RE: Phowa talks
Hi Patsy,
I sure don't find the OM or AUM to be negative - but I think few in the West understand it, and may be wasting their time.
For many years my chants have been in English, rhythmic, and with clear purpose.
The one kind of meditation I really can't stand is some "guided" ones as it feels to me as if inexperienced people are taking my mind where I wouldn't want to go (not spiritual at all) - and why follow THEIR consciousness when I have my own to follow? [&:]
Venetian
RE: Phowa talks
Exactly, David. Guided meditations are fine for beginners, but as one learns to grow and be comfortable within one's own spirit, such meditations might not be what is required; indeed, they may even hamper development.
Yes, chants in English are the best, and the more rhythmical, the better. I don't know what it is about that 'AUM'/'OHM' chant. Every time I have sat in a meditation session where it's been used, I end up feeling ill.
Love,
Patsy.
xxxxxx
RE: Phowa talks
Simply on the physical level, Patsy,AUM really vibrates the body. Maybe it's vibrating the bones and such? Maybe that could cause nausea, though it's new to me.
Yes, on language, I've had several years now of going to regular Hindu pujas (devotional events) where just a few of us do mantras and mainly sing songs written by Vivekenanda. I'm the only Caucasian there who doesn't speak Hindi or Punjabi, etc., and they'll never get more as I only go because the songs have superb melodies, heavenly, and for the talks we all have afterward. However just personally I don't go in for Westerners giving chants etc. in another language, if the chants are long and you don't even know what the heck you are saying! (I invent my own meanings...)
Of course there is the argument that Sanskrit, say, is holy, so the vibration of the language counts. However I believe that to be true of English also - English: angel-ish.
Maybe there's a hint that people reckon they are being "more spiritual" if they are chanting and singing in a foreign tongue? Not to disparage anyone - I'm just thinking a few are attracted purely to get away from their own culture, dress in safron robes, whatever.
V
RE: Phowa talks
Hello David,
Very interesting. Since Sanskrit is the basis for Indo-European languages (of which English is but one) then the resonance will emanate through the words and melodies of a mediation chant, no matter what the tongue.
I agree with you about some wanting to get away from one's own culture. My ex-husband was just such a one. He was a devotee ('sannyasin') of Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh who mainly used his sannyasin name in 'ordinary' life. He had a bad childhood, and I think that this was some sort of escape from it.
Love,
Patsy.
xxxxx