Today’s Meditation:
Wisdom: Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi Dhi Dhi
Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi Dhi Dhi
Amidst the chaos, everything is pure by nature.
Today’s mantra invokes the energy of Manjushri – of wisdom and intelligence.
We suggest for you to listen first to the entire recording and just let the sounds wash over you. Listen to them and sense them in your body and all around you.
And then the second time chant together with us and the monks.
We found this beautiful translation/explanation of the mantra by Bodhipaksa from the Wildmind website:
“The individual syllables A RA PA TSA and NA have no conceptual meaning, although they are seen as having symbolic connections with various spiritual qualities.
Here’s the schema laid out in the Large Sutra of Perfect Wisdom:
A leads to the insight that the essence of all things is unproduced.
RA leads to the insight that all things are pure and free of defilements.
PA leads to the insight that all dharmas have been “expounded in the ultimate sense.”
CA leads to the insight that the arising and ceasing of things cannot be apprehended because in reality there is no arising or ceasing.
NA leads to the insight that although the names for things change the nature of things behind their names cannot be gained or lost.
These are all important concepts in the Perfection of Wisdom, although to say they are concepts is a bit limiting — really they’re attempts to describe the indescribable nature of reality.
Dhīḥ is defined as meaning:
thought, (especially) religious thought, reflection, meditation, devotion, prayer; understanding, intelligence, wisdom”
(“Wisdom: Om Ah Ra Pa Tsa Na Dhi Dhi Dhi” from the album “Tibetan Mantras For Turbulent Times” by Deva Premal & The Gyuto Monks of Tibet.)
We are honoured to receive you.
Meditation may look serious, but as your practice deepens you will discover a joyful activity. Meditation is an adventure into Nothingness. An experience of ‘relaxed awareness’.
We are here to replenish the spirit and rejuvenate the cells, so take the time to slow down. Find a comfortable space to sit, where you can be relaxed and at the same time, alert.
Sit with an upright spine if possible, and relax your shoulders. Remember, meditation is not a serious activity. It is a gift from ourselves to ourselves.
Make sure you will be undisturbed for the duration of the session.
If you choose to lie down remember this activity is not about falling into sleep, so bring your attention to the incoming and outgoing of your breath, and stay alert.
As the mind wanders, take care not to blame yourself.
Just simply come back to the mantra and the rhythm of your breath.
We suggest you meditate with closed eyes so you will be undistracted by any external sensation.
Our suggestion is to create a daily ritual that will support your meditation.
This could include:
- Lighting a candle.
- Lighting incense or using an aroma lamp.
- Ringing a temple bell (or chimes) at the beginning – and at the end – of every session.
We are practicing relaxed awareness. So do what you can to stay alert, and as your system gradually slows down you will become aware of the sounds around you. Listening to every sound, as God’s orchestra, your attention will eliminate the chatter of the busy mind.
Chant the mantra OM 3 times with the mudra ‘Namaste’.
This will tune you consciously into the energy of the sangha – your brothers and sisters and fellow travellers, who are also joining the meditation.
The duration of the meditation will be about 10-15 minutes. If possible, meditate at the same time, in the same location. This will create a nurturing habit that will support your practice.
Most meditations will include chanting and we encourage you to chant with us – the words and translations given each day will deepen your experience.
If you find that some of the mantras are too difficult, don’t worry. Just close your eyes and let the mantra penetrate your being. Let its transformative power wash over you.
Often we feel the effect of meditation when chant is completed. So don’t miss this powerful moment. Sit quietly for a few more minutes with your eyes closed, and give thanks by bowing in Namaste.
Complete your meditation with the Sanskrit prayer for Universal Peace:
Om Shanti Shanti Shanti.
And – remember – the quality of your meditation will radiate peaceful frequencies into the cosmic field – you are contributing to the welfare of your global human family.
Have a joyous meditation!