Posted by
Diane C.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be free from affliction
May all see auspiciousness everywhere
May none be sorrowful
May the spring of happiness prevail
May peace continue to prevail in the world
O Lord, let us remain without desire and be selfless
May we progress towards you
May all be happy in the world
May everybody see the Lord in everyone
May the flame of love burn in our minds
May everyone ever live in harmony
Let us worship together,
Let us desire the same goal
Let us chant together:
Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
With today being Memorial Day, it seems like happiness and freedom would be an appropriate topic. So here goes...
The chant Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu was one of the first mantras that I ever chanted. The teacher shared the meaning of the chant with us, yet I still don't think I quite understood it in a big picture way. After that class, I found myself chanting the mantra quite often in my life and seemingly at odd times. The sentiment hits me in a deep way. It has taken me quite some time to realize the value in giving to others in order to receive. This lovely mantra reminds me.
There have been times that I've struggled with being disappointed or hurt by others. During those times, this mantra makes its way into my head, reminding me of the importance of sending these people meta or lovingkindness. Sounds simple, right? Simple but certainly not easy. Still after I send this wish for happiness and freedom to someone that challenges me something loosens inside of me. Like the Grinch, perhaps my heart grows just a little bit bigger.
Because this chant holds such a special meaning for me, I fell instantly in love with California Jewelry designer Nina Dillof's lovely OmBird pendant.
The inspiration for this pendant was Nina's sister Sofi (a Jivamukti yogi whose wonderful Web site Bow Down Yoga can be found here. If you find yourself in Vermont, be sure to take a class with Sofi), asked her to make her something with the chant on it.
Nina, an art school graduate (RISD), has been making jewelry for about 12 years. Despite her background, she learned how to make jewelry the old-fashioned apprentice way -- she learned from a good friend of hers.
Not only do I find Nina's OmBird pendant to be lovely and inspirational, but I also find her to possess those two qualities as well. I found her words about the sentiment of this piece to be quite moving:
"It is amazing how much I think about 'may all be happy may all be free,' and what that means to me. I am unable to do Yoga as I suffer from extreme chronic lower back pain that I have had for 10 years. I am always in pain in various parts of my body. My journey has been one of trying to heal physically.
What I realized about the message of being free is that we all suffer in one way or another, whether it is physical or emotional, big or small. Any living creature on this planet has experienced suffering.
For me, to be free means finding my own personal way to be happy and accepting of what life has given me, both the hard and the blessed. I believe happiness means being at peace with what is, free from the negative and the fearful mind.
There are much bigger meanings for me when I think of the world and I try and help other living creatures, big and small, whenever I can."
Her words captured the essence of my thoughts about the mantra that I've been chanting in my head all of these years. When I get all caught up in my ego, I remind myself that we are all the same. We all want the same things and we all suffer the same pain -- regardless of background, economic status, etc. Often I touch the OmBird pendant around my neck to remind me of this very real truth.
If you'd like to purchase one of these lovely pendants, you can contact Nina via email (ninatd@yahoo.com) or phone (510-847-2336). The pendant, which is made of sterling silver and 22K gold and includes a chain and a velvet pouch, costs $185.
Be warned though -- choosing a stone is difficult, as there are a lot of choices. Choose from any of the stones shown in the picture to the left:
orange- carnelian
light blue- blue opal
other blue-
blue topaz red/purple-rhodolite
green- peridot
Other stones available by request include amethyst, pink tourmaline, and garnet.
If you'd like to hear the chant I included at the beginning of the post sung by Amma, click here for a live recording.
And today and every day may you be happy, may you be free.
Namaste!
Posted by Diane C.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be free from affliction
May all see auspiciousness everywhere
May none be sorrowful
May the spring of happiness prevail
May peace continue to prevail in the world
O Lord, let us remain without desire and be selfless
May we progress towards you
May all be happy in the world
May everybody see the Lord in everyone
May the flame of love burn in our minds
May everyone ever live in harmony
Let us worship together,
Let us desire the same goal
Let us chant together:
Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu
With today being Memorial Day, it seems like happiness and freedom would be an appropriate topic. So here goes...
The chant Lokah Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu was one of the first mantras that I ever chanted. The teacher shared the meaning of the chant with us, yet I still don't think I quite understood it in a big picture way. After that class, I found myself chanting the mantra quite often in my life and seemingly at odd times. The sentiment hits me in a deep way. It has taken me quite some time to realize the value in giving to others in order to receive. This lovely mantra reminds me.
There have been times that I've struggled with being disappointed or hurt by others. During those times, this mantra makes its way into my head, reminding me of the importance of sending these people meta or lovingkindness. Sounds simple, right? Simple but certainly not easy. Still after I send this wish for happiness and freedom to someone that challenges me something loosens inside of me. Like the Grinch, perhaps my heart grows just a little bit bigger.
The inspiration for this pendant was Nina's sister Sofi (a Jivamukti yogi whose wonderful Web site Bow Down Yoga can be found here. If you find yourself in Vermont, be sure to take a class with Sofi), asked her to make her something with the chant on it.
Nina, an art school graduate (RISD), has been making jewelry for about 12 years. Despite her background, she learned how to make jewelry the old-fashioned apprentice way -- she learned from a good friend of hers.
Not only do I find Nina's OmBird pendant to be lovely and inspirational, but I also find her to possess those two qualities as well. I found her words about the sentiment of this piece to be quite moving:
"It is amazing how much I think about 'may all be happy may all be free,' and what that means to me. I am unable to do Yoga as I suffer from extreme chronic lower back pain that I have had for 10 years. I am always in pain in various parts of my body. My journey has been one of trying to heal physically.
What I realized about the message of being free is that we all suffer in one way or another, whether it is physical or emotional, big or small. Any living creature on this planet has experienced suffering.
For me, to be free means finding my own personal way to be happy and accepting of what life has given me, both the hard and the blessed. I believe happiness means being at peace with what is, free from the negative and the fearful mind.
There are much bigger meanings for me when I think of the world and I try and help other living creatures, big and small, whenever I can."
If you'd like to purchase one of these lovely pendants, you can contact Nina via email (ninatd@yahoo.com) or phone (510-847-2336). The pendant, which is made of sterling silver and 22K gold and includes a chain and a velvet pouch, costs $185.
Be warned though -- choosing a stone is difficult, as there are a lot of choices. Choose from any of the stones shown in the picture to the left:
light blue- blue opal
other blue- blue topaz
red/purple-rhodolite
green- peridot
Other stones available by request include amethyst, pink tourmaline, and garnet.
If you'd like to hear the chant I included at the beginning of the post sung by Amma, click here for a live recording.
And today and every day may you be happy, may you be free.
Namaste!