Buddhism is especially good for building peace and strength. See the best Buddhist prayers for inner strength in this article.

Buddhism garners so many devotees because of its philosophy of compassion and peace. When we fall on hard times, we should turn to Buddhist prayers to help guide us into calmer days and improve our mental health.

Not sure where to start? Here are Buddhist prayers you can use during difficult times.

How Do Buddhist Prayers Work?

As meditation is interwoven into Buddhist philosophy, it makes sense that devotees use mantras. Buddhists use mantras as a way to encourage attunement between the spiritual and material world.

You can either read, speak or chant Buddhist prayers. You can also hold mala prayer beads to help you stay focused.

Prayer for Peace

It’s possible to learn a Buddhist prayer for peace as that is one of the biggest elements within the faith. Buddhists believe peace offers them stability and good nature to life. It also imbues people with strength so they can combat internal and external struggles. 

It goes like this:

May all beings everywhere plagued with sufferings of body and mind quickly be freed from their illnesses. 

May those frightened cease to be afraid, and may those bound be free.
May the powerless find power, and may people think of befriending one another.

Or, you can also receive peace by chanting “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti”.

Prayer for Strength

There are several Buddhist prayers for the strength you can use. You can use the chant “Aham Brahmaasmi” which means “I am God” and do so for several minutes.

Prayer for Health 

Another prayer to Buddha you should know is for health. Devotees chant “Aham Aarogyam” which translates to “I am healthy”. And if you add “Om Trayamabakam”, Buddhists believe this guarantees health for a longer period.  

Also, if a loved one is suffering, chant “Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha” which is recited for success and to eliminate any suffering. 

Buddhists chant these mantras to heal animals and people even when they’re healthy.

Prayer for Compassion

This is one of the famous Buddhist monk prayers and is popular with Tibetan Buddhists. The compassion mantra seeks to cultivate and spread compassion by using the Avalokitesvara mantra: “Om Mani Padme Hum.” 

A Prayer During Hard Times 

One of the most useful Buddhism prayers is chanting:

“Mookam karoti vaachaalam,

Pangum langhayatey girim,

Yatkripaa tamaham vandey

Paramaananda Maadhavam“

This mantra asks for grace to ease someone out of difficult situations, who in the mantra is a cripple crossing a mountain.

When you’re in hard times, aim to chant the relevant mantras daily even if it’s on the commute to work or washing up the dishes. You’ll always find a spare moment to soothe your mind and fill yourself with good intentions. 

Which of these Buddhist Prayers Will You Choose?

Buddhist prayers for strength are the perfect way to seek solace during hardship and suffering. It’s important to carve time to communicate with the Divine and chant. If you’re finding it difficult to concentrate, rub prayer beads so you have something tangible to help you focus. Happy chanting

Did you find this article helpful? Check out more of our posts on self-development and mental health.