Padmasambhava was the teacher who is far and wide believed to have been responsible for Tibet’s conversion to Buddhism. Padmasambhava was a renowned meditator, scholar, teacher, and illusionist. Padmasambhava’s mantra is reflective of his diverse nature, and is as follows.

Om Ah Hum Vajra Guru Padma Siddhi Hum

• Om - Not only can Om be considered to be the essence of the five wisdoms, but it can also be reflective of an awareness of the surrounding universe. It is used at the start of many mantras and should be considered to mean “My mind and heart are open to the truths that follow.”
• Ah - Ah is often thought to be connected with speech, but can also be thought to mean “to signify” or “to express.” This is suggestive of evoking the true manifestation of enlightenment.
• Hum - Hum is often thought to represent the true manifestation of enlightenment by the sentient being.
• Vajra - This is thought to be representative of the energy that the enlightened mind holds. It can be shown as a thunderbolt or a diamond, with the idea that these two objects can cut through anything. It is also representative of compassion.
• Guru – Guru is, of course, representative of a wise and enlightened teacher. Padmasambhava is held in such high esteem by those who revere him that he is very often referred to as being the second Buddha.
• Padma – Padma is representative of the lotus, which calls to mind the pureness and wholesomeness of an enlightened mind. This is due to the lotus’s ability to grow purely in muddy waters, just like the enlightened mind is surrounded by delusions, greed, and hatred found in the sentient world.
• Siddhi – This is the term used to represent an accomplishment.

The Padmasambhava mantra can then be thought to mean something similar to the following.

I invoke you, Vajra Guru, Padmasambhava, by your blessing may you grant us ordinary and supreme realization.

It is important to note that many mantras may not have an easy to understand English translation as the power behind reciting the mantras is one that is spiritual. So while an individual may be using the words to beseech Padmasambhava for his guidance, he is more requesting that the guidance be that of a spiritual nature so that the individual can find his way to the path of true enlightenment.

Illustrations and depictions of Padmasambhava can vary greatly, with him sometimes being depicted as an eight year old boy. His skin is often shown as being white, with slight tinges of red. In his right hand he is depicted as holding the five-pronged vajra at the same level as his heart. In his left hand he is shown as holding a skull-cap which contains a vase filled with the nectar of infinite wisdom. Atop his head is a lotus hat, with five petals. He is shown as smiling and cheerful, resplendent with the wisdom that he is known for teaching and sharing with those who are on their own journey towards enlightenment.