seventh world of chan buddhism - Zen Buddhist Order of Hsu Yun

laugh, thinking about what would happen if they were in Japanese Zendos, is almost
overwhelming. But once this desire is conquered, it is possible to meditate even on snoring.
Also, you can perform this meditation wherever and whenever it's convenient.
SOUND HAVENS
This is a particularly effective meditation for people who are frequently exposed to
stressful situations. Dentists long ago discovered that a patient who listens to white noise (a
soft, continuous monotone) can raise his pain threshold considerably. White noise is
extremely calming. Rain beating on a window pane or roof, the bath-shower beating on a
shower curtain, ocean waves, falling water, and so on are all good examples of white sound.
A Large spiral shell held close to the ear produces a wonderful white sound. (Actually,
people who have difficulty getting to sleep can keep one of these shells at their bedside and
just reach for it whenever they need to relax.) What is important about this meditation is that
once you get familiar with the sound, you can recall it whenever you are under stress. All
that is needed is the poise or the discipline to take a moment to withdraw into yourself and
recreate the sound in your mind.
MANTRAS
Mantras are words or phrases said rhythmically, aloud or silently, quickly or slowly,
but always with undivided attention.
The oldest and perhaps best mantra is `Om.' The `m' is held a long time. The trick is
to close the lips lightly and to let the `mmmmmmmm' vibrate the lips for as long as possible.
(Sometimes the vibrations become so intense that people with capped front teeth get worried
about loosening the cement.) One test of whether you are doing this correctly is that your cat
will come to you, lie down and purr. `Mu' is a variant of this mantra.
A repeated word or phrase can seduce the mind into a meditative state. Many people
can even repeat their own name, over and over again, until the name becomes strangely
devoid of meaning. At that point they slip into the meditative state.
I have found a particularly potent mantra to be Om, Namah Shivai. This is repeated
Om (3 beats) Na (l beat) mah (3 beats) Shi (l beat) vai (3 beats) all on the same note. When I
first learned it I understood that it meant, Om, I am Shiva! Recently I learned that it meant,
Om, Salutations to Shiva! (Of course, the Shiva that is being saluted is the Shiva within each
person.) I discovered how extraordinary this mantra is while once waiting for surgery. Due to
the hospital's policy of minimizing drug intake, pre-operative patients were not prepped with
the usual tranquilizers and such. Therefore, coldly wide awake and shivering in the ante
room, (morgues are kept warmer than surgeries) I waited apprehensively. It occurred to me
to recite this mantra mentally. In one weak, small voice, I began. After several repetitions,
the voice grew stronger and then another voice joined it in a bold duet. Soon I heard it
sounding like the harmonious chords of a small church choir. Then the mantra swelled in
CHAPTER 19 RIGHT MEDITATION
S EVENTH W ORLD O F C HAN B UDDHISM
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