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.
