Ship of Fools: Mantras

Thread: Mantras Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.

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Posted by Welease Woderwick (# 10424) on :

I used to look down upon mantras as something quite unnecessary [though in my Anglo-Catholic days I had used a rosary] but then I started reading Thich Nhat Hahn and came across this little gem which I find a brilliant introduction to a period of silence. Over the years I have reduced it to just four significant words:

[on in-breath] - Calm

[on out-breath] - Smile

[on in-breath] - Present

[on out-breath] - Wonderful

I find it helpful in getting me centered into what I am about to do.

Does anyone else you use a mantra to kick-start into silence?

What really helps you to centre into your silence?

[ 01. November 2016, 02:17: Message edited by: Welease Woderwick ]

Posted by mousethief (# 953) on :

two-stroke version

[in breath] Lord Jesus Christ
[out breath] Have mercy on me a sinner

four-stroke version

[in] Lord Jesus Christ
[out] Son of God
[in] have mercy on me
[out] a sinner

Posted by Tobias (# 18613) on :

I often say a prayer based on the Pavamāna Mantra (from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad):

O Lord, from the unreal lead me to the real;
from darkness lead me into light;
from death lead me to immortality.
May there be peace;
may there be peace;
may there be peace.

I use it especially when I find myself thinking too much - which is often. I also use it when I am waiting in a queue or at a red light (for example), taking that as an opportunity to be still and peaceful, rather than trying to fill the gap somehow.

In the second part I think the first time of peace in myself; the second time of peace for those around me; the third time of peace in the world.

Posted by Qoheleth. (# 9265) on :

Kyrie Iesou Christo, / eleison me.

I am alive; / I am with you

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :

Come Lord Jesus

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

I tried several before I settled on "Maranatha." Anything like the Jesus prayer is, for me, far too wordy and any other single words (Jesus, peace, love) far too loaded.

Ma - in breath
Ra - out breath
Na - in breath
Tha - out breath

Posted by mark_in_manchester (# 15978) on :

Hey Nenya - you did me a favour there. Thanks.

Posted by Nenya (# 16427) on :

Glad to be of service. [Smile]

Posted by churchgeek (# 5557) on :

I like many of the ideas here!

I will often use a phrase decided upon that moment to counter something like negative self-talk that's distracting me or causing me to be anxious.

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