Now I have widely emphasised both Avalokitesvara and the Venerable Tara. It appears that these two are the general protectors of us who dwell in the snowy land of Tibet, and they are certainly our tutelary deities. In that respect, from the time that they know how to speak, little children know how to recite the six syllables, and that is certainly a sign of their mind-streams being blessed by Arya [Avalokitesvara]. We should all definitely recognise Arya [Avalokietsvara] as our tutelary deity. The essential six syllables are the synthesis of the 84,000 collections of the Dharma, the foundation of all the profound collections of tantras, and the synthesised essence of both the sutras and tantras. Like butter that emerges from churning milk, they are the essence of the ocean-like teachings. In terms of their efficacy, they overcome all kinds of unfavourable influences such as illness, malevolent spirits, and obstructive forces. In terms of a substance, they are like a diamond. As they swiftly fulfil all one's desires, the six syllables are like a wish-fulfilling jewel.

-- Machig Labdrön