PRAJNAPARAMITA

What is Prajnaparamita? Meaning in Buddhism

Prajnaparamita represents the "perfection of wisdom" in Buddhism. She is considered the mother of all Buddhas and embodies the direct knowledge of the truth that leads to liberation. Prajnaparamita is often personified as a feminine deity.

In her upper left hand, she holds the Heart Sutra, a sacred text. Her right hand holds a nine-pointed Vajra, symbolizing the nine paths to enlightenment. Her middle hands are in a gesture of meditation, signifying that the supreme wisdom of reality can be understood through meditation.

Practicing and understanding Prajnaparamita is considered essential on the path of the Bodhisattva, a journey toward enlightenment where one seeks to help all sentient beings achieve liberation.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism

The Mandala features Prajnaparamita surrounded by the Eight Auspicious Symbols:

Endless Knot: Symbolizes the interdependence and interconnectedness of all phenomena and beings.

Conch Shell: Represents the sound of dharma, meaning the teachings of the Buddha.

Umbrella: Symbolizes protection against suffering, representing the path to eliminate suffering.

Lotus Flower: Signifies spiritual growth and purity, as it rises from the mud yet remains immaculate.

Golden Fish: Symbolizes freedom from the fear of drowning in the ocean of suffering.

Treasure Vase: Represents the inexhaustible treasures of the Buddha's teachings.

Dharma Wheel: Signifies the first turning of the wheel of dharma by the Buddha and the dissemination of his teachings.

Victory Banner: Symbolizes the victory of wisdom over ignorance on the path to enlightenment.

The circle composed of ochre lines and white dots represents the "nadis," the 72,000 channels of subtle energy in the body through which "prana," or life force, flows.

The golden circle represents a calm and clear mind.

The Five Elements and Chakras

The elements of water, fire, earth, and air correspond to different chakras and represent the transformation of negative qualities into positive ones:

Water (crown chakra) transforms anger and aggression into clarity.

Fire (throat chakra) transforms passion and desire into compassion.

Earth (stomach chakra) transforms pride and selfishness.

Air (root chakra) transforms envy and jealousy into wisdom.

Space (heart chakra) transforms ignorance and foolishness into awareness and wisdom.

The Sacred Mantra

“TADYATA OM GATE GATE PARAGATE PARASAMGATE BODHI SVAHA”

The mantra of Prajnaparamita is known as the mantra of the "Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom," "Om Gate Gate Paragate Parasamgate Bodhi Svaha." This mantra is part of the Prajnaparamita sutra, considered one of the foundational texts of Mahayana Buddhism.

Meaning of Each Word

The mantra is pronounced as follows: "Om Gah-teh Gah-teh Pa-rah-gah-teh Pa-rah-sahm-gah-teh Bo-dee Svaha." Each word carries profound significance:

"Om" is a sacred sound that represents the essence of the universe.

"Gate" means "gone" or "past."

"Paragate" means "beyond" or "transcended."

"Parasamgate" means "completely beyond" or "totally transcended."

"Bodhi" means "enlightenment" or "awakening."

"Svaha" is an expression of devotion or reverence.

Spiritual Benefits

It is believed that reciting or meditating with this mantra helps develop wisdom, dissolve the illusion of ego, and cultivate a clear and detached mind. It is also considered to purify the mind and generate spiritual benefits for both the practitioner and other beings.