The mantra 'Om Vajrasattva Hum' is a concise form of the longer Vajrasattva hundred-syllable mantra, central to Vajrayana Buddhist practice. Vajrasattva, the 'Diamond Being,' is the bodhisattva of purification, embodying the pristine awareness of all buddhas. This mantra is primarily chanted for the purification of negative karma, defilements, and obscurations that hinder spiritual progress.
According to the 'Vajrasattva Tantras' and the 'Guhyasamaja Tantra,' the syllable 'Om' represents the body, speech, and mind of all enlightened beings; 'Vajrasattva' invokes the deity's name; and 'Hum' is the seed syllable (bija) that seals the purification. The mantra is often practiced in conjunction with visualization: the practitioner imagines nectar flowing from Vajrasattva, cleansing all impurities. Traditional texts such as the 'Vajra Vidarana Dharani' and the 'Sarvadurgati Parishodhana Tantra' prescribe this mantra for removing karmic obstacles and for preparing the mind for higher tantric practices.
The recommended chanting count is 108 repetitions daily, ideally during the morning or before meditation. The practice is especially potent during the four great purification days (e.g., the full moon of Saga Dawa). Cautions include maintaining proper visualization and not chanting with a distracted mind; the mantra should be recited with faith and the intention to purify.
While the mantra is of Buddhist origin, it is sometimes adopted in Hindu tantric contexts due to shared Vajrayana elements. The hundred-syllable version is considered more elaborate, but this short form is equally effective for daily purification and for invoking Vajrasattva's blessings.
Salutations to Vajrasattva, the diamond being; Hūṃ purifies and seals.
The syllable 'Hūṃ' is the bija (seed) of Vajrasattva, representing the indestructible vajra mind and the transformative power of purification.