A Buddhist Mantra.

[Gem]

Originally Posted by Eelco

I hope your teacher and the kitchen staff were glad you accomodated them with a burned cd, and a boombox from your own money. I'm sure it was appreciated.

It went along pretty quietly, and probably only three people were aware of what I did, so I didn't get any gratitude. I think people appreciated it happened but I don't want 'recognition'. It's a nice story relevant to Abodhi's narrative on kindness/nastiness - there's generosity, but also restriction - including how I 'help people and walk them to the gate' - maybe not so nice, pretty awkward, but part of life. These stories have shading, there's an interesting subtext. They have mood and complexity. I don't mind the story of SW's coming of wisdom one bit. It's great. It's just a bit too sweet for my personal taste, and I say 'great wisdom' with just a tinge of light hearted sarcasm .

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Eelco

Loved that movie.

That movie, "The Razor's Edge", is one of my favorites and, surprisingly, I actually liked the Bill Murray version of the movie better than the one starring Tyrone Power. I've also read the book.

One thing that amazed me about both the movie and the book was the incredibly portrayal of the guru by the British author, Somerset Maugham. Having practiced under a sage from India, I found the guru character to be incredibly realistic at the highest level. It was only years later that I discovered that Somerset Maugham spent 9 months in India studying and observing Ramana Maharshi (whom Carl Jung called "the whitest spot in the white space of India") before writing his book. The guru in that book/movie represents Somerset Maugham's understanding of the awesome Ramana Maharshi.

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by Eelco

May I ask who she is?

I just responded to this in a private message with a link to an article about my spiritual mentor.

[Still_Waters]

Originally Posted by sky123

Thats really interesting, thank you. I'm sorry I laughed at your ' Puja dilemma ' when you've been so kind to explain the visual aspects of symbols Being totally honest though because it's a sin to tell a lie, it would have been hilarious

No problem about laughing at my puja story ... as I was already grinning and laughing about the prospect of watching one of the other disciples trying to conduct a puja .... until I discover that the disciple conducting the puja was going to be ME. It was funny

As for the symbology in certain mantras like OM, the combination of the chanting and the visualization of the process that is implied in the symbol have a very powerful impact as a constant reminder of the nature of the Reality. Eventually, as is often mentioned in a Buddhist forum, one leaves the metaphorical "raft" behind when it is no longer needed.

[Still_Waters]

QUOTE 215 EXCERPT:

Originally Posted by Gem

... SW's lovely story

I'm glad that you liked my "lovely story" about the puja !

Originally Posted by Gem

because they are working and can't attend the hall.

Well they could attend the hall if others learned to cook for themselves and cleaned their own dishes.

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

I actually liked the Bill Murray version of the movie better

that is the only one I saw. Must have been over 30 years ago. Had me drinking zubrovka for a while back then.

“The fact that a great many people believe something is no guarantee of its truth.”
― W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor's Edge

Originally Posted by AbodhiSky

“The fact that a great many people believe something is no guarantee of its truth.”
― W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor's Edge

That is exactly why the Buddha urges us to investigate everything for ourselves and work in accordance with our findings.
Even though the Buddha didn't teach mantra's that I know of. Manny on the path found that it helps to be mindful of his teachings. So they adopted the practice. Of course some take the practice in ways that are seemingly unskillful. Those we could help by saying that they are missing the point. And talk to them. Blurting out that that are useless or somewhat ridiculous isn't all that helpful in my experience.

[Gem]

Originally Posted by Still_Waters

QUOTE 215 EXCERPT: I'm glad that you liked my "lovely story" about the puja !

Top Notch