This body of ours, which we cherish so dearly, will turn into a corpse that our friends and family will only… — Dilgo Khyentse

Om Mani Pädme Hum is the compassionate wisdom of all the Buddhas manifested as sound. Within it is contained the essential meaning of all eighty-four thousand sections of the Buddha's teachings. Of all the many mantras of various kinds, such as awareness mantras... and secret mantras... not one is superior to the six syllables of Chenrezi. The great benefits of reciting this mantra, commonly known as the mani, are described again and again...

There’s no time, no time!

There’s no time to rest!

When suddenly death is upon

you, what will you do?

Now you’d better start practicing

the sublime Dharma right away;

Now, quick, hurry-recite the six-syllable mantra.

Not long ago your conciousness

was wandering alone.

Swept by karma,

it took its present birth.

Soon, like a hair pulled out of butter,

Leaving everything behind,

you’ll go on alone.