By Steve Shields–
The second point in the eight point program of “Passage Meditation” is the repetition of a mantram practiced whenever possible throughout the day or night. In the eight point program of “Passage Meditation,” the use of a mantram is distinct from meditation. You have to sit down to meditate, close your eyes and repeat the inspirational passage for a certain period of time. You can”t practice meditation while walking or waiting in line. Nor can you resort to it on the spot if someone aims an unkind remark at you, or if you find yourself besieged by frustration or an old temptation.
The human mind is like the trunk of an elephant, it never rests. It is ceaselessly moving. If the elephant is given a stick to hold, it steps right along holding the stick upright in a steady trunk. Our mind is also constantly moving ? through sensations, images, thoughts, hopes, regrets and impulses. Occasionally it does solve a problem or make necessary plans, but most of the time it wanders at large, simply because we do not know how to keep it quiet or profitably engaged.
But what should we give it to hold on to? For this purpose I recommend the systematic repetition of the mantram, or mantra, which can steady the mind at any time and in any place.
Those who use a mantram, wishing to draw upon this power that calms and heals, silently repeat the words as often as possible during the day, each repetition adding to their physical and spiritual well-being. In a sense, that is all there is to a mantram. In another sense, there is so much more.
In the simple act of repeating the mantram, we accomplish remarkable things. The tension in our bodies, the cause of specific complaints and general malaise, ebbs away. We find delightful that real health is more than just an absence of disease. We toughen our will, too, which can signal the end of addictions that may have enslaved us for years. Internal divisions are healed and our purposes unified, so we become a beneficial force in life and not something of a burden. We gain access to inner resources ? courage, patience, compassion ? which are presently locked up within. Then our relationships flourish; we love and are loved.
Gradually, if we repeat it often, the mantram permeates and utterly transforms our consciousness.
This is a strong claim. Can a mere word or phrase achieve all that? Until some years ago we didn”t know how aspirin worked, but that didn”t keep it from relieving pain. Similarly, with the mantram, no explanation I can give, can take the place of your personal verification.
Try it. Choose a mantram from any religion or faith and repeat it throughout the day when you feel “sped up,” anxious, when feeling negative emotions or angry.
Some suggested mantrams are:
Christian: Jesus, Ave Maria or Hail Mary, Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me (The Jesus Prayer), or Om Yesu Christu.
Buddhist: Om mani padme hum, or Namu Amidabutsu
Hindu: Rama, or
Hare” Rama, Hare” Rama
Rama Rama, Hare” Hare”
Hare” Krishna, Hare” Krishna
Krishna Krishna, Hare” Hare” or Om Sri Ram, jai Ram, jai jai Ram,
Jewish: Barukh attah Adonai or Ribono shel olam
Muslim: Allah or Bismillah ir-rahman ir-rahim
Whenever you find disappointment starting to drag you down, use the mantram to pull yourself back again. But more importantly, learn to prevent low moods altogether by repeating your mantram when you first feel yourself becoming excited or worried.
Some excerpts from “Passage Meditation” by Eknath Easwaran, founder of the Blue Mountain Center of Meditation, copyright 1978, 1991, 2008; reprinted by permission of Nilgiri Press, P. O. Box 256, Tomales, Calif., 94971, www.easwaran.org.
For more information about Passage Meditation and the Clearlake Passage Meditation Satsang (Spiritual Fellowship) please contact Steve Shields at 350-2613 or steve@steveashields.com or visit www.easwaran.org.
