In the restorative training I took, Judith Lasater pointed out how when we're thirsty, we never deny ourselves water, like it's a show of moral weakness to take that drink. If we're thirsty, we drink, no questions asked. So why do we do that to ourselves when we need rest?

So very true. But still a valuable "something" that needs to be "done".

Actually, the analogy with water, as much as it isn't quite exact, is something I go back to often now, when I find myself resisting the urge to rest when I need it. For me, it reminds me that not doing is something of value, as opposed to slacking off.

Another thing I took with me from that training was the practice of taking one thing a day off my to-do list on a regular basis when I find I'm starting to judge my self-worth based on how many chores and tasks I accomplished that day. Things that I used to consider "essential" (like feeling obligated to wear makeup just to go to the grocery store) that really would interfere with my sense of peace during my day. Small things, really, that in the end really are huge.

Knowing what the things are that disturb your sense of peace is the first step, I believe. Finding things that restore that sense of peace for you is next. Third would be to actually put all that into practice on a daily basis (the hardest one, imo). But I believe that is exactly what BipinJoshi already said.

mishoga - 2007-06-13 10:33 AM I'm going to pick up my son. Please ...............everyone stop for one moment, a full minute and send healing energy to my son Maverick. I will be forever grateful.

"Ra Ma Da Sa, Sa Say So Hung"

It's a healing mantra.

I just went running to it, playing on my iPod, over 30 minutes long. It's still playing now, in fact. Mish, know that it's out there, for you, your son, and everyone else who needs healing (all of us).

I just want to say that, Traditionally, these mantras are given by way of oral transmission, by way of initiation and/or the guru whispers in the student's ear.  This is a real important aspect regarding the recitation of mantras.  In Tibetan Buddhism, in order to recite and pratice the Heruka Vajrasattva purifying meditation, you need teachings and a clear understanding about this powerful practice.  There are many vows associated with it.  Without purifying your mind to prepare it for spiritual realizations, you will make little progress towards enlightenment.  Actions of the body, speech, and mind leaves imprints upon the consciousness, like seeds planted in a field.  When the conditions are right, these imprints ripen into experiences.  Positive imprints, or good karma, bring the result of happiness.  Negative imprints, or bad karma, bring suffering. 

There are imprints...there is no doubt about that.  Everything thing you do has an imprint.  To say that you don't have an imprint, then perhaps you are already enlightened, hmm?

This is true....it is also why there is such a thing called "American Yoga".  We've had real long debated discussions about this here on the forum.

The Tara mantra you referenced is actually the Mantra of the Green Tara.  She is the Diety of protection and wealth and is the main diety that the Tibetans in present day Tibet worship.  In Nepal and Hindu culture, she is Durga.

Again, please see my statements above regarding mantras.  It's not about lama's intervening...in Hindu culture, mantras are given to children by their parents and the family guru and/or priest.  It's the tradition that has to be given to you and passed on in the way of oral transmission.

Thanks NB for that clarification. I didn't have time or the patience to try and expain all this.  Besides, you do such a better job than I, always,  

Kaos, there is no such thing as un-enlightenment...either you are or you are not.  I'm not sure how that relates to anything I've posted regarding this thread.  

Take care,