Maitreya Bodhisattva Short Heart Mantra

Maitreya Bodhisattva Short Heart Mantra（Oṃ mai maitriye svāhā）mainly comes fromthe tantric scriptures and transmission rituals of Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana), and there is no fully corresponding seven-syllable short mantra in the Chinese Buddhist canon of exoteric teachings.

Its detailed background and related scriptural sources are as follows:

1. Tibetan Tantras and Great Masters’ Lineage (Core Source)

In Tibetan Buddhism, this mantra is a variant of a “name mantra,” embedding the Sanskrit name of Maitreya Bodhisattva, “Maitreya (梅怛梨耶),” into the mantra wheel.

Modern lineage: The reason it became widely circulated in modern Chinese regions was mainly that the great Nyingma masterMaster Xinlong Wujinzhimeitransmitted it to Master Lengyan, who then popularized it among practitioners of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism and among disciples of the Cizong (Maitreya School).
Phonetic evolution: In Tibetan pronunciation it is often read as Om Meim Maitriye Svaha, in which Meim (mai/mei) is theseed syllableof Maitreya Bodhisattva, symbolizing the bodhisattva’s core energy and compassionate wisdom.

2. Fundamental Basis in Chinese Buddhist Scriptures (Long Mantra and Source of Merit)

Although in the Tang esoteric tradition or the Chinese Buddhist canon this seven-syllable short mantra is not recorded word for word, itsmerit and benefits, as well as its fundamental vows, all derive from the Mahayana “Maitreya scriptures.”

The Great Treasure Accumulation Sutra and the Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on the Original Vows Asked by Maitreya Bodhisattva: The sutra records Maitreya Bodhisattva’s vow, made in past kalpas, to practice the “Samadhi of Loving-Kindness,” which is precisely the fundamental basis for the heart mantra’s “Maitriye (慈氏).”
The Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on Contemplating Maitreya Bodhisattva’s Rebirth in Tusita Heaven: The sutra emphasizes the practice of reciting Maitreya Bodhisattva’s name and making vows to be reborn in the Inner Court of Tusita. The esoteric heart mantra is precisely the corresponding practice of transforming this Chinese name-recitation practice into a Sanskrit-sounding mantra.
The Sutra Spoken by the Buddha on Maitreya’s Great Attainment of Buddhahood: The sutra mentions that when Maitreya Bodhisattva descends in the future to become a Buddha, all who form a karmic connection with him will be saved and transformed; this is also the scriptural basis for why reciting this mantra can lead to “receiving a prediction of Buddhahood from the Buddha” upon seeing the Buddha.

The following are the effects of the Maitreya Bodhisattva Short Heart Mantra:

1. Transforming the mind: eliminating hatred and increasing compassion

Maitreya (Maitreya) means “the Compassionate One” in Sanskrit. Reciting this mantra can directly resonate with the bodhisattva’s compassionate energy,most effectively subduing one’s temper, resentment, and jealousy, making the heart gentle, and widely forming good affinities in interpersonal relationships, attracting benefactors.

2. Powerful protection: averting disasters and misfortune, and not falling into evil destinies

According to the tantric lineage, this mantra has extremely strong power to purify karmic obstacles.

Daily protection: It can pacify adverse conditions in life, verbal disputes, and unexpected disasters.
Fundamental rescue: It can eliminate heavy sins accumulated over countless kalpas, ensuring that the reciter, after deathwill absolutely not fall into the three evil realms of hell, hungry ghosts, or animals.

3. Present-life blessings: protecting lifespan and abundant wealth

This mantra is related to Maitreya Bodhisattva’s vow of “increase and benefit.” Devout recitation can bringpeace and material abundance in this life, enabling the practitioner not to be pressed by livelihood, and to have better conditions and a steadier state of mind for diligent practice.

4. Ultimate assurance: in the future, one will certainly see the Buddha and receive a prediction of Buddhahood (Longhua Three Assemblies)

This is the most supreme and unique effect of the Maitreya Dharma practice. As long as one recites this mantra in this life and forms a Dharma affinity with the bodhisattva, when in a future kalpa Maitreya Bodhisattva descends from Tusita Heaven to be born in the human world and attain Buddhahood, the mantra reciterwill certainly be among the first group in the “Longhua Three Assemblies” to awaken, hear the Dharma, and receive the prediction of Buddhahood.

5. The best stepping stone: smoothly being reborn in the Tusita Pure Land at the end of lifeFor practitioners who vow to seek rebirth in the Pure Land, reciting this mantra can obtain the bodhisattva’s power of guidance and reception; at the time of deaththe mind will not be confused, and one will smoothly be reborn in the Inner Court of Tusita Heaven, drawing near to Maitreya Bodhisattva, hearing the true Dharma, and never regressing.

The original text is as follows:

Om Maitarya Svaha