JANUARY MEDITATION, 2006

Our meditation is inspired by thoughts of the new year. It is a time when people make New Year resolutions. However, instead of concentrating on habits we want to eradicate, it is more helpful to think about the best in ourselves. This meditation is inspired by the famous Buddhist mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. A mantra is also an affirmation or resolution and the yoga word for resolution is “san kalpa.” In yoga, a san kalpa is used regularly, preferably daily, in meditation to re-programme the mind into positive thinking. There are several interpretations and explanations of this mantra but one I know and like is “The jewel of enlightenment shines in my heart’s lotus”. The heart centre is seen as a beautiful lotus blossom or rose, with a shining jewel deep within it. This jewel represents all that we could be, all the highest and best qualities that we have. Instead of thinking about our faults and mistakes and feeling down, we can change our thoughts and images in the mind. The Buddha said, “If you set your heart upon the goal you will surely reach it.” Repeating the mantra and visualising the jewel in the heart is said to bring a sense of happiness and upliftment. It is also chanted with the intention of achieving spiritual progress through service to others.

More detailed meaning of the mantra is as follows.

You can chant the mantra, or repeat it silently to yourself, as you do the following visualisation.

THE JEWEL IN THE LOTUS, BECOMING YOUR HIGHER SELF

In the usual way, begin to attune to your breathing. Feel the cool flow of air against the tip of your nose as you breathe in. The breath feels warmer as you breathe out. Continue this soft gentle breathing. As you breathe out, silently repeat “Om Mani Padme Hum.” Then visualise a bright shining light, like the sun, above you. Feel yourself being filled and surrounded by light as you continue your breathing. Visualise a beautiful jewel box. What is it made of? Is it silver or gold or polished wood? Is it covered with jewels or painted with patterns? Is it carved with mystical symbols? Take some time to decide all the details of this beautiful jewel box or chest. Now, around your neck you find a fine golden chain with a small key on the end. It is the key that opens the jewel chest. As you look at the chest, you see a keyhole, so you put in the key and open it.

As the lid lifts up, inside the box is a beautiful silk or velvet cushion. What colour is it? On the cushion, you see a magnificent jewel, cut with many facets. The light plays on it and it sparkles and flashes with many colours. It is a perfect, flashing jewel, and it represents all that is the best in you. One day you will be perfect, like the jewel. Continue to gaze at this perfect jewel. All the colours you see represent different qualities that you are working with in your everyday life.

Continue with this meditation until you are ready to conclude. Close the jewel chest and lock it with the key. Only you have the key and you can open the chest any time you like.

Again attune to your breathing. Feel the firmness of the floor under your feet, the chair you sit on. When you are ready, open your eyes.

Try to do this meditation every day for a week, or a month. Write in your meditation journal any insights you have. For a simple explanation of colours, see the December meditation. All the images that come to you in meditation have a meaning, which become clear as you gain experience.

© Kathleen Pepper 2006

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