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JSairam
USA
8 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 05 2016 : 5:25:13 PM
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I'm relatively new to AYP (have been meditating and more recently practicing spinal breathing for about 6 weeks) and am at lesson 55. With this practice, I began using the mantra 'Sohum' because (1) it was introduced to me many years ago by a beloved spiritual teacher and I didn't want to have too many mantras, (2) I assumed the vibrational quality was similar, (3) the meaning - although I understand this is not significant - is similar.
I just came across this wonderful forum and see that there will be future enhancements to my mantra in upcoming lessons. Also learned some other students were specifically instructed to use 'I am' rather than a previous mantra. Most importantly, my meditations are not very deep, and my mind is busy and chattering. I'm having trouble separating the mantra from my breath, since it was previously taught in conjunction with the breath. Not sure how much of the monkey mind is normal at this early stage in the practice or if I should/could be experiencing more depth and stillness at this point.
I'm hesitant to change mantras at this time but am wondering if now is better than later if this is inevitable or preferable in any way. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. |
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jusmail
India
491 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2016 : 9:35:48 PM
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| Not sure if Sohum has enhancements later on. Switching to I am would be better sooner rather than later in that case. |
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Blanche
USA
873 Posts |
Posted - Jul 10 2016 : 10:23:31 PM
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Hello, JSairam! It is great that you are doing SB and meditation. If you use a different mantra, the results will be different - and the AYP system cannot predict the results. Ultimately, you have to decide what is best for you. The lesson 58 "Step by Step" and 59 "Some Mantras Particulars" deal with some of your questions.
There are people here, in forum, who mentioned the use of other mantras .I could only talk about myself: I had a different mantra for 19 years. My first mantra was potent, but I got to a point where I did not know how to go on. When a friend brought me to AYP, I took up the mantra I AM - and the AYP roadmap. It does help to have landmarks on the spiritual road. I AM was the mantra given by Ramana Maharshi, and other spiritual gurus. It works - this is only my experience. You are in charge of your practice.The guru is in you.
Whatever you do, best wishes on your chosen path!   |
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JSairam
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - Jul 14 2016 : 7:31:35 PM
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| Thank you Blanche. I appreciate your input and insight. Blessings to you. |
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BlueRaincoat
United Kingdom
1734 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2016 : 04:11:28 AM
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Hi JSairam
In my experience "I am" and "Sohum" are very different mantras - different vibrations, different effects.
All the best on your path! |
Edited by - BlueRaincoat on Jul 15 2016 04:47:32 AM |
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richbrahman
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2016 : 2:22:53 PM
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| My experience of so ham or I am is poor, because the word I is associated (with majority of mortals) with Jiva, or Ego, personal soul; the more you pronounce or appeal to it, or apply it through senses, thinking, analyzing etc.Much better is to get rid of all thoughts, ideas,senses and be silent, then I loose feeling of I and mine; this is actually, Raja-yoga or as it is called in Buddhism,-Shuniyata, the Void. |
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AYPforum
351 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2016 : 3:25:04 PM
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| Moderator note: Topic moved for better placement |
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JSairam
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2016 : 5:56:28 PM
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| Thank you BlueRaincoat - can you give more information about the different vibrations and your experience with these mantras? |
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BlueRaincoat
United Kingdom
1734 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2016 : 1:16:23 PM
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To me, 'I AM' works along the highway i.e. sushumna all the way up to the brow. So Hum seems to work more between the root and the 5th chakra and it stir up a great number of afferent nadis along the way.
Please bear in mind this is only my own experience and it can well be coloured by the obstructions in my system. Also I haven't tried So Hum for a few years. When I did try it, I found it overloaded me very easily so I abandoned it pretty quickly. |
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JSairam
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - Jul 18 2016 : 9:48:03 PM
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| Thank you - I appreciate your insights. |
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'I am' vs. 'Sohum'
