Question asked by Jason
Hi Kechara Pastors,
So for Vajrasattva mantra i see a lot of different versions around.
Some say benza satto samaya
Others say Vajrasattva samaya
There are also other differences in spelling and even some appear to use different words.
Is it possible that they are all effective? Or is there only one version that is correct?
Hello Jason,
Yes there are two different spellings. That is because “Benza Satto” is the Tibetan pronunciation of “Vajra Sattva”. The difference is because in the Tibetan language there is no “v” and “jr” sound. So the closest that it can be pronounced in Tibetan is “Benza” and “Satto”. When the mantra is written in Tibetan however, it is written according to the Sanskrit. It’s the spoken sounds that are different.
What you see online is the English transliteration of the Tibetan pronunciation, hence “Benza Satto”. Both therefore are correct, but you should refer to the manner in which your Guru pronounces the mantra and follow his/her example.
I hope that helps. Thank you.