"The popular etymology of the word mantram gives us some clue what it means to have the Holy Name at work in our consciousness. Although Sanskrit scholars may look askance, it is said that mantram comes from the roots man, "the mind," and tri, "to cross." The mantram is that which enables us to cross the sea of the mind. The sea is a perfect symbol of the mind. It is in constant motion; there is calm one day and storm the next. We see only the surface, with hardly any inkling of the strange creatures that lurk below or the tremendous currents that sweep through the depths. From where we stand on this shore, the far shore is so completely out of sight that we find it hard even to imagine that there is another shore."I connect well with this metaphor, perhaps because i think of the mind and soul as transient as water. The mantram seems to give a more clear context to as why spiritual texts are relevant. Lately, my friend Diana and I have been using the Buddhist mantram 'nam myoho renge kyo' which if I remember correctly translates to something along the lines of 'my self submits to the supreme mystical law of the sacred lotus sutra.' So here I am, returning to the lotus.
More about 'nam myoho renge kyo' at Soka Gakkai International.
Another mantram I've regarded as useful is 'fuck everything.' Caution with this one, though, use the 'fuck everything' mantram only during moments when the universe is expanding. Those are the times I feel the need to reiterate the pain of a boy who lives in some universe that is always contracting and expanding at will. If you can relate to that at all to this scenario, try saying 'fuck everything' over and over again in the shower, and some of the pressure to exist may be alleviated.
I am hoping for a healthy recovery for my mother who has just completed surgery, and lots of rest for my father who takes very good care of my mother. Mothers are Goddesses. Much love to all Goddess Mothers.
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