Read, reflect, pray
Mantra of Light
光明真言
The Kōmyō Shingon in the form published by Kongōin and associated here with Dainichi. Different traditions’ pronunciations are not combined.
English sound explanations and source text
English sound explanations
About this English rendering
This site’s English rendering of the Japanese meaning guide, aligned with this edition. It is separate from the source words for recitation and is not an official liturgy. Sacred sounds are explained where possible, not given speculative literal translations. Historical beliefs, royal authority, illness and protection claims belong to the text; they are not present-day judgments, medical advice or guarantees of results.
The mantra begins with an invocation including Dainichi Nyorai. As a whole it is explained as a prayer to be illuminated and guided by the Buddha’s light.
This is the central group of mantra sounds. Kongōin explains the intent of the whole; it does not provide a separate word-for-word translation of this line.
This is the conclusion of the mantra seeking light. The sounds through ‘un’ are treated as one continuous recitation; independent wishes or effects have not been added to each sound.
Source text and reading aid
Roman letters are provided for every line of this source text.
How to use the Roman letters
Roman letters follow the kana displayed in this site’s Japanese reader; some readings are editorial additions documented on the Japanese page. These are a reading aid, not restored Sanskrit or a recording of a temple’s chanting. Historical spellings (such as wo, wi, we and ha used as a particle) are kept. Double vowels and repeated vowels mark the written kana; rhythm and pronunciation can differ by tradition.
You can simply read the meaning or sit quietly. No recitation is required. For a temple or shrine’s own recitation, follow that tradition’s published guidance.
おん あぼきゃ べいろしゃのう
on abokya beiroshanou
まかぼだら まにはんどま
makabodara manihandoma
じんばら はらばりたや うん
jinbara harabaritaya un
Connected kami and buddhas
These connections include figures addressed, mentioned, or associated by tradition. They do not assign a universal recitation practice.
Sources and edition (1)
English explanations on this page were prepared by Inori no Mori from the cited text and its Japanese explanations. They are not an official translation or a prescribed liturgy.