Advice for a Beginner? (Specifically the Mani mantra)

[Lucent]

Hello again everyone, sorry if this is the wrong place or if this has been asked before. Perhaps I've been thinking too much into it but I have a horrible habit of going above and beyond what's expected of me. I think this could either be a good thing or bad thing, probably bad. But I need some advice if that's okay You see, Lingtrul Rinpoche told me to say "Om Mani Padme Hum" every day. Some of you gave me excellent advice even though it was simple and easy it helped me tremendously with motivation, inspiration, and confidence. Someone told me to put a sticky not on my computer to remember doing it everyday, which surprisingly, worked without me having to put a stick note on my computer because I keep the thought "Sticky note, Dharma Wheel Forums" in my head. Thank you all for your advice by the way!

However.... when I did so, I wondered wait, just once? A hundred times? While I'm doing anything? I did some looking up and someone said that you should say it a thousand times, while another said for 21 minutes. I went with 21 minutes since I don't know how to use the beads my teacher gave me........

First question! How exactly am I supposed to use the beads? Or rather, keep track, do I just keep a piece of paper nearby and mark it accordingly, or is there actually an real way to do it? Dumb question I know, I'm so sorry

Second Question- Apparently saying the words over and over again will be almost pointless without meditating on the meaning. I've looked up the meaning and I'm slowly starting to get better at memorizing it although I can't think of them quickly all the time. How do I meditate? Am I ready to meditate yet or do I just say it casually? Surely there's a correct way to do this right...? Or should a beginner just say the words for now?

Third Question-Is there anything specific that I'm supposed to be doing while reciting this? I have absolutely no clue how to meditate because I've never done it in my life. How do I concentrate?

Thank you all for your time. If this wasn't supposed to be here please feel free to delete it. I apologize in advance Also someone said something about imagining seeing "Avalokiteshvara"? (I had to google the name) I'm pretty sure I shouldn't worry about that right? Thank you for your advice.

[PadmaVonSamba]

I think it would be very helpful for you to get some instruction on Shamatha (mind calming) meditation, to begin with, and work with that, That will clear up a lot of the frenzy. Then, it wouldn't hurt to get some teachings on this mantra as well.

The meaning behind" Om Mani Peme Hung" is quite vast. To recall it all, constantly, is quite a feat for a beginner, so don't worry about it. Just recite the mantra with the intention that by doing so, all beings will benefit.

Don't worry about how many you do, just recite it. If you can keep it in your thoughts as you go about your day, this is a good thing. Consider how it is when you are worried about something, and all day long that worry is on your mind. In the same way, you can keep this mantra in your thoughts, or as people say "in the back of my mind" and recite it when you are walking to your car, or doing the dishes or whatever. If you can recite it verbally as well, all the better. Sometimes you can't do this. Maybe you are in an elevator with a lot of people, and chanting a mantra out loud just isn't practical.

If it convenient to handle the mala (beads) while doing this, just push the beads forward with your thumb over the middle finger, recite one time with each bead. If you want, you can pick one of the syllables as the one on which the bead is counted. Unless you are trying to reach a certain number, such as a million, don't worry about how many you recite. It is more important to do it with some concentration of mind, rather than racking up numbers. That being said, the more the better. If you can recite ten turns of a 108 bead mala, then that is an easy 1,000 + plus 80 extra, for when your mind is distracted!

The teachings refer to developing the enlightened aspects of Body, speech and mind.
The physical action of moving beads is an action of the body. Reciting verbally is an action of speech. Thinking about the mantra, or generating the motivation that all beings be happy, while engaging the mantra, is an action of mind. If you can do all three, that is best. If you can only think mentally & recite verbally, that is good too. If you are not able to verbally recite the mantra or use the mala, but can concentrate fully on its meaning, that is excellent.
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[conebeckham]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CDoQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.namsebangdzo.com%2FChenrezig_the_Lord_of_Love_Bokar_Rinpoche_p%2F5205.htm&ei=gV0eUcrLG_Dy0wH_q4DABA&usg=AFQjCNGOVvWcSa07Id1Z58zbXFFazygX-w&sig2=GLJ1io0LXCfB3-RBdPBv5g&bvm=bv.42553238,d.dmQ

Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book....it contains complete instructions and will answer many of your questions.

[Lucent]

Thank you so much, both of you. Your advice is very helpful and is extremely appreciated. I'll try to pick up that book sooner or later, I have about 17 books right now and I'm still only on the first one! That book is a must get though, thank you again! =) Also, PadmaVonSamba, I don't recall the entire meaning just the general idea (6 syllables, 6 realms, like say Om being for generosity and cleansing pride, I'm jut studying that small chart,, nothing big for now)

"The teachings refer to developing the enlightened aspects of Body, speech and mind.
The physical action of moving beads is an action of the body. Reciting verbally is an action of speech. Thinking about the mantra, or generating the motivation that all beings be happy, while engaging the mantra, is an action of mind. If you can do all three, that is best. If you can only think mentally & recite verbally, that is good too. If you are not able to verbally recite the mantra or use the mala, but can concentrate fully on its meaning, that is excellent."

I didn't know that, thank you for teaching me =D That's actually really interesting. I think I'll go ahead and recite 10 turns of the beads, your advice was extremely helpful to me, thank you so much =) I'm probably gonna go look up a video just to be sure I do it right though real quick.

[kirtu]

The Mani mantra is the condensed expression of the Buddha of Compasssion, Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit, Chenrezig: Tibetan). What does that mean? On one level the mantra and the power, lovingkindness, wisdom and all the qualities of Avalokiteshvara are completely contained in the mantra. They are inseparable. On another level, when we recite the mantra we are awakening these qualities in ourselves.

You can silently recite the mantra or almost silently recite the mantra (this is usually recommended). Almost silently means that you actually do recite the mantra vocally but it can't be heard even by a person standing next to you almost as if the sound were inaudible beyond your collar (so you are sort of whispering in a sense but not with a secretive intention). Then at times (once a day maybe) you stop, sit down and recite the Mani mantra undistractedly (or as undistractedly as possible) just doing that and just focusing on the sound of the mantra. You could also focus on the infinite compassion of Avalokiteshvara but I don't want to add anything to what your teacher suggested. Since you will ask your teacher later how to use the beads, just set a time of 5-10 minutes or even less for this. It would be very difficult to do this for 21 minutes now.

Kirt

[Lucent]

The Mani mantra is the condensed expression of the Buddha of Compasssion, Avalokiteshvara (Sanskrit, Chenrezig: Tibetan). What does that mean? On one level the mantra and the power, lovingkindness, wisdom and all the qualities of Avalokiteshvara are completely contained in the mantra. They are inseparable. On another level, when we recite the mantra we are awakening these qualities in ourselves.

You can silently recite the mantra or almost silently recite the mantra (this is usually recommended). Almost silently means that you actually do recite the mantra vocally but it can't be heard even by a person standing next to you almost as if the sound were inaudible beyond your collar (so you are sort of whispering in a sense but not with a secretive intention). Then at times (once a day maybe) you stop, sit down and recite the Mani mantra undistractedly (or as undistractedly as possible) just doing that and just focusing on the sound of the mantra. You could also focus on the infinite compassion of Avalokiteshvara but I don't want to add anything to what your teacher suggested. Since you will ask your teacher later how to use the beads, just set a time of 5-10 minutes or even less for this. It would be very difficult to do this for 21 minutes now.

Kirt

Thank you for your reply, Kirtu. I think you are all right, reciting it silently makes a lot more sense and seems a lot easier. Also, I tried doing it for a really long time and it's a lot harder than it looks. 5-10 minutes sounds much easier, but I just fear it wouldn't be enough. I'll take your word for it though because my teacher didn't specify much.

Thank you again

[gregkavarnos]

You can do multiple short sessions throughout the day instead of one long session.

[Jainarayan]

Do you need to use a mālā, or can you simply recite it over and over until it becomes ajapa japa? And what rhythm or "speed" of recition is recommended?

[Lucent]

gregkavarnos, I didn't know that, that makes it much MUCH easier. Thank you

Jainarayan, I'm not really sure, I think that's why I'm finding it really difficult. My teacher gave me a mala, but didn't say anything about it really, he simply handed it to me. No one taught me how to use it either unless you count the internet. Later on, he told me to to recite it every day, but he didn't specify anything. In almost his exact words, "Say it every day and it will be very good for you." I try to not say it very quickly because I can't think about it that quickly. I'm very confused to be honest.

[Jainarayan]

The reason I ask is because with Vedic mantras, breathing rhythm is not the goal, saying the mantra is. I didn't know if it was different for Tibetan mantras. I timed myself @ 3 seconds per repetition of om mani padme hum. Yes, I watched the seconds on my watch as I chanted. I am so obsessive-compulsive.

[kirtu]

Breathing rhythm is not important in most Buddhist mantras irrespective of tradition (I have seen one exception). Just repeat the Mani normally and naturally. If you take a look at YouTube videos you will see that it is either sung or often recited so fast that it is nearly incomprehensible. Anywhere in between is fine. The mantra itself has a kind of purification effect.

Kirt

[Jainarayan]

Thanks Kirt, that what I thought, wasn't sure.

[Yudron]

The thing about the mala is that while your mind is cultivating Bodhicitta (good advice above), your voice/speech is reciting the mantra, and your hand is moving a bead. That way all three are engaged at the same time and it helps reduce distraction. For example, you may space out and forget what you are doing then notice that thing in your hand and that is a reminder.

There are a lot of different instructions for how to use a mala, and what kind of mala to use, and these vary according to the kind of mantra one is doing. In our tradition the default mode is to hold the mala in the left hand and pull the bead toward you with your thumb [different than the above poster]--but it is obvious these kind of things are relative level teachings, so for now I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I use an electronic counter these days myself.

[Terma]

I use an electronic counter these days myself.

They are great! Also good for using in public (like going for walks, etc.) when we don't want to fiddle with a mala. Dharma for the modern times for sure!

[Terma]

Hello Lucent,

Some have offered some good and sensible advice here. I'll add a few suggestions. If you really feel that you have a connection to this mantra, then I would take some time to accumulate in a concentrated practice, ie. just sitting and focusing on and feeling the mantra.

As well, I would encourage you to also recite this mantra silently over the course of the day as well whenever possible. Nobody has to know! This is very beneficial. I have heard mantra being translated as "mind protection", and one aspect of this is that while you are focusing on the mantra, there is less chance of your mind slipping back into its normal habits.

Terma

[Lucent]

If it has a purification effect then I really need to say it a lot. XD

@Yudron, thank you for the explanation that makes a lot of sense. I suppose I should wait for my teacher to teach me before I attempt anything. I might get me one of those counters, it sounds really handy.

@Terma, thank you very much for the advice. It's greatly appreciated I need to say it more then because I really need the extra help

[Yudron]

If it has a purification effect then I really need to say it a lot. XD

@Yudron, thank you for the explanation that makes a lot of sense. I suppose I should wait for my teacher to teach me before I attempt anything. I might get me one of those counters, it sounds really handy.

@Terma, thank you very much for the advice. It's greatly appreciated I need to say it more then because I really need the extra help

Yes, look for a good lama.

But,

No, don't wait to start reciting the mani.