Mantra Practice Volume 8 - Manjushri Mantra

Manjushri Mantra, is the mantra of wisdom, both intellectual wisdom and the wisdom beyond all words and thought - spacious, clear, open mind imbued with bliss and contentment. Chanting the Manjushri Mantra is believed to enhance wisdom and improve one's skills in debating, memory, writing, explaining, etc. "Dhih" is the seed syllable (Bija) of the mantra and is chanted with greater emphasis. The essence of a cosmic being is concentrated in his bija. Manjushri's mantra can be given to help develop wisdom, memory, and the understanding of the scriptures. 

The word mala means 'garland' or 'rosary' in Sanskrit. A mala consists of 108 or 27 beads. Buddha recommended the mantra practice as a path to enlightenment for ordinary people. Counting mantra with a mala engages the hand (body), the voice (speech) and the mind by visualizing the deity. Hold the mala gently and with respect. Start counting with the first bead after the "guru" bead. Count a bead for each completed recitation. When you complete either 108 or 4x27 recitations, do not pass over the "guru" bead. Instead, flip the mala around 180 degrees, and keep going the same direction. In closing you may like to dedicate merit to a specific person or group of people and all sentient beings.