Traditionally, japa mala is the practice of reciting a mantra (word or sound repeated to aid in meditation) with prayer beads. This can be done silently or out loud. Mala usually have 108 beads, so the mantra or prayer is recited 108 times. The symbolism of the number 108 in the Buddhist and Yogic traditions is complex and deep. Today, I spoke about the Sun and the Moon, both of which are an average distance away from the Earth that equals 108 times their respective diameters.
This seems especially meaningful to me as I practice and teach Hatha Yoga. Hatha means "sun and moon", and one goal of our practice is to balance the sun and moon energy within our bodies, as well as to be in harmony with the heavens. Balance and harmony…these are goals anyone can get behind.
Today, we chanted Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu. This translates to "may all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may my life contribute to that goal". What better way to begin a new year than to raise the vibration of the entire world? All of the positive things that we desire for the new year - health, love, happiness, prosperity…all of these things can come to us if we become them.
I have found that the easiest way to become more positive is to serve others. Service shifts us away from the ego. It distracts us from our internal dialogue, that running commentary that so easily ensnares us in routine and old habits. Giving also allows us to receive more readily. It is by giving to others that we learn to let go and trust that we will be provided with all that we need.
But service has a final benefit that may trump all others - making others happy. Did you know that making other people happy can make you happier? And healthier? Yes, it's a thing. The intention and energy that goes into an invocational chant such as this one has its own power. It is a form of service.
As a group, we chanted this mantra the full 108 times. It was a thing of beauty, this group chant. Steady and strong, our voices filled the room. Afterwards, we took a few minutes of silent meditation. My head felt clear and utterly empty. It was filled with the buzzing of bees, a sensation of fullness and emptiness at the same time. The thoughts that generally fill my consciousness were absent. I experienced a state of bliss that is very difficult to put into words, but that I saw on the faces of the other participants.
Lastly, we practiced some restorative Yoga. I guided the participants through a meditation in which we released things we no longer need, envisioned our desires for 2015 and then soaked in a good long gratitude bath. It was powerful. We all emerged energized and relaxed. The tulips I'd put in water bloomed beautifully. I say they bloomed more than they should have in two hours. The combined power of determined yogis and yoginis is mighty!
This year, I choose to make my actions contribute to the happiness and freedom of all beings. Join me, maybe?
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