The Six-Syllable Mantra (OM MANI PADME HUM) is also known as the Six-Character Great Bright Mantra. It is the profound, wonderful, original heart (mind) of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (Bodhisattva He Who Regards the Sounds of the World), and its merits and virtues are immeasurable, limitless and inconceivable. If one were to uphold the recitation of the Six-Character Mantra, regardless of one's whereabouts, one will be protected by all the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas as well as gods, dragons and others of the Eightfild Division. It is able to cut off one's ignorance and open up one's wisdom, and profound peacefulness could be obtained. It can save and alleviate hundreds and thousands of sufferings and difficulties.
Immeasurable aeons ago, after becoming a Buddha, Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was known as the Tathagata who clearly understands the true law. To accomplish his perfection of Bodhisattvahood, He made a great compassionate vow, to universally save and enlighten all sentient beings in the world.
Therefore, if one were to hear the name of Avalokitesvara and mindfully chant his name (NAMO GUAN SHI YIN PU SA), all sufferings and adversities could be alleviated. Being mindful of his name as well as his compassion and kindness, one should bring forth the resolve with a sincere heart to worship and make offerings; and constantly uphold the recitation of the Bodhisattva's name, in this way unlimited offences can be eradicated and one will receive immeasurable blessings. If one were to transfer one's merits and virtue accrued from one's cultivation, and vow to be reborn in Amitabha's Land of Ultimate Bliss, at the end of one's life one will be reborn according to one's vow. Henceforth, transcending birth and death; be eternally liberated fromt the Wheel of Transmigration; forthwith accomplish Buddhahood and immediately obtain the perfect unsurpassed Bodhi. Whether one recites the Bodhisattva's name or the Six-Character Mantra, the same kind of merits and virtue can be obtained.
Now, one has met this extremely difficult and rare superior cause (affinity) to be able to hear the Bodhisattva's Six-Character Mantra, His sacred name as well as its merits and virtues, how could one not befittingly rejoice and cherish it. With sincerity and gratitude, one should be glad to believe and receive it; and if one could observe and practise in accordance with the teachings, one could personally obtain the unlimited benefits.