New Worlds of Body, Mind & Spirit Since 1901
| It's Bodhi Day, which celebrates the moment the Buddha cut through all doubt, ignorance, and illusion in order to realize enlightenment. In short, it honors the Buddha (which means "enlightened one") becoming the Buddha. Some people sit in meditation for days or even weeks to celebrate. Instead, set a timer for ten minutes. Sit comfortably with your spine straight, and take some deep breaths. Smile gently and close your eyes. Rest your open palms in your lap, facing upward. Notice your breath as it goes in and out. When a thought arises, don't fight it, just notice it. When your mind wanders from this calm attentiveness, bring it back. When the timer dings, place your left hand on your heart and your right hand over it. Say nine times:
"Om mani padme hum." Then say: "Siddhartha, Shakyamuni, I call on you. Please infuse my awareness with peace and my actions with love. Thank you." |
