobhya. His name means "The Unshakeable One." Before that, we'll explore the common belief that names are words of power.

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Lesson 4

Mantras And The Perfection Of Wisdom

Today we explore, and will chant together, the mantra of Mañjughosa, who is a Bodhisattva representing the Perfection of Wisdom, or Prajñaparamita. We'll briefly explore , in a practical way, what Buddhism means by "emptiness," which is the subject of the Perfection of Wisdom texts. Finally we'll chant the mantra, Oṃ A Ra Pa Ca Na Dhīḥ.

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Lesson 5

A Mantra For Strength And Confidence

Today we meet a Buddhist figure who does not at all resemble the enlightened figures that sit quietly on lotuses, smiling serenely. Vajrapani dances wildly, looks like a monster, and hurls thunderbolts! Yet he is entirely peaceful and compassionate, and his mantra (Oṃ Vajrapāṇi Hūṃ) can convey powerful confidence and strength.

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Lesson 6

Mantra And The Three Bodies Of The Buddha

Today I point out a correspondence between the three parts of the mantra (Om, the middle invocation, and the final part, which is usually Hum) and the teaching that there are three ways to relate to the Buddha: the Dharmakaya (Body of Reality), Sambhogakaya (Bliss Body), and Nirmanakaya (Physical or Manifested body). And we'll explore and practice the mantra of Green Tara: Oṃ Tāre Tuttāre Ture Svāhā!

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Lesson 7

Mantra: The Power Of Padmasambhava

Today we'll explore and chant together the mantra of a historical figure called Padmasambhava (The Lotus Born), who is also known as Guru Rimpoche (The Precious Teacher). We'll explore his complex character, which is shrouded in myth, and will see how his mantra, Oṃ Āḥ Hūṃ Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hūṃ, is sorely needed in today's confused world.

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Lesson 8

Mantra As The Path To Peace

We're back to a very simple mantra today. It's the mantra of peace: Oṃ Śānti Śānti Śānti. I'll discuss how mantras evoke peace within us, and how the deep peace of awakening is not something separate from us, but is an intrinsic part of our being. Just as the ocean may be stormy on the surface, in its depths it is always still. So it is with us.

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5.0 (23)

Recent Reviews

Donna

Donna

November 22, 2025

Great series of classes to help introduce mantras and their meanings. I’m looking forward to making mantra practice a regular part of my overall practice. Thank you!

Lyndie

October 23, 2025

I loved this course so much. I’m very excited to dive deeper into mantra and to make it a regular part of my practice. Thank you so much for this!

Nada

Nada

October 23, 2025

Thank you so much well deserve 5 star. Everyone should listen to this course. Peace with all beings 🙏🏻🕊️❤️

Sheila

Sheila

September 21, 2025

What a wonderful experience. The detail of explanation is amazing, like you’re being introduced to old friends of the teacher, he knows them so well and shines such a beautiful light on each mantra. Thank you!

Tatyana

Tatyana

September 15, 2025

Beautiful course on the meaning and background of Buddhist mantras and their role in stopping the fluctuations of the mind . Much love and gratitude for sharing your wisdom ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

Keith

Keith

September 14, 2025

I really enjoyed revisiting some of these mantras in this course. Thank you for sharing them with us. Namaste

Kathryn

Kathryn

September 8, 2025

A truly beautiful course. Also very informative and even fun! Bodhipaksa is a very gifted teacher.

Lisa

Lisa

September 7, 2025

I never really understood chanting before this course. It’s why I took it. To learn and to understand. It has opened me up to a new way. I just have trouble with the Sanskrit. Great explanations. Lots of peace and kindness. 💜

Steffie

September 5, 2025

I love his teachings, he has a gift and he shares it so graciously. Thoughtful, clear, welcoming. Thank you

Deborah

Deborah

September 5, 2025

There’s so much to learn in a very easy to follow and interesting course on Budhist mantras, experiencing lovely chanting of each day’s mantra and taking more steps along our path to finding more peace and understanding amongst the challenges of our lives. Thank you Bodhipaksa!

ilinca

ilinca

August 29, 2025

Beautiful, wise and helpful course. The teacher understands the mantras very well and he speaks with great kindness. Thank you 🙏🪷

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