More Stuff:
A mantra in Sanskrit basically refers to a word or phrase that one repeats over and over either internally or externally. The one seen to your left is one of the most practiced mantras in Tibetan Buddhism, Om Mani Padme Hung (image courtsesy of www.dharma-haven.org). It's kind-of like a prayer, but has a lot more to it and depends on the way it is used and practiced. I find mantras relevant as a musician because when mantras are spoken one has to make a sound or sounds to in order to produce the mantra and we all know that sounds are also physical vibrations. So sound is important here, but I also bring it up because of it's relevance in everyday life. To be clear, I am not pushing any religious agenda. I am, however, getting a little philisophical. What I am doing here is comparing how mantras are used and their relative effect on people.
In it's native context a mantra is considered by some a means in itself to enlightenment, and by others a tool on the path to enlightenment. It is usually some kind of teaching that has been passed down through time, sometimes considered to be the its essence. So these types of mantras have a very positive effect on people, inspiring us to stay on the path and to help us deal with ourselves.
So, honestly, how many times have you heard someone say "...same shit, different day...", or "...well, that's just the way it is...", or the ever popular "...it's human nature...". Believe it or not, these are mantras—as well as excuses—and there's a million more where those came from. Remember, a word or phrase that one repeats over and over. It has a distinct sound or tone of voice in which it is spoken that seems to remain consistent from person to person. To me, these are negative mantras. Instead of inspiring us and help us to cope, they have the opposite effect by breaking us down and reinforcing negative thoughts and behavior. But because a mantra is something that has a gradual effect over time, it can be very difficult to realize that one is literally trapped in a mantra or mantras.
So I present you with a little challenge: over the next month try and catch yourself in a negative mantra. Don't obsess over it, but be honest with yourself and give it a good try. If you catch yourself take a minute to try and see where it came from, what motivated it, and why you keep saying it. What you do from there is up to you, but I urge you replace it with a positive mantra of your choosing and to think about it in relation to our world today and how we can make it better.