Om Mani Padme Hum
by Mary Grace
During the winter cycle we are given the opportunity to look inward, connect
and celebrate the light that shines from within. We are looking at our foundation
and clearing away old thought patterns and beliefs that are complete and shedding
their energy to make way for a new expression and experience of life. This can
set the tone for our New Year. The universe provides us a bountiful array of
gifts to support this cleaning and clearing process. Chanting is one of these
gifts. Chanting is a big part of Karuna Reiki®. Those on a daily path of
meditation find the body naturally wanting to move and sing.
To incorporate chanting of a specific mantra you first pick an aspect of your
life you wish to improve. Then choose a mantra that seems to apply to the situation.
Bring your hands in Gassho and offer a prayer to God. Ask for God's blessing.
Draw the distant symbol and send it to the relationship between you and the
mantra. Ask where and when you will say your mantra daily. Ask how many times
a day you will say it. You may want to use a rosary of some kind to count the
beads as you say the mantra. Mantras have a cumulative action. Try chanting
once a day for 40 days.
The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is practiced more than any other in
the world. It creates a state of compassion that will manifest in subtle and
obvious ways. The simple teaching of this mantra is the concept that when the
heart and mind become united anything is possible. This is the compassion energy
that is found in our Usui emotional mental symbol and Karuna® symbol Harth.
The rough translation for Om Mani Padme Hum is: "Om and salutations to
the Jewel of the mind that has reached the lotus of the heart". This mantra
is used to change the world for the better.
Om is a seed sound for the brow chakra. This is where our feminine and masculine
currents meet. You have seen energy currents represented as serpents in the
medical symbol the "Caduceus". The central staff in that symbol represents
the spine. The sound Om activates the brow chakra. Om is the name of the state
of being where we unite with the spirit of God making our existence liberated
and immortal.
Notice any inner resistance or obstacles that may arise during your 40 day practice.
Come to your practice each day in a place of joy. As always give a prayer of
thanks for this experience.