Support for my Thinking

Within most forms of Buddhism, there is training in meditation which instructs us to sit calmly. Our bodies are relaxed but stable in this meditative pose.

Within in many lineages of Buddhism, including Vajrayana, there is much time spent with the reciting of sadhanas (essentially practices) and mantras. Reciting are a large portion of Vajrayana practice.

The question is often asked why are the meditative sitting and the recitation of mantras important in Vajrayana practices.

As my teachers have told me, the importance is that the body and speech support the training of the mind (our thinking).

The body can support the mind and thinking 25%.
Our speech can support the mind and thinking 50%.

Since we are yet fully in control of our body, speech, and mind; we should take advantage of those activities which can help us progress in our practice and support our good and positive thinking.

When we recite mantras, we have the opportunity to focus our mind on the sacred sound of the mantras. I have been told that mantra actually means "protection" in Tibetan - mind protection. Reciting the mantras have been said to protect our thinking.

The protective nature of the mantra only occurs when we fully give our attention and intention to the recitation. Additionally, there are visualizations to be done with the mantras which adds further support to our thinking.

So you do not have a mantra? A very simple and effective mantra is available to everyone. It is the recitation of "Namo Buddhaya."

The term "Namo" is a sanskrit word of respect, "I pay my whole hearted respect to...." The use of "Buddhaya" is again sanskrit refering to Shakyamuni Buddha, as our teacher and guide, but also refering to the the fully awakened state, the original nature of our and all sentient beings' mind. So by reciting this mantra while sitting, we are focusing our mind on that fully awakened and peaceful mind and focusing on Shakyamuni Buddha whose words and teachings points us in the right direction to become fully awakened.

Namo Buddhaya,

Geoff