fleischer@uunet.UU.NET (03/01/91)
I have a question about the selection of a Mantra for meditation. I read a book titled "How to meditate without attending a TM class" (or something like that). I believe the meditation technique described in the book is identical to that taught in TM classes *except* for the selection of a Mantra. The book advises what is effectively a random selection of two letters from the Indian(?) alphabet. (The author admitted having no idea how the TM folk *really* select the Mantras.) I used a different random approach (to select PA and YA -- for those who are curious about such things). Unfortunately, I find that I become quite depressed after meditating for a few days. It could be coincidence. It could be that a Mantra meditation is not for me. But before I reach either of the above conclusions, I would like to explore the literature on Mantra selection. Please EMAIL me (or if EMAIL bounces, post to soc.religion.eastern) any suggestions for research on the subject (or if you know the algorithm that the TM folk use to select a student's Mantra -- or even bits of information, like the subset of the alphabet they use...). I will post if there is enough interest. Thank you
aarti@pollux.usc.edu (Aarti Kumar) (03/03/91)
Re: Mantra selection Actually there are some sounds (or words) which are conducive to meditation. I don't know how the TM people pick their mantras, but normally mantras are picked so that after a certain amount of meditation, the mantra can flow along with a person's breath. So when the meditator breathes in and out, the mantra flows along too, one syllable in and the next syllable out. For example, although saying literally "Hari Ohm", is a general hindu religious practice, one cannot meditate to it since it's not quite conducive to the flow of breath. Only an experienced teacher can know in depth about the form of the mantra which should be given. People have tried meditating with a nonsensical word, but I have'nt met anyone who has really kept up the practice, to know how far one can go with that. Also, the mantra generally should give a neutral or a good feeling, it certainly should not have any negative associations for the person. Then the mind will not violently object when the mantra starts filling up all the mental space. Hope this helps. Aarti Kumar