Motivation for Mantra Recitation

The Lama Yeshe Wisdom Archive released a revised second edition of Teaching from the Mani Retreat by Lama Zopa Rinpoche. The text includes an excerpt intended to help practitioners develop bodhicitta, or the motivation for enlightenment, before reciting mantras. This practice aims to transform the recitation of mantras and meditation on the Buddha of Compassion into more than just religious ritual.

The release coincides with the final month of the FPMT Global Mani Retreat, which began on May 17. The retreat features teachings from Khen Rinpoche Geshe Thubten Chonyi, Ling Rinpoche, and Serkong Tsenshap, alongside online group practices led by Ven. Robina Courtin and Kabir Saxena.

The retreat follows the 14th annual 100 Million Mani Retreat held at Idgaa Choizinling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar. That event drew between 150 and 250 people daily and concluded with the accumulation of 109,208,246 mantras, exceeding its 100 million goal.