tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87763732106946151902024-02-21T21:12:51.269-08:00Mantras--the ultimate goalAnkitha Varmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01149262082205288898noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776373210694615190.post-4576648351061800982012-05-19T02:36:00.001-07:002012-05-19T02:36:39.184-07:00Five Mantras for Your Workday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPou7l8a9Eb_PWfJSF1sQDU6ZQeZSBb0GUcMqS7DZ9V0KkMqhZtn-3PBa7e2KJU0ODs6TWMvQzPxLOODMdA0UBYJ565yyiabhiDYuldoDzq05TGiNALES7Vkqigs20EJS3ZJAcjNBtPAk/s1600/Five+Mantras+for+Your+Workday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPou7l8a9Eb_PWfJSF1sQDU6ZQeZSBb0GUcMqS7DZ9V0KkMqhZtn-3PBa7e2KJU0ODs6TWMvQzPxLOODMdA0UBYJ565yyiabhiDYuldoDzq05TGiNALES7Vkqigs20EJS3ZJAcjNBtPAk/s400/Five+Mantras+for+Your+Workday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Buddha knew a thing or two about leadership, teamwork, communication, change, conflict, and the stresses and strains that are part and parcel of organizational life. After all, the Buddha was founder, CEO, and CSO (Chief Spiritual Officer) of a large, successful organization that was built to last. His was not a for-profit organization in the sense of making money -- but it was/is all about profiting in the spiritual/psychological/emotional sense -- which can in turn lead to increased financial profits. Happy workers are productive workers - productive workers make for profitable organizations.<br /><br />The Buddha devoted his life to showing people the path to freedom from suffering -- including suffering at work. Here are five simple mantras to help you suffer less -- and profit more -- from your workday:<br /><br />Mantra 1: Every day is a good day.<br /><br />Yun Men addressed his monks and said, "I do not ask about before the 15th of the month; tell me about after the 15th." Nobody said anything, so he answered himself: "Every day is a good day." ("The Blue Cliff Record, case 6")<br /><br />The past is gone and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Likewise, the future is not here yet and there is nothing anyone can do about that either. No one can predict the future. Zen Teacher Yun Men is testing whether we are worrying uselessly about time, past or future. He is asking about now, the moment of awakening. It is pointless to divide up our years and days, living as if we were calendars. From a pure Zen perspective, there is no future or past.<br /><br />We're not like calendars, we're more like clocks. We tell the time as it happens. Our hands are always pointing to now. There is no 15th, nor any day before or after. All we really have to work with is today -- and today is a good day.<br /><br />Mantra 2: Nothing wanting, nothing extra.<br /><br />It is completely open,<br />Nothing wanting, nothing extra.<br />Hold or reject and<br />You lose its thusness.<br />-- (Sengcan, "Trusting in Mind")<br /><br />The third Zen Ancestor, Sengcan, describes the great way, the path of the sages. No "too much" here. It is we who create categories such as "too much" and "too little." But In the Buddha mind there is only what is -- no evaluations of excess or insufficiency. And since there are no evaluations, there is also no distress caused by judgments and assessments -- nothing wanting and nothing extra.<br /><br />The Buddha mind surveys your email, the piles of paper on your desk, the work in your briefcase, and simply says, "Thus." The Buddha mind does not suffer, because it has no preconceived ideas about the volume of work. Without suffering, we are free to work without the distraction of holding on to our imagined reality or rejecting our actual reality. We are free to find the ease of openness.<br /><br />Mantra 3: Be kind to yourself, first.<br /><br />May I be physically healthy.<br />May I be mentally happy.<br />May I be free from fear.<br />May I find peace.<br />-- (Variation on the metta [loving-kindness] prayer)<br /><br />His Holiness the Dalai Lama has told us, over and over, the simple truth is that the purpose of our lives is to be happy. But do we listen, really listen? Seemingly not, since we always slip back into the patterns that continue to frustrate us.<br /><br />But ask yourself: What if the Dalai Lama had decided he'd never be happy until he freed Tibet? He would have been too miserable to share his wisdom with others; too angry to win the Nobel Peace Prize; too drained to devote his life to freeing his people. But there's Tibet, still dominated by China, and there's His Holiness, still working and still smiling. Why? Because true happiness -- ours and the Dalai Lama's -- comes not from external success but from the internal peace of feeling that your life is aligned with your values and beliefs.<br /><br />How can you be happy? Start by being kind to yourself and you immediately can expand that kindness to others. Just as the Dalai Lama does with China.<br /><br />Mantra 4: It's fine to be wealthy.<br /><br />When he uses his wealth properly, kings don't take it, thieves don't take it, fire doesn't take it, floods don't take it, and unworthy heirs don't take it. His wealth, used properly, goes to good ends, never to waste.<br />-- (Samyutta Nikaya 3.19)<br /><br />The Buddha had no problem with people making money, or even getting rich. The sutra quoted here tells that, when people of integrity become wealthy, they provide for their families, underlings, and friends -- and they give to worthy causes, aiming toward supreme happiness. There simply is nothing wrong with this picture.<br /><br />Wealth is neither good nor bad: wealth is neutral. Money is a tool we can use for noble and laudable purposes -- or to wreak havoc and destroy others. Goodness follows from neither riches nor poverty. Goodness follows from wise choices.<br /><br />Mantra 5: Other people's troubles are other people's problems.<br /><br />Treating others the way he's treating me,<br />He'll be destroyed and then I shall be free.<br />-- (Jataka 278)<br /><br />We've all had the experience of working for a bad boss and/or with difficult people. Perhaps you're having that experience right now.<br /><br />First, know that this is not your problem. Problem people's troubles are theirs, not yours. You might feel the consequences of your boss's or teammate's difficulties, but the difficulties and troubles stay with them.<br /><br />Next, there's that little old thing called karma. In this case, you'll be happy to see karma in action sooner or later. But remember, it's not your job to even the score ... you are not the hammer of karma. Stay out of other people's karma and take care of your own.<br /><br />If you really want to be a good student of the Buddha and you're willing to take on a difficult learning assignment, here's a radical suggestion: love your problem people. They can teach you lessons that wonderful people never can. Someday you may look back and realize that you became stronger and more resilient, patient, kind, and compassionate as a result of working with jerks.</div>Ankitha Varmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01149262082205288898noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776373210694615190.post-40066875099592167582011-11-28T09:12:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:13:55.162-08:00Mantras are energy-based sounds<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaT90uShMsc56goM_Y25esHE5zoF4KJmN04k1vLRD_v9jqmEYDblpFf69mrvBXbGclYYdRcWY5uAOlmBfFunAKp4Ns-yggVJKIeOtt2V4YdBPq1L2DvDIj61Pv-XNeCjbA4L2LXYDuow/s1600/Mantras+are+energy-based+sounds.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 128px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikaT90uShMsc56goM_Y25esHE5zoF4KJmN04k1vLRD_v9jqmEYDblpFf69mrvBXbGclYYdRcWY5uAOlmBfFunAKp4Ns-yggVJKIeOtt2V4YdBPq1L2DvDIj61Pv-XNeCjbA4L2LXYDuow/s400/Mantras+are+energy-based+sounds.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5680096094917101266" /></a><br /><div>Speech any speech produces an actualised animal ambience. Over measure, if we mate what the opinion of that quiver is, then the phrase may move to have signification associated with the core of locution that movement or statement. This is one construction of vitality basis for text.Another direct is intention. If the literal personal motility is coupled with a rational intention, the ambiance then contains an additional psychological ingredient which influences the termination of language it. The curve create, fitting as a bicoloured gel influences the simulation and outcome of a soul lamplit.In either occurrence, the morpheme is based upon doe. Nowhere is this melody many accurate than for Indic mantra. For though there is a unspecific thought which comes to be associated with mantras, the only long definition is the ending or symptom of saying the mantra.</div><div><br /></div>Ankitha Varmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01149262082205288898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776373210694615190.post-76823224501841434642011-05-25T07:00:00.000-07:002011-05-25T07:03:09.420-07:00success mantras<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YK2CviuB0h65gZJEsOtOhnSpOOxHlc8oUZQepD1MM2bb0dFsM5weCIwd8pnpEO8GScK4SqoGMOaOOOAJkQbQfEmxvbMrvN5vmO0kk3yLEQRfgTFFNR19-JBX9iwursoYMTrTWnXsy3o/s1600/siva2b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4YK2CviuB0h65gZJEsOtOhnSpOOxHlc8oUZQepD1MM2bb0dFsM5weCIwd8pnpEO8GScK4SqoGMOaOOOAJkQbQfEmxvbMrvN5vmO0kk3yLEQRfgTFFNR19-JBX9iwursoYMTrTWnXsy3o/s320/siva2b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610653955204015970" border="0" /></a><br />It is believed that Abraham Lincoln always carried with him, in his coat pocket, some newspaper clippings that extolled his achievements. The most significant from the bunch was a letter written by the reformer, John Bright to an American newspaper editor, Horace Greely which spoke highly of Lincoln's leadership and his success in the re-election as President in the former year. It is believed that Lincoln used this as a tool of inner strength when things were looking dreary or when despair settled over his mind and he could reach into his pocket and find hope.<br /><br />While none of us might be Abraham Lincoln, it’s fair to say that we’re going to have our dark days as well. So while we may not have newspaper clippings to tell us how good we are, what do we turn to? Here are a few pointers on how you can keep the faith:<br /><br />Undying shadows of fear and doubt: Understand that shadows of fear and self-doubt are likely to lurk around often. But that doesn’t mean that you allow them to take over you or that they’re invincible. Like all of us have our strengths, so we have our weaknesses, shadows are just a reminder of the latter. So remember, don’t give them more importance than they deserve.<br /><br />Embrace and accept: Want to get rid of your weaknesses? Start by accepting their presence. The more you try to keep pushing them away, the more they’ll stick like a gag around your ankles. Instead, watch them, learn about them and then decide how you can drive them away.<br /><br />Conquer: Now that you’ve accepted your shadows, you’ll be a little at peace. But you still won’t be completely relaxed till you’ve overcome them. So get ready for the battle! Some people make up for their weaknesses by developing new strengths, while some people overcome them with courage, practice and perseverance. Decide which path you want to take.<br /><br />Discover yourself: No matter whom you share your fears with - your shadows will always be yours alone. Understand that shadows are a kind of ‘rites de passage’ that will help you discover your black spots, vulnerabilities and weaknesses. So don’t see them as something you need to shoo away, see them as one of life’s many learnings that will help you discover yourself.<br /><br />Your world view: The greatest mistake we can make is to let our shadows affect our world view. If a great disappointment came your way when you were 19 years old, don’t let it take over your mind and allow it to shape your world view when you’re 25. That way, you’re just getting stuck in the past and shutting out new things that come your way. Let it go so that you can grow.Ankitha Varmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01149262082205288898noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8776373210694615190.post-12341184239919195352009-02-16T00:35:00.000-08:002011-05-25T07:04:23.740-07:00Mantras----the influencing power.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSI2Iu8iXsyHFDk6NeWMlIjeU6EaDWySNyAVhJMntTyWqOovNB6OyHKNOhhvptzAxjV1K3lGyYbScuHAQ7UTpXpTXezthqNM19-USGxptrV7G6DGt5xPK-eXJo0vq-tb5ILpeUI5wfBw/s1600/mantras.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 317px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSI2Iu8iXsyHFDk6NeWMlIjeU6EaDWySNyAVhJMntTyWqOovNB6OyHKNOhhvptzAxjV1K3lGyYbScuHAQ7UTpXpTXezthqNM19-USGxptrV7G6DGt5xPK-eXJo0vq-tb5ILpeUI5wfBw/s320/mantras.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610654306864276450" border="0" /></a><br />Mantras--Japa or chanting of the mantras is only a means for creating specific vibrations of the omnipresent subtle power of shabda. When we awaken somebody by pushing him by our hand, the hand simply plays the role of a tool; it is not a part of the process of awakening. Similarly, the specific configuration of syllables and the sound (including the sublime sound) produced by the japa of a mantra is only a means for activating specific field of the cosmic energy of shabda. Which mantra is suitable for awakening what kind of subliminal energy center – is described in the viniyoga (structural classification) of that mantra. All of the Vaidika and the Tantrika Mantras have distinct viniyogas.<br />As the practice of the mantra involves devoted meditation upon the devata along with the specified (according to the chhanda) rhythmic enunciation or chanting, the rishis had assigned visible forms to different devatas – representing different manifestations and subliminal expressions of the One, Eternal, Consciousness…. Some of the rishis also recommended worshipping the idols – of these forms of the devata – in sacred environment before commencing the japa of the mantras.<br />The effects of mantra are based on subtler (in terms of the ‘audio’ perceptions) levels of sound than the ultrasound. The body components like the tongue and the palate are supporting tools for augmenting the frequency of the sound of the syllables of a mantra. The inner extrasensory energy-centers of the body (including those in the brain) exponentially amplify – with the help of the vital power of the bioelectricity and the strength of consciousness (of the sadhaka), the frequency of the sound waves of the mantra far beyond the limits of ultrasonic and supersonic vibrations.<br />Scientific investigations on mantras are important, considering the fact that only a handful of genuine ‘experts’ of this occult field of knowledge are available today. The creative and enchanting impacts of particular forms of sound – Indian musical ragas, in particular – on human-psychology are well accepted today. Interdisciplinary scientific research is emerging to make use of the same against psychological disorders and as a <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">‘tonic’</span> for mental health and enthusiasm for those engaged in monotonous and tiring tasks. In addition, research should also begin for understanding the patterns, meanings and complexities of the phonetic symbols used in the vaidika mantras, deciphering the spectrum of accents and rhythmic chanting patterns for these mantras and devising scientific methods to experimentally establish their veracity..........Ankitha Varmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01149262082205288898noreply@blogger.com0