Monks and wise teachers from the times of yore knew of the power and resonance of language in formulating the first mantras and healing prayers.
Recent psychological reasearch has confirmed that there is a direct link between the use of language and health. Thus there seems to be a correlation between cardiovascular disease and the use of negative language found on Twitter accounts in the northwestern United States.
Language patterns reflecting negative social relationships, disengagement, and negative emotions—especially anger—emerged as risk factors. On the other hand positive emotions and psychological engagement emerged as protective factors.
It’s sad to observe a growing lack of mindfulness in the use of language, especially on social media sites. I have taken to blocking those people on facebook who have a habit of constantly posting “negativity”. Hate speech, gossip and xenophobia seem the norm. Extremist politicians, following their own agenda, are feeding into this shadow side of human nature, especially in countries where the issues of migrants, religious tolerance and wealth distribution are being debated with strong emotion.
Why not focus on those postings, information and images that serve the common good, that create a positive wave and healing enerty. This too is part of our reality.
In this context I find the words of the Kalu Rinpoche (excerpt from the Dharma) particularly poignant:
“Mere words, which have no ultimate reality, can determine our happiness and suffering. We create pleasure and pain through our fundamental clinging to sound and speech.”
Ancient languages such as Sanskrit, Latin and Aramaic, the lingua franca in the Middle East during the time of Jesus, are particularly powerful. Mantras and healing prayers in these languages are known to create a strong healing vibration in the body.
In the ancient Chinese body arts of Qi Gong we have the healing sounds for each cycle of the Five Elements:
- Tzue for the element wood (liver)
- Haaa for the element fire (heart)
- Huuu for the element earth (spleen and stomach)
- Zzzzz for the elemnt metal (lungs)
- Chuwayy for the element water (kidneys, lower back and bladder)
- Seeee for harmonizing the central meridian
On the mindset level, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum, has a particularly strong cleansing effect:
Om – representing the divine universal energy
Mani – the pure jewel of compassion and love
Padme – the lotus symbolizing wisdom
Hung or Hum – establishing wisdom and removing attachment to hatred.
Reino Gevers – coach, trainer, author
www.reinogevers.com
