Reciting Om Mani Padme Hum Mantra is an Expression of Generosity
Whenever you recite a mantra, chant, hymn or uplifting song with a loving heart, it releases positive energy into your body, emotions and mind. If you chant with an intention of spreading the energies of loving-kindness, compassion, joy and serenity to others, it spreads out into space like pure ripples in a pond. Sound is a powerful energy. Mantra is a special sound formula which has spiritual seed sounds awakening the higher energies within you. When blended with a wish to share the blessings with others, the effects move outward from your heart-mind touching others. Thus, the mantra practice becomes an expression of generosity.
Have you ever listened to the song of a bird carrying on in the tree near by? Some bird songs are moving. They can cause healing in your aura if listened to mindfully. Mantras like Om Mani Padme Hum are soul songs which release healing, purifying, energy and enriching energy. I encourage you to listen to the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra often, even daily if you can. Healing and happiness begin within your own mind. And, as a natural side effect ripple into the lives of anyone near or far.
The educational video linked below is a how to chant this mantra. I created it for your benefit to illustrates some ways to successfully use the prayer Om Mani Padme Hum, or aka, Om Mani Pema Hung, as it is pronounced in Tibetan. For those who wish to know more of the conceptual meaning of this healing mantra, I’ve included additional information as well.
Do you need to understand the meaning to use the mantra? Not necessarily, it doesn’t affect the benefit of using the mantra whether you understand the various conceptual meanings. However, many of you have a well developed concrete mind which seeks to know the meaning of new words and phrases. If so, then listening to my instructional video will create a conceptual connection. Remember though, that whatever you understand is just one view point at this moment in time, thus keep an open mind. I’ve created a YouTube video to help walk you through a reciting of the prayer as well as give a few ideas of how the prayer has affected myself over the many decades I’ve used it.
Om Mani Padme Hum has been popularized by the expansion of Tibetan Buddhism throughout Europe, the Americas and other parts of Asia since the invasion of Tibet by the Chinese in 1959. Buddhist music has been available in many audio formats, making listening and learning more common place.
Tibetan Buddhists believe, and experience the power awakened when reciting the mantra (prayer), Om Mani Padme Hum in group or individual mediation. You can recite it out loud, in a whisper or silently to yourself if in public place. It will gradually purify all negative karmas through replacing the harmful intentions built up within the mind with constructive, loving and kinder intentions. This mantra invokes the powerful benevolent intention of your own deepest Self from the heart of love and compassion.
It is believed the blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion, are revealed through chanting this mantra daily. His energy is the purest expression of compassionate energy which can be accessed through reciting this mantra. Tibetan Buddhist’s believe the Dalai Lama is one emanation of this great being. His Holiness is viewed as the living, human expression of these wonderful energies which help remove suffering from human beings.
This popular and powerful prayer can release loving-kindness and compassionate energy into your life with daily use!
If you’d like a copy of the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra to chant along with at home, or to play in the background, click here now. We have plenty in stock.
I hope you enjoy my YouTube video Om Mani Padme Hum which will assist you in using and enjoying the benefits of this wonderful mantra. May all beings benefit.
Be sure to book mark FourGates.com, and this blog Ask A Spriitual Teacher because we are adding new articles and meditation supplies each week.
With love, generosity and compassion,
Christopher Lee May
Birthing Class Chairs for Better Back Support
If you’re like many of my students, friends and colleagues who attend birthing classes, you want to be comfortable while doing group exercises. While attending a birthing class you’ll quickly learn that back support seating is essential to help you remain mindful of the lessons being taught while reducing back tension. Virtually all of the sessions are held seated with pregnant women and their partners seated on the floor in order to give you quick access to birthing exercises.
Four Gates has been providing the Back Jack floor chair for these applications for 17+ years. By popular demand it soon became apparent that pregnant women preferred the Extra Large back jack chair because of the additional height, and more importantly with extra width which gives you added space for your bottom. There’s a nice cushy seat pad to make the chair very cozy. Some women will add a pillow at the back rest too for added cushioning.
This chair is light weight, portable and inexpensive. It’s excellent for those who get lower back pain when sitting, if you need additional support for your back when sitting longer periods of time, then the Back Jack is a good solution for providing that support. The Back Jack looks and acts like a beach chair but with far more padding, strength and durability in the design.
Additionally, you can use the Extra Large Back Jacks for other purposes too, for example, as a meditation chair, spiritual retreats, while watching TV, children’s reading groups, children’s play groups, Yoga retreats, playtime in the park, as a camping chair or elsewhere.
Click here to learn more, and select your favorite color back jack today. Why not have the most pleasant experience during your birthing class? Get a back jack today, and enjoy the added ease and comfort of floor seating. Be sure to buy one for your partner as well.
Angel Healing Retreat at Sea with Doreen Virtue
Ports of Call for the Doreen Virtue Hay House Cruise include:
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida ~
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos ~
San Juan, Puerto Rico ~
Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles ~
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Dates: February 19-26, 2012
Sponsored by: Hay House and Ron Oyer’s Life Journeys
Format: Cruise
Location: Holland America Line ~ ms Nieuw Amsterdam, Caribbean Cruise
Join Doreen for a life-changing Angel Healing Retreat at Sea!
Doreen will guide you through giving and receiving angel readings, working with angel oracle cards, and conducting and receiving Angel Therapy® healing methods. You’ll get answers to your most pressing questions, with an emphasis on exploring, “What’s my life purpose?” with the help of the archangels and Doreen’s new Life Purpose Oracle Cards and her book, The Angel Therapy Handbook.
During four 3-hour courses, Doreen will help you learn to feel and hear your angels’ guidance. She will also work with you to release negativity; increase your self-confidence; and create feelings of peace, fulfillment, and happiness. You’ll leave the Angel Healing Retreat refreshed and inspired to put your priorities and purpose into action!
SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EXCITING EVENT! REGISTER NOW FOR THE BEST CABIN SELECTIONS! VIEW DETAILS HERE
ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE THROUGH LIFE JOURNEYS TO ATTEND THIS EVENT.
For More Information Contact:
Ron Oyer’s Life Journeys / Worldview Travel • 888-259-9191 or 714-619-8859 ext. 1262 – Adam.
You can also e-mail: asavage@worldviewtravel.com
Post 9/11 Intolerance Still Persists
Why is it that human beings develop a sense of superiority about other religions, different racial groups, political beliefs and other important differences? Sometimes, it appears that intolerance of one another is increasing.
This article is important to read, and share with young people. We need to talk about diversity more, and celebrate differences vs judging one another.
Here is the news story about the Sikhs shot to death in Sacramento recently because some coward thought they might be affiliated with a religion they had disdain for, i.e., Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, some other sect of Christianity we do not practice or other religions. Post-9/11, Sikhs say they are mistaken targets – Yahoo! News
Where does the need to be “right” come from? Is something broken within our sense of ourselves as human beings that cause us to quickly judge others?
Christ and Buddha taught about the power of love, harmlessness, compassion and kindness. They are the pillars of the Temple must work together to build. Why is it so hard to deeply listen to and follow their wisdom and example?
It just takes practice to become more compassionate and kind towards others. These are skills which can be learned with practice, patience and a little will power.
I encourage all of my readers to pick up a copy of Living Wisdom by the Dalai Lama. When you are in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, you are in the presence of compassion itself. But how many of us will have the opportunity to personally experience the man known as The Ocean of Wisdom? Now, Living Wisdom gives you the chance to immerse yourself in the grace of His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, and to receive the transformative power of his teachings in your own home, The study of wisdom and compassion for someone who is a master of these qualities benefits yourself and everyone whose lives you touch.
May we all cultivate greater tolerance, kindness, compassion and wisdom,
Christopher Lee May
Author – Speaker – Transition Life Coach
Tribute to First Lady Betty Ford, a Woman of Integrity
I place a high value on honesty and integrity. And, I am fairly certain you do as well. Yet, it seems often miss the deeper meaning of these values.
First Lady Betty Ford was a courageous example of a public figure who helped others confront challenges within their lives and find the path to healing. The Betty Ford clinic she helped found after dealing with her own addiction to alcohol and pain killers, has served over 90,000 since 1982. By speaking out she paved the way for teacher like John Bradshaw who also encouraged millions in America to face their addictions.
There is so much shame, guilt, fear and self-loathing within so many, which leads to addictions, suffering, broken relationships and deep wounds. All forms of suffering are ways to avoid integrity within ourselves because we are actually human souls, not just personalities. Often times there aren’t “safe places” to share and explore this gap between suffering and happiness, thus many people use substances, including food or drugs(alcohol is a drug) to medicate, blocking the discomfort. Even sexual additions, shopping addictions or a host of other behaviors are an effort to create positive endorphins of well-being in the body, but in ways that cause long term harm.
If we study how Betty related to the world through periods of change in our society, we can learn much from her example. She spoke freely about her own process without fear of what others might say. And, she did so with harmlessness, not seeking to attack or belittle anyone.
Integrity does not mean telling the truth. Integrity actually means to become whole again, or to integrate our personality with our higher nature, soul or the Divine. Putting oneself back together from broken pieces of the fragmented public and privates selves is essential for healing. We cannot hide out forever, thinking our suffering or real thoughts are not loveable. We are still good beings even with flaws.
What is integrity? Integrity is the ability to express love, acceptance, kindness, harmlessness and honoring others. It is the process of becoming one with pure goodness through how we treat ourselves and others. Integrity removes judgment from our minds leaving only a wish to serve others.
A society full of judgement and criticism, as ours is, cannot know integrity until there is an increasing level of real loving-kindness and compassion. Only ever expanding love can bring about true spiritual integrity. Where there is self-judgment of oneself and others, there cannot be integrity nor honesty. Where there is love, there too is harmlessness.
Betty Ford gave us a big gift through her enduring example. Can we pass along the same example of honest, integrity and being a safe place to turn everyday to others? Become a safe place for someone you know to turn to. And, if you are unable to offer a safe place yourself for whatever reason, help them find safe places; like life coaching, counseling, 12 step recovery groups or treatment centers to heal.
At FourGates.com, they carry a helpful collection of titles on healing, recovery, healing shame, and more from John Bradshaw, himself a recovery expert.
My gratitude goes out to First Lady Betty Ford, and all those who help create a world of true integrity.
Blessings for a wonderful day,
Christopher Lee May
Author ~ Speaker ~ Transition Life Coach
Tips on Writing a Eulogy
Everything in life requires practice to perform well. And, if what you are about to embark on Writing a Eulogy where you’ll be saying a final farewell to a loved one, cherished friend or co-worker, then it makes all the more sense to have a writing coach help you make it a great deal easier.
I had decided several years ago to create a life saving book for those like yourself in times of great need. That is what I do best; support others at writing a moving and memorable eulogy. If you need tips on How to Write a Memorable Eulogy, then I believe you certainly will find my book useful as so many others have.
A good eulogy will have life, passion, insight, love and encouragement for yourself as the creator as well as for those listening. One tip is writing a eulogy from the heart with a little bit of humor, just enough to relieve some stress without being disrespectful.
A good a eulogy takes only a little time to prepare if you have an experienced coach that anticipates your every needs. This should include the needed quotes, examples and ways to gather eulogy stories.
My second tip on writing a eulogy is clarity. Have a clear direction. There are several styles of eulogies which will work best, and you’ll find those clearly outlined in How to Write a Memorable Eulogy.
My third tip is be sure to rehearse. Rehearsal gives you a feeling of increased confidence. However, don’t worry at bit because I’ll walk you through every step of the journey. With good guidance presenting an inspiring eulogy can be pleasant, easy and inspirational.
As a spiritual teacher and spiritual adviser, I have often counseled my clients on how to deal with writing a eulogy. It occurred to me that if a short and easy to use book was written, I could help many others as well. My information rich book is the easiest resource for you to use in a time of great need. It was crafted with you in mind.
I have placed everything you will need to write a loving, memorable and moving eulogy. It you have me there working beside you, guiding you, then your eulogy will be profoundly easier to write. Eulogies are written during a time of great stress. There is much to be done to make final arrangements for your loved one, friend or colleague. Make it easy on yourself.
My book, How To Write A Memorable Eulogy, is found at EulogyToday.com. It is so easy to use I created it the form of an e-book which means you can immediately download it within minutes after purchase this helpful resource.
I have also included 6 other helpful sections as companion books to How to Write A Memorable Eulogy, found at EulogyToday.com. Here is a list of the six of them, and they are complimentary as well. I wrote them with you and your loved one in mind.
1. Famous Prayers for your Eulogy which give you added comfort, support and a sense of connection to God, the Divine and Angelic presences. Prayer for a eulogy service is one of the most important ways to add comforting words at a time of loss.
2. Famous Eulogies for writing inspiration or to borrow passages from. These make for interesting reading as well.
3. Favorite Biblical Scriptures for your eulogy in the event that you want extra inspiration.
4. How to Write an Obituary which does require a set of guidelines that no one else will tell you about.
5. Ten Ways to Heal and Grieve After Losing a Loved One, which is as important as writing and presenting any eulogy. You need support. This is a time of change, healing and recovery. I wrote this from the depth of my experience in hospice work.
6. Healing Affirmations to Get You through a Challenging Time. Affirmations are short healing phrases you can use to help raise you up emotionally, mentally and spiritually during and after the writing of a eulogy, during funeral planning, after burial service and in the days or weeks that follow. Thoughts are powerful ways to focus your spiritual nature, and they can help with maintaining yourself during this transitional time.
I know that if you are reading this post, that this is a time of transition in your life. I have done what I can to be supportive the best way I know how to as a public speaker, spiritual teacher and friend.
I hope you will pick up a copy today of How To Write A Memorable Eulogy, found at EulogyToday.com, to make your life easier, reduce the stress of writing a eulogy you must be facing and honor your loved one the best way you can. Send them off with a memorable eulogy you will be proud to give. I am here to help you.
My prayers and thoughts are with you. May you feel the healing power of love today, and in the weeks ahead.
With love and compassion,
Christopher Lee May
Author/Speaker/Spiritual Teacher
EulogyToday.com
Meditation Clothing for retreats or daily use.
If you’re seeking Meditation Clothing for Tibetan Buddhist, Indian Hindu Practitioners FourGates.com offers a wide selection of garments for your enjoyment. Meditation clothing is important because it is one more way to get you into the zone mentally, emotionally and physically before practicing during your sacred times.
I always feel joyful when I wrap up in my meditation shawl. Maybe it’s because I’ve been wearing it for 16 years. All of the wonderful moments spent connecting to Source, God, the Divine, the angels, the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are energetically embedded in each fiber of the shawl. Sacred clothing is like a talisman which absorbs the blessings from all of your prayers, meditations, chantings, mantra and visualizations. Meditation garments are akin to your inner spiritual bodies because they shine with the colors that are radiant like the light from within.
At FourGates.com our Meditation clothing is for both lay practitioners as well as ordained monks and nuns. It does not require ordination for you to purchase or wear it. Most meditation centers have this clothing for retreatants who are non-ordained.
The Tibetan Buddhist, lower half-garment or “skirt” is called shamtab which is worn by men and women for meditation retreats, practice periods or during drubchens. Usually, chuba means ‘coat’ and refers to a heavy, outer garment similar to our use of a heavy winter coat(with, or without the sleeves). Sometimes “half chuba” means the meditation skirt as well.
While the monks and nuns meditation shawl is called a “zen” but usually spelled ‘zhen”, so as not to be confused with the Japanese Buddhist Zen word. The zhen shawl is comfortable, versatile and easy to care for. They are popular because everyone needs one no matter what time of year you are meditating or on a retreat.
Regardless what spiritual tradition you practice, i.e., Zen Buddhist, Tibetan Buddhist, Non-denominational inter-faith, Universal Life Church Monasteries, Christian or just a mystic kaleidoscope we offer many meditation garment selections suitable for your needs.
Click on any link to see pictures of the garments.
With love and compassion,
Christopher Lee May
KRISHNA DAS’ ‘SAMSARA TOUR – JUNE 2011
KRISHNA DAS’ ‘SAMSARA BY BUS’ TOUR is about to begin in early JUNE of 2011. If you can attend it will be a wonderful evening of laughter, spiritual stories, bliss, song and kirtan. KD and his band will appear in Phoenix Arizona on June 16th, 2011.
Next month Krishna Dasand his band will embark on his second kirtan bus tour across the country (last year he toured with Deva Premal and Miten). And, it was amazing.
Included on this tour of 16 cities are Krisha Das kirtans in theaters/clubs/churches, a workshop, and two music festivals (Harmony & Wanderlust). They start off in Seattle, go down the west coast, over to the southwest, up through the mid-west and ending in the northeast near Philadelphia. There will be two stops in Arizona, one in Phoenix and one in Tucson. This Samsara by Bus Tour promises to be a wonderful Summer, spiritual thing to do in Phoenix. Don’t miss it.
The Phoenix Arizona performance will take place on Thursday, June 16 at the 7:30pm, with 6:30pm doors opening.
The location is The Marquee, 730 North Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ, 85281
Ticket Prices: $35/$45 in advance
To BUY TICKETS NOW, call (480) 829-1300.
Or, visit them on-line by following the LuckyManOnline Link.
Remarks: Seated General admission in VIP and house sections. Children are welcome and require tickets as adults.
Along with KD’s much-loved CDs and Chants of a Lifetime which came out last year. Get Your advance copy for Krishna Das to sign.
One of the things that makes this tour so wonderful is that you can participate. Krishna Das uses the traditional Kirtans call-and-response format with your participation and some new songs and material never played before! The way it works is Krishna Das sings a phrase, and then the audience responds with the same phrase. It creates a back and forth chant which is rhythmic, energizing and uplifting. You’ll love it.
If you are new to Kirtan or Krishna Das, listen to Pilgrim Heart by clicking here to read more about his life, his Guru Neem Karoli Baba and pick up a copy of the amazing story of his journey on CD.
If you need a meditation shawl, meditation clothing or spiritual practice clothing to wear during the performance or for meditation, visit us at www.FourGates.com.
Mantra and chanting can create a sense of peace, relaxation and connection to your deep heart.
Ram, Ram, Sita Ram…
With love and compassion,
Christopher Lee May
Happy Birthday Wayne Dyer, and huge discount on his work
I am excited to share some very good news with you today. Everyone loves a bargain when purchasing high value spiritual gifts. If you enjoy Wayne Dyer’s work, then you’ll really love this special offer.
My dear friends and colleagues at Hay House Publisher, who produce Wayne Dyer’s books, audios and DVDs, are celebrating Wayne’s special birthday with a gift for YOU!
In celebration of Dr. Wayne Dyer’s birthday, they are extending this one day only discount special to you, your family and friends. There is no special code needed to receive 50% off of Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Products. The discount will happen automatically during check-out.
Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Birthday is Tuesday, May 10th. Join the Celebration with us as we offer 50% off Wayne Dyer Products! One Day Only!
The 50% off discount begins at 12:00 am (midnight) Pacific Time on Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 and ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Time. Use the text link below to benefit from this limited time offer. Select from any of Dr. Wayne Dyer’s product links by clicking below.
Follow this text link right now, because it expires at mid-night tonight!
Happy Birthday Dr. Wayne Dyer! Save 50% on Dr. Wayne Dyer Products May 10th Only!
I know you’ll enjoy the work of Wayne Dyer because the positive messages written about are so uplifting, healing and life changing. May the benefits of his many good messages enrich your life today and always.
Christopher Lee May
Back Jack Meditation Chair, Perfect for Protecting Your Back
Many people complain about back strain when sitting for long periods in meditation or yoga classes. Well, I am happy to report that there is a low cost and easy to use solution. It is called the Back Jacks chair. The Back Jacks are definitely the perfect seating solution for the aging or sore back problem. Since it is light weight you can tote it in the car with great ease as well. This light weight portable chair is the perfect solution for sitting on the floor in group training sessions, such as a meditation classes, yoga classes and the like. Be sure to get one for your partner too because they’ll thank for thinking of them.
As noted above the Back Jack is suitable for meditation seating, yoga classes, retreat centers, schools, church groups, associations or wherever low cost seating solutions are required. They last a long time when cared for properly. And, you can tote them to and from classes because Back Jacks are are the proverbial all purpose “go anywhere” chair.
Back Jack chairs are also suitable for:
Floor seating for Birthing classes,
Lamaze training chair seats,
Group Retreat seating,
Portable Meditation chair,
Yoga class chair,
Portable home chair for family and kids,
TV watching seating solution,
School classroom story time seating,
As a camping chair, and
Lounging around for kids.
Back Jacks are constructed out of a strong, tubular inner steal frame with a heavy cotton duck outer cover this will last for years if cared for properly. The seat is heavily padded for comfort. Some birthing class participants use a pillow at the back rest for additional comfort while in your pre-natal classes.
The Back Jack is stackable when not in use, while the folding version the floor chair is spring loaded with a strap to keep it closed allowing you to fold it down easily when not in use.
When you receive the Back Jack chair note that some assembly is required. It takes about 8-10 minutes to put together since there are only 4 pieces plus the cover.
They come in the convenient selections:
1. Original Back Jack or the stackable version. This floor seating chair does not fold, and thus works best for leaving at home or the center where it is being used. You can toss it in the car if you’d like, many people tell me that works well.
2. The Extra Large Back Jack chair is the best size for your birthing class because it offers a roomier back rest and seat than the original size. This is also a non-folding chair.
The XL Back Jack rest measures: 16″ wide x 23″ tall. If you have a larger frame body, then try the preferred the X-Large back jack model mentioned here is what you’ll need.
3. The Folding Back Jack are best for those who wish to travel with their chairs a great deal. They are the same dimensions as the original floor seating chair.
If you looking for spinal support to reduce lower back pain when sitting, this sitting solution is perfect for you. The Back Jack looks and acts like a beach chair but with greater padding, strength and durability in the steel frame design. Important tip: do not sit on them with wet clothing or get them wet.
Click on any link that reads Back Jack to see pictures and select the best color and shipping method for yourself, your birthing class group or other floor seating solution.
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