The Benefits of the Vajra Guru Mantra

In this degenerate age, we are suffering more than ever from increased negative mental states and emotions. Moreover, various disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, droughts, and wildfires frequently occur. During such times, people naturally fall prey to different types of distress and suffering. Therefore, it is of great importance for us to pray to the embodiment of the buddhas of the three times, Guru Padmasambhava, for blessing.

Among the many ways to connect with Guru Padmasambhava and to fully receive his blessing, one of the best and simplest is through reciting his heart mantra, the Vajra Guru Mantra. Considering this, Khenpo Sodargye encourages everyone to recite the Vajra Guru Mantra, om ah hung benza guru pema siddhi hung, 100,000 times preferably by the end of this year. Nonetheless, it is also okay if you start this recitation at any time and finish it just as soon as you can. It would be best to accomplish this by following the ritual in A Shower of Blessings—A Guru Yoga Practice to Accompany the Seven-Line Prayer; or the section of “Guru Yoga” in the ritual of Illuminating the Path to Liberation—A Preliminary Practice (Ngöndro). If this is difficult, due to being preoccupied with work and other affairs, one can perform the recitation while working, driving or during other activities, as conditions allow.