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A personal blog by a graying (mostly Anglo with light African-American roots) gay left leaning liberal progressive married college-educated Buddhist Baha'i BBC/NPR-listening Professor Emeritus now following the Dharma in Minas Gerais, Brasil.
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Coretta Scott King died in Rosarito Beach, Mexico on this day. The great civil-rights activist and tireless supporter of Gay Rights succumbed to complications from a stroke and ovarian cancer. In arguing against a constitutional amendment banning Gay marriage King said, "Gay and Lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriage."
In 2003, she invited the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to take part in observances of the 40th anniversary of the March on Washington and Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech. It was the first time that an LGBT rights group had been invited to a major event of the African American community. King said her husband supported the quest for equality by LGBT people and reminded her critics that the 1963 March on Washington was organized by Bayard Rustin, an openly Gay civil rights activist.
|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8 Gay Wisdom for Daily Living from White Crane Institute "With the increasing commodification of gay news, views, and culture by powerful corporate interests, having a strong independent voice in our community is all the more important. White Crane is one of the last brave standouts in this bland new world... a triumph over the looming mediocrity of the mainstream Gay world." - Mark Thompson Exploring Gay Wisdom & Culture since 1989! |8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8|O|8 |
The Mantra of Compassion
Om Mani Padme Hung is an ancient mantra that has been practiced for thousands of years. It is widely believed to contain the essence of the entire Buddhist teachings within its six syllables. Known as the "Mantra of Compassion," it represents the path to enlightenment and the altruistic intention to achieve it for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Breaking Down the Six Syllables
Each syllable of the mantra carries a unique vibration and meaning, together creating a powerful energy that purifies the mind and the environment. Let's take a closer look at each syllable:
Om: Om is the sacred sound of the universe, embodying the essence of existence. It represents the three aspects of the Buddha - body, speech, and mind, and the three jewels of Buddhism - Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Mani: Meaning "jewel," Mani represents the altruistic intention of a bodhisattva to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings.
Padme: Translating to "lotus," Padme symbolizes wisdom and purity. Just as a lotus flower grows in muddy water, yet remains untainted, we too can rise above the mud of ignorance and attachment to attain enlightenment.
Hung: The final syllable, Hung, signifies the indivisibility of method and wisdom, and the unity of emptiness and compassion.
The Transformative Power of Om Mani Padme Hung
Reciting Om Mani Padme Hung is a powerful practice that can purify negative karma, develop compassion, and accumulate merit. It is said that the mantra's vibrations can purify the mind of the six realms of existence, bringing us closer to enlightenment.
When reciting the mantra, focus on cultivating a compassionate heart, dedicating the merits of the practice to the welfare of all sentient beings. It is believed that reciting the mantra with genuine compassion and loving-kindness can bring immeasurable benefits to oneself and others.
Incorporating the Mantra into Daily Life
Om Mani Padme Hung can be practiced in various ways, such as:
No matter how you choose to incorporate Om Mani Padme Hung into your daily life, remember to maintain a compassionate intention and dedicate the merits to the benefit of all beings.
In Conclusion
Om Mani Padme Hung is a profound and transformative mantra that encompasses the essence of the Buddhist teachings. By practicing the mantra with a compassionate heart and the altruistic intention to benefit others, we can purify our minds, accumulate merit, and progress on the path to enlightenment.
If you'd like to bring the powerful energy of Om Mani Padme Hung into your life, we invite you to explore our collection of mantra-inscribed jewelry, prayer wheels, and other sacred items at Dharmashop. May your journey be filled with love, compassion, and wisdom.
Until next time, may all beings be happy, may all beings be safe
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It’s taken me a while to learn that if I’m gonna offer the gift of my being, it means offering the fullness of the moment we are in.
- Ram Dass -