I find mantras soothing and calming. I have a friend who makes malas, which are sort of like Buddhist prayer beads. They have 108 beads, plus a larger 'guru' bead.
Mantras + mala = very relaxing meditation. For this, I used the popular Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, loosely having the meaning of compassion. (There is way more to it than that, but we will go with this definition for today.)
Sit comfortably, in a place that you will not be disturbed. Hold the mala in your hands.
Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Focus on the breath.
When you are ready, find the guru bead with your fingers. Move your fingers to the next bead to the left, and begin chanting the mantra. You may spend as long as you like on a particular bead, saying the whole mantra or simply part of it with each bead. Let your feelings be your guide. Common divisions of the mantra are 18 or 36 times, as these are divisors of the 108 beads.
Visualize your words leaving your body and moving outwards, sharing compassion with all they reach. Do this for each of the recitations of the mantra.
When you are finished, return your fingers to the guru bead and breathe slowly and deeply. Allow yourself to accept any feeling that you receive in return.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
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