Comments on: Om shanti shanti shanti

By: Bodhipaksa

Bodhipaksa — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 02:15:00 +0000

Hi, Aj. It sounds like you've already started, at least with the searching. Please don't undervalue having got to that point. As far as practice goes, you can't do better than starting with the Mindfulness of Breathing practice, followed closely by Lovingkindness practice. The two are complimentary meditations. If what you're interested in is the starting point of regarding yourself as a Buddhist, traditionally this is known as Going for Refuge to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). This is something that you can do for and by yourself, simply by reciting the words "To the Buddha for Refuge I Go, To the Dharma for Refuge I Go, To the Sangha for Refuge I Go." Actually, this is more of a verbal acknowledgement to yourself, since Going for Refuge fundamentally is an act of the heart, rather than an act of speech. It can be more meaningful to do this in the presence of others, since there's something powerful about having our Going for Refuge witnessed by others. And that brings me to another thing, which is that becoming a member of a practice community is an important and significant step. Of course this means being able to find a Sangha that you're relatively comfortable practicing with. Depending on where you live, that can be tricky. There aren't always that many options...

By: Aj

Aj — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:18:56 +0000

I’m becoming interested in Buddhism and have been reading up on it from time to time for several years. The only thing I have not found is where if any is the starting point. I’ve learned about many practices, but I have not known which to start with to start this journey. Any help would be appreciated.

By: Angeline

Angeline — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 12:20:50 +0000

hi…thank you for the explanation… I was just browsing to find the meaning of Shanti.
I’m Catholic,..and I’m chanting ‘Om Shanti’ before/after I meditate.
I do yoga while saying the prayer ‘Our Lord’ in my heart.
When we know the meaning…It’s universal.
Religion is a foundation, but I can add with whatever that makes me feel closer to God and make me a better person. I’m sure Jesus don’t mind :) So does Buddha.

Namaste. Peace be with us.

By: renob

renob — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:37:24 +0000

I hope we all find shanti

By: Lih Jiuan

Lih Jiuan — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 06:00:11 +0000

I “heard” (because I am not sure if I am really hearing) the word “Shanti….. Shanti” in my ear while I was travelling home. A lady was whispering it. I felt that energy, it was so strong even though that lady was whispering. I have no idea what it means.
Now I understand.

By: Solrak

Solrak — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 23:34:29 +0000

I felt very peaceful listening to the chant. nice site!

By: Marie

Marie — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:01:56 +0000

thanks .. that sounds awesome hope to read it soon :)

By: Bodhipaksa

Bodhipaksa — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:17:49 +0000

Thanks! It looks beautiful. We’re actually going to be having a piece in our blog soon (I hope) about Buddhist tattoos.

By: Marie

Marie — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:15:10 +0000

http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii139/love_me_caitlinmarie/IMG_0465.jpg http://i263.photobucket.com/albums/ii139/love_me_caitlinmarie/IMG_0468.jpg

sorry not the best photos but the meaning is still there

By: Bodhipaksa

Bodhipaksa — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:19:46 +0000

I can’t imagine anyone taking offense at that. It would be rather ironic if they did.

Do you have a photograph online anywhere?