Living

Friends I am wondering which is better one word mantra for meditation vs many words mantra for meditation. Short vs long mantra which one is more effective. Some people use one word (short) mantras like Amituofo or waheguru or shanti etc etc vs some people use longer mantras like Om Mani Padme Hum or Hare Krishna hare Rama ....etc etc...are short or one word mantras better. Which kind of mantra allows you to go deeper fast. Would love to hear from mantra practitioners.

Thanks friends for all good responses. I appreciate that there are many factors that go into selection of a mantra. As some friends have rightly have pointed out, those other factors maybe more important in selecting a mantra than the number of words. However, here in this thread I just wanted to see if anyone has a perspective on short vs long. One word vs many word mantras.

Focus on Breath vs Mantra which is a better meditation technique to develop concentration?. I would love to hear from people that have used both for a considerable time. Some people feel that mantra is something that you throw in from outside creating and promoting stories and illusions within the mind whereas when you focus on the breath you are not introducing anything unnecessary from the outside and that breath is natural. Some others think that mantra lets them go deeper in concentration meditation and mind whereas the focus on breath keeps them at the surface and aware of the body (which makes it difficult to go deeper). Yet others think that mantra is better because it will go with you the day you are without the body and the breath. As I said I would love to hear the perspective of experienced meditators who have used both techniques for a while and can compare them.

Dear friends, Thanks for welcoming me, I am new to the forum. I had a question and I am hoping you can help me. I have read in a number of books about jhanas that I can use my breath awareness at the nostrils to develop concentration so that I can experience the jhanas. I am wondering can the same concentration be built using a mantra ? Has anyone here consistently experienced the jhanas by building their concentration through the use of mantra let's say in TM style or otherwise. Also what other methods besides breath awareness and mantra have people here used to build concentration in order to get to the consistent experience of the jhanas. I would request on topic posts from people with actual experience of the Jhanas please. many thanks and Meta... May all beings be happy.

As per the Buddhist views, If there is no-self then who or what is it that is reborn? Can someone clearly explain please.

Thanks for this link. Its a useful read. No i am not just having a laugh. Sincerely seeking way forward. I do like to smile though with friends but not at the cost of anyone.

Thanks for your helpful post. Totally agree with you on the ideal way. But for some of us who are in less than ideal circumstances can you kindly provide some tips/guidance for effective chanting? We maybe able to benefit from your tips and guidance in the interim till we find the enlightened master with the blessed lineage. Meta..

Thanks CT. What then is the way to learn to chant correctly ? Can you please give some guidance and/or point to a source ?

Thanks for this and where are you now? What works for you and why? and what does not work for you and why?

Buddha says in the Anattalakkhana Sutta: and So self does NOT lead to dukkha whereas attachment to whatever is not-self leads to dukkha. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/sn/sn22/sn22.059.mend.html In other words, mistaking whatever is not-self to be self leads to dukkha. Maybe its the non-self which is form that is not reborn and self which is not form is reborn? Is this understanding correct?

I guess this thread will have to work a bit like meditation...Bringing our attention back to the question at hand lets ask...If there is no-self then who or what is it that is reborn?

No apologies needed. Thanks for your contribution. Lets see what other friends have to say on this.

Consider increasing the time of practice. 15 min is a good start but you can do more. Try increasing it by 5 min every few months.

Ask your heart it knows....

How is it going ? did you get the shaktipat you were looking for?

Why not wake up to find out for yourself?

Any update ? are you practicing daily?

Keep walking, all paths lead home because there is no where else to go.

Welcome and we look forward to learning from you.

Welcome and while all your current interests are great. May you develop new ones here too.

This forum is a great blessing and sangha.

Make a regular practice and honor it daily. Master will come when she/he comes but do not wait for them to start your practice...

Energy loves to move by its very nature....

I guess money and dhamma are different to money and healing or are they?

Thanks C T that sounds very interesting. Do you have any personal experience on using Thangka paintings for this purpose? Is there any book or materiel that you could recommend on the subject?