mantras.. can anyone teach me?

Joel G is wonderful - deeply rooted in Christianity and he goes very deep to penetrate into its core. His essential teaching brings it so close to advaita there is no difference.

He also says never to meditate mroe than 10-15 mins at a time.

 

Joel G sounds worth checking out.

There are definitely some tendencies within traditional Christian mysticism which are close to Advaita in the broad sense. I think I've mentioned Miester Eckhart before, but also if read in a certain way, one can see it in the writings of two of the great Carmelite mystics, St.John of the Cross, and St. Theresa of Avila (they were friends incidentally).

In the letters of Paul in the NT, there is a passage about God 'putting all things under One Head, namely Christ', which to me at least suggests a Unity. There are also many passages in the Gospel of John, esp. the last supper, which also point in the same direction.

 

The Bible is full of such tantalising statements.

 

Hare Krishna!

From Vedderman....

Participating in congregational singing sankirtans, bhajans, using mantras is more direct in my experience. It brings us into direct contact with the divine consciousness.

Radharani Ki Jay Maharani Ki Jay
Bolo Radha Govinda Ki Jay Jay Jay


Very true, especially when you are participating with a prepared mind. It works the way Prismatism said, vibrations do the wonder. Again BBB said it so truly that such opportunities do not come easily and regularly(Frequently).

So, as BBB said japa or mental japa of mantra is better and can be easily done after a little practice. The whole point is to raise the Kundalini (Serpentile) power which is possible by both the means, vibrations or by Kumbhaka. It works like raising the sand particles either by playing a violin or by creating a vacuum. Congregational singing acts like the first method and japa or mental japa acts like the other method.

This thread is wonderful and has wonderful posts. Unfortunately, missed them all for a long time. Thanks to all of you.

Love,

Kumar.

 

That was also suggested by Sri Ramana Maharishi.

 

Yes, but he also often cut away the false i, slicing of the ego with just a few simple words.
There's a beautiful story about a monk who wanted to ask Sri Ramana his doubts in private. So he visited Arunachala and entered the Maharshi's presence. Sure enough, soon after his arrival, people somehow dribbled out one by one and finally it was just him and Sri Ramana.
So, a little nervously, he asked, "Bhagavan, may I ask you some questions?"
Sri Ramana smiled and said, "Wait until everyone has left."
The monk replied, "But there is nobody here but me."
Sri Ramana said, "Wait until that has left too."

 

Hare Krishna!

From Bhaskar......

Yes, but he also often cut away the false i, slicing of the ego with just a few simple words.
There's a beautiful story about a monk who wanted to ask Sri Ramana his doubts in private. So he visited Arunachala and entered the Maharshi's presence. Sure enough, soon after his arrival, people somehow dribbled out one by one and finally it was just him and Sri Ramana.
So, a little nervously, he asked, "Bhagavan, may I ask you some questions?"
Sri Ramana smiled and said, "Wait until everyone has left."
The monk replied, "But there is nobody here but me."
Sri Ramana said, "Wait until that has left too."


Dear Bhaskar,

Thanks for the wonderful story. This has inspired a lot and it's going to be in memory for ever. Thanks again.

Love,

Kumar.

 

There are so many wonderful ways in which Sri Ramana taught.

 

This I have to admit is very helpful, thanks to everyone.

And for the record, the book I read is called "Search For Liberation: Featuring a conversation between A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Leader of the Krsna Consciousness group) and John Lennon" (George Harrison and Yoko Ono were there too)

 

what about mantra beds , how do u make those for the mantras?

 

beds?

if you mean beads, then a string of 108 beads called a mala can be used as an aid to japa (repitition of mantras).

Usually, the 108 beads are threaded on a string, and then both ends are passed through a larger bead. The 108 beads are sometimes said to represent the 108 gopis of Brindaban, and the large bead, Krishna.

When using the beads,, you should start with one of the small beads adjacent to the large bead, and holding it, slightly rolling it between the thumb and second finger, repeat the mantra. Then, move onto the next bead etc until you come to the last small bead. Repeat the mantra on this, then turn the mala around, and say it on the same bead again. Don't use the large bead for repititions or move across it.

Some say the beads are helpful in concentrating the mind - others say they are an impediment. I guess the only way to find out is to try it and see.

Beds can be made anyway you like. Douvets, sheets, blankets - all that.