Trunk Posted Saturday at 08:51 PM Happy new year! A few weeks ago I posted this mani essay - then got an itch to rewrite a poorly written paragraph. I'm afraid I'm going senile because, turns out, there was a ton o' rewrite to do - and I feel better that I've hacked through that. Now, posting this mani mantra ~ secret style essay to the community to kick the tires, testing for bullet-proof: #1 does it communicate clearly? I'm trying to make the concepts commonly accessible (not just to us esoteric nerds) #2 other editorial comments https://johndaoproductions.wordpress.com/2025/12/15/mani-mantra-secret-style-a-primer/ cheers, Trunk 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vajra Fist Posted Tuesday at 10:37 AM (edited) Interesting practice, it reminds me a little of the complex visualisation accompanying the mantra, described in the John Blofeld book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bodhisattva-Compassion-Mystical-Tradition-Shambhala/dp/1590307356 I'm always fascinated by the practices that emerge around the six word mantra. It seems one of the most powerful, transformative prayers available to layperson. My own practice with this mantra is slightly less esoteric. I do a modified version of a visualisation from a book called 'Wheel of Great Compassion' by Lorne Ladner. I use a prayer wheel alongside the recitation, and I visualise the light from the wheel healing and blessing beings of each of the six realms in turn. For me, the mani is a vehicle for awakening bodhicitta. It uplifts my mind, and ensures that my main meditation practice is on the right path. But more than that, I believe it actually has an effect in benefitting beings in samsara. Edited Tuesday at 10:37 AM by Vajra Fist 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Trunk Posted Tuesday at 12:15 PM @Vajra Fist, Thanks for the reading references. “.. transformative prayers available to the layperson.” yup! ”.. vehicle for awakening bodhicitta .. benefitting beings .. “ The mani mantra is a really kind balanced mantra .. reflective of GuanYin’s role, effects, cultural place. A lot could be said about how broad the appeal of GuanYin is, across regions, traditions, genders .. and the deity yoga process - the simplest form, just offerings and an altar .. tempting to sketch out the simplest. I’m just rambling now. - Trunk 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
