[OceanofDharma] Quotes of the Week: Sacred Mantra

[Carolyn Gimian]

Ocean of Dharma Quotes of the Week

Please see information of interest to subscribers below

November 26, 2007

SACRED MANTRA

One must understand the basic usage of mantra, or sacred syllables, 
in the teachings of Buddhism. Mantra is not at all a magical spell 
used in order to gain psychic powers for selfish purposes, such as 
accumulation of wealth, power over others, and destruction of 
enemies. According to the Buddhist teachings, all tantric practices, 
such as visualizations, hatha yoga, or any other yogic practices, 
must be based on the fundamental teaching of the Buddha, which is the 
understanding of the four marks of existence: impermanence (anitya), 
suffering (duhkha), void or emptiness (shunyata), and egolessness 
(anatman.) Divinities in Buddhism are not external. In other words, 
they are aspects of the awakened state of mind, such as the great 
bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara representing the compassionate aspect of 
buddha nature. There are various mantras, or sacred syllables, 
connected with these great beings, which help to achieve the essence 
of compassion, wisdom, or energy.

 From "Hum: An Approach to Mantra," in THE COLLECTED WORKS OF CHOGYAM 
TRUNGPA, Volume Five, pages 317 to 318.
.
All material by Chogyam Trungpa is copyright Diana J. Mukpo and used 
by permission.

NOTICE OF INTEREST TO SUBSCRIBERS:

Our friends at Shambhala Sun Foundation (publishers of the Shambhala 
Sun and Buddhadharma magazines) are hosting their first-ever online 
auction -- November 21 through December 12. They have assembled a 
wonderful selection of unique auction items -- including original 
art, photographs, gift certificates from contemplative publishers, 
meditation supplies, and retreat opportunities. An original 
calligraphy by Chogyam Trungpa is being auctioned. Bidding is underway.

You can browse and bid at  http://www.shambhalasun.com/auction  All 
proceeds from this online auction will help to print the Shambhala 
Sun and Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly on environmentally 
responsible paper, and to establish youth internships training the 
next generation of editors and designers to publish the dharma.

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Carolyn Rose Gimian

Ocean of Dharma Quotes of the Week: teachings by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Taken from works published by Shambhala Publications,  the Archive of 
his unpublished work in the Shambhala Archives, plus other published sources.
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