I remember when my brother came home from boarding school with his mantra: “INGA” My hip Aunt also practiced. Her mantra was “KARIM.” The concept was quite ahead of its time in this age of NEW. The class was TM, or Transcental Meditation, founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the yogi made famous by the Indian pilgrimage of The Beatles. For those of us who remember, The Beatles quickly transformed, with these long stays in India and colorful clothes. The practice “stuck” with George, as he meditated through life on his spiritual path. . This concept was new to the west and quite questionable, as it seemed to reflect the drug culture of the time. I wanted a mantra. What exactly is a mantra? It is defined in Wikipedia; it is a “sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of creating spiritual transformation.” A mantra is supposed to help a person focus their mind with its repetition, eliminating attachment, hatred, jealousy, desire, greed, and ignorance. I haven’t heard too much about TM is the past few years, although with a little research, I have learned that there is a Transcendental Meditation Program right here is Santa Cruz, at 171 Seabright Avenue. www.tm.org
.What’s your mantra?
