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Buddhist Prayers

What Buddhist prayers can I recite?

This section contains a growing collection of prayers and contemplative chants of Kadampa Buddhism. Check back regularly for new additions.

Prayers for meditation

These prayers help to prepare the mind for meditation. They can also be used as a stand-alone contemplative chant.

The mantra of Buddha Shakyamuni

Reciting the mantra of Buddha Shakyamuni, OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNAYE SÖHA, with faith creates the cause to draw closer to Buddha and gain the realizations of all the stages of the path to enlightenment.

The mantra of Buddha Avalokiteshvara

Reciting the mantra of Buddha Avalokiteshvara, OM MANI PÄME HUM, with faith while contemplating the suffering of others creates the cause to develop genuine compassion and to free all living beings from their suffering.

The mantra of Buddha Amitayus

Reciting the mantra of Buddha Amitayus, OM AMARANI ZÄWENTAYE SÖHA, with faith creates the cause to receive the blessings of long life, wisdom, and good fortune.

Heart Jewel

This prayer is recited every day in Kadampa Buddhist Centers. It is a powerful method for receiving the blessings of wisdom, compassion, and spiritual power from the Spiritual Guide.

Prayers for the long life of Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

Composed by Geshe Kelsang’s own Spiritual Guide, Trijang Rinpoche, at the request of Geshe-la’s original English students, this hauntingly beautiful prayer calls upon Buddha Amitayus, the Buddha of Immeasurable Life, to bless us with the merit to have our Spiritual Guide remain with us for a very long time.

To order sadhanas (prayer books) visit Tharpa Publications