154
focus on a simpler one. Highly advanced practice consists of
mentally holding the image of a very large object in a tiny space.
Many Tibetan practitioners can visualize a large Mandala within
a small pea. Therefore, visualization can stimulate vivid hidden
potentials of the mind and can lead to a higher state of Samadhi.
- Mantram Yoga (chanting of mantra or Magic Formula)
The practice of visualization uses the mind's eyes in
meditation. Mantr a m y o ga uses the mind's ears. Either sound or
sight could lead to Samadhi. The chanting of a prayer or
mantram, calling upon a Buddha's name or the chanting of a
single sacred word as “Om” or “Ah” is widely practiced in the
East. Although Buddhism does not emphasize the importance of
sound as much as Hinduism, the Yoga of sound has always been
one of the pillars of meditation in Buddhism. It was widely
practiced by monks and lay worshippers at all levels. I t s
popularity is due to these three reasons: It is easy and safe, it is
based on faith, and it satisfies the need of religion for the masses.
- Physical Yoga
Generally speaking, the most direct method among others
to achieve Samadhi is the meditation on stillness. However it is
not the only method. There are certain kinds of exercises that can
also lead to Samadhi, such as the famous Tai Chi Chuan from
China, invented by Zhang San Feng, a great master in the Ming
dynasty. It is a wonderful practice and can be compared to the
uniqueness of Shao Lin Kung Fu of Secret Buddhism. These
practices stimulate infinite power within the individual. The
immortals and saints revealed these martial arts which are a very
gentle practice, ingeniously designed to bring one's passive and