Buddhist Mantras for Beginners | Green Tara, Chenrezig & Guru Rinpoche

Choosing a Mantra as a Beginner

Choose one mantra whose context you understand, then let its sound become familiar. You can begin by listening and follow with a few minutes of gentle recitation.

The sound guides below are approximate English aids for common Tibetan-style pronunciation. Spellings and sounds vary between teachers and traditions: soha and svaha, for example, represent different ways of pronouncing the same ending. Follow your teacher or the recording you are learning from.

Green Tara

Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha

Sound guide: om · tah-reh · toot-tah-reh · too-reh · so-hah

Meaning and context: Tara is associated with compassionate action and liberation from fear. The mantra addresses Tara through forms of her name; its traditional explanations go beyond a single literal English translation.
Try it: Let each repetition remind you of one kind or courageous action you can take today.

Listen to Green Tara

Lotsawa House: Tara’s root mantra and the Praises to Tara

Guru Rinpoche

Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum

Sound guide: om · ah · hoong · ben-dza · goo-roo · peh-ma · sid-dhee · hoong

Meaning and context: Known as the Vajra Guru mantra, this invokes Padmasambhava, or Guru Rinpoche. “Vajra Guru” refers to the vajra teacher, “Padma” to the lotus, and “Siddhi” to accomplishment.
Try it: Begin by listening to the complete phrase. Then repeat it steadily, with an intention to develop wisdom and compassion.

In many Tibetan recordings, vajra sounds like “benza” and padma like “pema.” The printed form and the sound guide reflect these different conventions.

Listen to Guru Rinpoche

FPMT: Padmasambhava mantra and teaching resources

Chenrezig / Avalokiteshvara

Om Mani Padme Hum

Sound guide: om · mah-nee · peh-meh · hoong

Meaning and context: This six-syllable mantra is associated with Avalokiteshvara, known as Chenrezig in Tibet, and the cultivation of compassion. “Mani” refers to a jewel and “Padme” to the lotus.
Try it: As you repeat the phrase, hold a simple wish that others may be free from suffering. Gently return to the sound when your mind wanders.

Play Om Mani Padme Hum

Watch this recording on YouTube ↗

You can also listen to the longer Eleven-Faced Avalokiteshvara Dharani, which uses a different text.

FPMT: Chenrezig six-syllable mantra and request

Medicine Buddha

Tayata Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samudgate Soha

Sound guide: tah-yah-tah · om · beh-kan-dzeh · beh-kan-dzeh · mah-hah beh-kan-dzeh · rah-dzah · sah-mood-gah-teh · so-hah

Meaning and context: This mantra is associated with Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha. Traditional explanations connect it with freedom from suffering and its causes, and the wish to benefit beings who are unwell.
Try it: Practice with a wish for wellbeing, care, and relief from suffering. Spiritual practice supports compassionate action and does not replace medical treatment.

Some versions include an additional “Bekandze” before “Radza.” Follow the version used by your teacher or chosen recording.

Find Medicine Buddha recordings

Drepung Gomang: Medicine Buddha mantra and explanation

How to Use the Recordings

You can listen quietly, repeat along with the recording, or use the mantra as the central object of a short meditation. Avoid turning the practice into background noise if your goal is meditation: give the sound your attention.

Learn the Mantra Meditation Method Browse the Full YouTube Channel

Sources and Further Reading

FPMT: Further mantra texts, recordings, and practice context

For formal practice, follow the instructions and pronunciation of your teacher. The sound guides on this site are approximate learning aids.