The first story in this series was published few days ago and can be read here – Best of Spiti – In Pictures.
The origin of ‘Mani Stones’ is as ancient as Buddhism. Buddhists began to mark stones with symbols, phrases and mantras as a means to express their faith for deities and spread positivity. Hence, you’re likely to find varied kinds of inscriptions, use of vibrant colors manifesting belief of the decorator. These are sacred, magical and mystic.
These decorated stones make you feel not just happy but also exude positivity.
Travelers to Spiti Valley (place inhabited by Tibetans) will encounter such stones / mound of stones pretty much everywhere. Since, we were on a road trip, we spent our maximum travel time on roads and every time we saw such beautifully and meticulously carved stones, we would stop to soak in beauty.
These ‘Mani’ stones come in different colors, shapes, sizes and also different inscriptions, texts or images but primarily one will find such stones inscribed with ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’.
Fortunately, I found this profound explanation of the powerful mantra by ‘H.H Tenzin Gyatso The Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet’ in the sacred texts and I’m sharing the brief version. It is believed chanting of this mantra brings great benefits for mind and soul but one must contemplate on the meaning as well for the meaning makes the chant and its impact complete.
‘Om Mani Padme Hum’
‘Decoded’
The first, OM, is composed of three pure letters, A, U, and M symbolizing the practitioner’s impure body, speech and mind. The development of pure body, speech and mind comes gradually as one transforms from leaving the impure state into the pure.
MANI, meaning jewel, symbolizes the factor of method- the altruistic intention to become enlightened, and be filled with compassion and love.
The two syllables, PADME, meaning lotus, symbolize wisdom. Just as a lotus flower grows forth from mud but is not sullied by the faults of mud, so wisdom is capable of putting you in a situation of non- contradiction where as there would be contradiction if you did not have wisdom. There is wisdom realizing impermanence or inherent existence.
Purity must be achieved by an indivisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable, HUM, which indicates indivisibility. According to the sutra system, this indivisibility of method and wisdom refers to one consciousness in which there is a full form of both wisdom affected by method and method affected by wisdom. In terms of the seed syllables of the five conqueror Buddhas, HUM is the seed syllable of Akshobhya- the immovable, the unfluctuating, the one that cannot be disturbed by anything.
Thus together, the six syllables, OM MANI PADME HUM signify 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. It is also believed that you should not seek for Buddhahood outside of yourself; the substances for the achievement of Buddhahood are within.
Stay enlightened. Stay Happy.
This explanation of why the I’m chanting is the best I have read …. I do ironically given that the purpose is to free, the explanations are so often over complicated. These stones are fantastic – quite stopping me in my tracks and the whole post has proven quite freeing for me.
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Hi Dear,
Hope you are doing awesome. Apologies for the delayed reply!
The very first time I saw the inscription, it was the mountain visible from Tabo village, I couldn’t refrain and had to ask the locals about it and they explained about the mantra and stones. Later, as we continued our journey, I could spot stones at places least expected, it was just a beautiful experience and I believe a great way to spread positivity.
Thank you so much for your continued feedback 🙂
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Fabulous, I like the way you have explained each syllable. Many times we just chant mantras without knowing what they essentially mean, but knowing them gives them the right due.
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Thank you, Alok.
How have you been?
I’m so glad that I could find such explanation and spread the positive message :). Knowing the meaning and consciously chanting makes a lot of difference.
Good day.
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All is good here, Charu. Hope you are enjoying too 😊
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I’d never heard of these stones. Gorgeous. It must have felt amazing to be around them!!! Thank You and Cheers! 🙂
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Thank you so much.
It’s one of the most beautiful things I have come across, a rock art in simple language but creating great impact.
Good day. 🙂
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Beautiful pictures and enchanting description of each and every image !!
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Thank you for your positive feedback 🙂
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My pleasure 😇
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So interesting to read this post. I have not heard of mani stones before. We live in Sri Lanka which has a population of primarily Buddhists, yet the type of Buddhism practiced here is Theravada Buddhism. We have written a few posts covering our first learning of Buddhism. The stones, especially the carved ones, are very beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
Peta
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Thank you for bringing up ‘Theravada Buddhism’. I didn’t know much about it but now I will find out 🙂 The first thing I’ll do is read your insightful posts on the topic.
The stones I believe are peculiar to Tibetan community as I have seen such in Tibet too. And the region Spiti Valley is primarily inhabited by Tibetan refugees in India.
Good day.
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I’m glad that you have noticed these stones. I have come across so many travelogues to Spiti but people normally write about the flags. Love the art in these stones. Thanks for posting for all of us!
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Thank you Arvind!
How have you been?
That’s a great observation, mostly people focus on flags but stones as integral and important part of Tibetan culture as Flags are.
Good Day, Charu
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Charu, I’m doing okay. I think you are observant which is why you wrote about stones. 🙂
Do you guys travel every month?
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Great post ! Thanks for taking me to Spiti valley !!
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Enlightened as it can be. 🙂
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So interesting! I`ve never heard about it before thanks so much for sharing. Great post as always 🙂
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Thank you for your continued support Caroline 🙂
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You are very welcome! 🙂
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Never heard about Mani stones before. Thanks for sharing!
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I’m glad I could share 🙂 Thank you
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This is so beautiful!!!!
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Thank you for your kind comment☺️
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You’re welcome. Will keep reading!
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I love those Mani stones and your backstory. Thank you. May all beings know peace and happiness.
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Thank you so much!! Glad to see your comment.
And AMEN 🙂
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I enjoyed my visit thoroughly!
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I have turned my attention only very recently, started reading books and joined a group, and since then I feel my outlook on this world and life has changed. Yes, wisdom and purity needs to be found inside…
Thank you for this incredibly inspiring post! (And for those amazing photos!)
🤗🤗🤗
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I’m glad you’re on the path of rediscovery 😇 Till I visited Spiti I wasn’t too aware either, though I have been to Dharamshala and McLeod, and the Tibetan culture always intrigued me but Spiti totally changed my perspective ☺️.
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It’s the most life -changing thought /spirituality experience ever… 🤗
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Beautiful and peaceful. Thanks for sharing such beautiful photos. 🙂
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Fascinating.
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Thank you! Indeed it is.
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Interesting !!
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Your life is really cool! How often do you travel?
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Thank you ☺️. An endeavour to add a different perspective and gain as much experience as possible. We try to cover new location every quarter. Sometimes the plan works well, sometimes Life keeps us busy.
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The best ever life , I guess!👍👍
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