“The mind can weave itself warmly in the cocoon of its own thoughts, and dwell a hermit anywhere.”
~ James Russell Lowell
I tossed and turned most of the night, so was glad to finally get up and see this beautiful sunrise, peaking through a light morning mist – just enough to leave our thirsty plants happy 🙂
We’ve been doing a repair on our ceiling, and have some drywall down, along with the curtains in our bedroom. It’s amazing what the mind senses even when asleep. I’m just that uncomfortable with being out “in the open”. It’s like that with yoga too, I like my own little cocoon …
Same time last year, I was in the midst of my six month yoga teacher training. And as I prepared to head off island, I was concerned that my practice would slip up. As I really have no room to practice in our small camper, I’d be forced to practice out in the open. My teacher suggested that I locate something to root my practice, such as a small statute or stones. And begin placing it next to my mat at home. Sort of like a little kid with their favorite blanky;) I would always travel with this small statute, focus on it, and tune into my inner world, leaving outer world behind. “You can fly, but that cocoon has to go”.
The other great advice she gave was to seek out a personal mantra. She also said simply to ask the universe for help, and it would appear. I borrowed a book on chanting from her, hoping something would appear (ie. I obviously needed to help the universe along was what I was really saying). Well, nothing fit. But in reading the book, I did become very appreciative of the power of music and chanting to aid in relaxing, mind-body healing, and self-discovery. The book was “Discovering Spirit in Sound: Chanting.” by Robert Gass. (yes Bridgette, I know you are chuckling) …
When things were really unhappy and my world felt crazy and panicky, I came upon the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”. I have a few versions of this powerful mantra being sung out on YouTube. And anytime I felt things spinning, I could play this mantra, and my energies would shift. When seeking my mantra, it wasn’t there. But then, my mind just began singing it loud and clear. And the next day, one of my other teachers brought me a beautiful bracelet with the mantra inscribed on it as a gift. She said it was blessed by a Tibetan monk. So this is what I carry with me, along with an OM necklace, whenever I travel.
And what’s really interesting is that in 2009, I wrote a one page paper entitled “Living a Life of Purpose”. I picked a symbol off the internet and placed it at the top of my paper. Low and behold, it is the symbol of Om Mani Padme Hum !!! I didn’t even know the mantra then … Of all the symbols for me to select, see it chose me.
“There is not a single aspect of the eighty-four thousand sections of the Buddha’s teachings which is not contained in the six syllable mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, and as such the qualities of the “mani” are praised again and again in the Sutras and Tantras…. Whether happy or sad, spontaneous devotion will arise in our minds and the Great Vehicle will effortlessly be realized.”
~ Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, Heart Treasure of the Enlightened Ones
Behold, the jewel of the Lotus:
With each syllable comes purification of the six realms of existence and suffering …
Om: bliss and pride
Ma: jealousy, lust for attainment
Ni: passion, desire
Pe: stupidity, prejudice
Me: poverty and possessiveness
Hum: aggression and hatred
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbgHZWwyhcQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZGhbN6Z4Bk
For more on this sacred mantra:
http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/meaning-of-om-mani-padme-hung.htm
Have a blessed day everyone ❤
