Remembering the mantra

[Guest guest]

Namaste family,

 

I have been enjoying all the posts about increasing mantra awareness in our

life. The mantras I say during the day have already been mentioned, but I also

say the Gayatri mantra when I am driving and see an accident on the road. In

fact, when in doubt about which mantra to say, my 'fallback' mantra is the

Gayatri, or Om Namah Shivaya.

 

I thought I would share some thoughts about how I am planning to REMEMBER this

task.

 

First, I will put up some post-its around my house as a visual reminder. For

example, I will put a note on my computer with the word " Hrim " on it, and I will

write the words " Bless the food " on the top of my grocery list so I continually

see it while in the store.

 

Second, when I am sitting around (ie, passenger in a car, etc), or find myself

doodling on a piece of paper, I will practice Likhit japa. (writing the mantra).

I find this very relaxing and very powerful. Sometimes I write the mantra in

English and sometimes I practice writing it in Sanskrit (if it is short!).

 

Third, compose tunes for the mantras. This not only helps me memorize long

mantras, but singing is fun and does stick in the mind better. I'm sure you

have all experienced what it is like to have a song " stuck in your head. " So

now, the song stuck in my head is a mantra! I have already done this with the

Gayatri mantra and it is amazing how often the tune pops into my head, and then

immediately, the mantra comes forth.

 

Fourth, when I am home and near my computer or stereo speakers, I play the

recordings of the mantras that are on the Devi Mandir website. Just having them

on in the background while I am in my home helps me to bring my mind back to the

mantra. While my mind wanders off to the task at hand, I come back to the mantra

quicker and easier when it is playing over a speaker.

 

I would love to hear the different ways you are remembering mantras. The group

effort, along with Shree Maa and Swamiji's blessings, will certainly enable us

to succeed.

 

Jai Maa!!

 

 

ambika