Welcome 2021! This has most certainly been a year of change and adapting over and over again. I am not sure how different things will be in 2021, but in the meantime, I have continued to be inspired by many who have gracefully navigated 2020. 

One inspiration came through Natasha Scott, our SOYA teacher trainer in Penticton. A group of her students wanted to do a stack of mantras based on LOVE so Natasha reached out to me for ideas. We came up with this lovely stack of mantras and I thought some of you may also enjoy them. What I like about this stack of mantras is by rooting ourselves daily in Love, then every action potentially comes from a foundation of Love. In tough times it is easy to fall into frustration and anger and fear, so these mantras start my day in a beautiful way. 

The process is to repeat each mantra 108 times every day for 40 days. Say the first mantra 108 times. Then turn your mala beads around so you pull the beads in the opposite direction for the next mantra. And so on, until each mantra has been said 108 times. You can say them quickly, outloud, silently, etc. Take note… if you miss a day of saying the mantras, you are expected to start the 40 days over again. The 40 days is the minimum time for the mantras to have an impact. 

Here is the stack of mantras we have been continuously saying (if the stack is too many for you, feel free to just select one mantra):

Yaṃ (pronounce the “m” like the “ng” in “young” with a nasal ng sound.) This the bija mantra for the heart chakra – a great place to become open to giving and receiving Love.

Om Parama Prema Rupaya Namaha. Salutations to the Supreme Divine Love, appearing in a form you recognize. So for me, I visualize Vishnu as I say this mantra. You may choose a different god or goddess, or Jesus, or Buddha, your child, your parent… how do you recognize divine love?

Om Sumukhaya Namaha.  This mantra is to bring forth love which springs from peace and has it shine through your eyes and face (especially wearing masks we want the light to shine from our eyes.) Your voice will also exude this peace. 

Om Shreem Maha Lakshmiyea Namaha. We added a mantra to Lakshmi as she is the abundant provider, providing with enough love to share with all who need it.

 Aham Prema means “I am Divine Love.” 

May this stack of mantras guide you into the new year, opening your heart to receive love, to give love, and to allow your daily activities to spring forth from a place of love.

We close with a quote from the Katha Upanishad (commentary from Eknath Easwaran).

May the Lord of Love protect us.
May the Lord of Love nourish us,
May the Lord of Love strengthen us.
May we realize the Lord of Love.
May we live with love for all;
May we live in peace with all.

Love Mugs and Bob