Memories .... Om Mane Padme Hum

Today some memories of our visit to McLeod Ganj  - Dharamsala - North India (2008) popped up.
The nickname of the place is "Little Lhasa"
I guess because I was feeling a bit down today, and the holiday spent there was one of the best one ever.... it's so worthwhile to remember that time and share. I wish I could have beamed myself there today.

 The mantra OM MANE PADME HUM cannot be translated into a simple phrase or a few sentences. Here's an explanation, an extract by His Holiness the Dalai Lama:

"It is very good to recite the mantra Om mani padme hum, but while you are doing it, you should be thinking on its meaning, for the meaning of the six syllables is great and vast.  ... The first OM .... symbolizes the practitioner's impure body, speech and mind; it also symbolizes the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha. ...

The path is indicated by the next four syllables, MANI, meaning jewel, symbolizes the ... altruistic intention to become enlightened, compassionate and loving. ...

The two syllables PADME, meaning lotus, symbolizes wisdom. ...

Purity must be achieved by an invisible unity of method and wisdom, symbolized by the final syllable HUM, which indicates indivisibility. ...
Thus, the six syllables, om mani padme hum, mean that in dependence on the practice of a path, which is an indivisible method and wisdom, you can transform you impure body, speech and mind into the pure exalted body, speech and mind of a Buddha. ..."

We didn't meet the Dalai Lama in McLeod Ganj but at the end of the year in our community in South India. We stayed a bit more than two weeks in McLeod Ganj and enjoyed it thoroughly. The visit to the temple, the walk around the compound, stroll through the village, the visits at the various cafes and restaurant, the yummy Tibetan thanduks and momos.

I deeply cherish this memory and the marvelous, peaceful time with myself, with family and friends.