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Therapeutic
Properties of Agates
Agate is good
protective energy stone, especially for children, and is very calming and
soothing. It also can help strengthen the body's connection to the earth. It
balances the yin-yang energy and for balancing of the physical, emotional, and
intellectual bodies with spiritual energies. It can give courage, energy,
strength, and dispels fears, all of which increase self-confidence. It can also
lessen feelings of envy by grounding the emotions. It is a stone of harmony and
by bringing the elements of one's being into harmony it greatly enhances
healing. It stabilizes the aura, providing for a cleansing effect which acts to
smooth dysfunctional energies and to both transform and eliminate negativity.
Agate is considered a stone that brings good luck. It works with chakras
according to stone color.
Agates have long
been thought of as magical, curing everything from thirst, the evil-eye, the
bites of scorpions (Sicilian Agate), insomnia, bad dreams, intestinal troubles,
skin diseases, and increase fertility (green varieties). Placed upon the third
eye, it is said to relieve tension headaches.
Agate is often
described by psychics as an incense to the finer self that makes for an
awakening, an opening of the inner self for the receptiveness. Agate is said to
help one get balanced and in touch with nature. It helps you to view yourself
with more clarity and to see the world through a broader viewpoint. It is
suggested that Agates make their possessors more eloquent, prudent and amiable.
Western Astrology
associates Agate with the Moon and Cancer.
Therapeutic
Properties of Moss Agate
Moss Agate aligns
itself with the 4th (Heart) Chakra. Moss Agate helps you get in touch
with nature. It is often used to improve circulation and help in elimination of
wastes.
Therapeutic
Properties of Petrified Wood Agate
Petrified Wood Agate
is often associated with helping recall past lives. It is also associated with
"akasha" or heaven. Petrified Wood Agate imparts a grounding force that
increases peace and wisdom as well as longevity to the wearer.
Petrified Wood Agate
is associated with the lower chakras.
Petrified Wood Agate
is useful for improving circulatory, skin and hair problems. It is often thought
of as a general protector of health, increasing longevity and sturdiness of
health.
Therapeutic
Properties of
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is an extremely
soothing crystal that calms the brain and nervous system. Alexandrite balances
the emotional state by increasing confidence, self-esteem and opening the way to
change. Alexandrite is favored for bringing happiness and success. It also
intensifies feelings of love and sensuality.
Alexandrite is used to treat
pancreatic disorders, swollen lymph nodes and ailments of the spleen, as well as
in the treatment of afflictions occurring with leukemia.
The Western astrological sign
of alexandrite is Scorpio.
Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June.
Alexandrite is the symbolic gemstone for the 45th wedding
anniversary.
Therapeutic
Properties of
Amazonite
Amazonite is a lovely blue and
green stone often streaked with white.
Amazonite is a stone of truth,
honor, communication, integrity and trust. It enhances intuition, psychic
powers, creativity, intellect, and psychic ability. It aligns the physical and
astral bodies. Amazonite can assist with peacefully making the transition out of
this life.
Amazonite dispels negative
energy and improves confidence, leadership and communication. It is a useful
stone to wear or carry if you have to face a challenging situation, or have a
difficult speech to give or question to ask. It is a good stone for writers and
artists as it improves self-expression. It can also be an aid to seeing both
sides of a problem and in analyzing and sorting out information.
Amazonite heals emotional
disturbances and the after effects of emotional trauma. It is reputed to have
spiritual energy healing powers of preventive energy. Amazonite may improve self
worth of those who wear it. Users say that they have more confidence when they
wear this stone. It can lessen stress and self-defeating behaviors by calming
and building self-esteem.
From physical health point of
view, amazonite is beneficial for the throat and bronchi. Amazonite aids in
healing osteoporosis and for relieving menstrual cramps or muscle cramps.
Amazonite is associated with
the Heart and Throat Chakras.
The astrological sign of
amazonite is Virgo.
Amazonite is the birthstone for
the month of December.
Therapeutic
Properties of
Amethyst
The early Greeks believed that
amethyst would protect one from the effects of drunkenness when consuming
alcohol. A possible explanation for this unusual virtue being attributed to
amethyst is that when water is poured into a cup fashioned of amethyst, it would
have the appearance of wine. The name amethyst comes from the Greek word
amethustos, meaning not drunken.
Some ancient cultures wore
amethyst amulets as antidotes against poison, to dispel sleeplessness, as
protection against harm in battle and to sharpen one's wits.
Amethyst brings serenity and
calm, enhances one's ability to assimilate new ideas, and assists meditation. It
gives strength and mental stability, and provides balance between one's
physical, emotional, intellectual states.
Amethyst is said to help remove
toxins from the body and to help treat arthritis. It also is used to strengthen
the immune system.
The astrological signs of
amethyst are Pisces, Virgo, Aquarius and Capricorn.
Amethyst is the birthstone for
the month of February.
Amethyst is the symbolic
gemstone for the 17th wedding anniversary.
Therapeutic
Properties of
Ametrine
Ametrine has all the
metaphysical properties of both amethyst and citrine combined, as well its own
unique properties; aids in meditation, relieves tension, disperses negativity
and helps to eliminate prejudice.
The astrological sign of
ametrine is Libra
Therapeutic
Properties of
Citrine
Citrine is useful in
stimulating one's mental capacities, to enhance creativity and strengthen one's
self-confidence. It gives emotional control while making one more alert. Citrine
removes toxins from the body and stimulates healing in general. Citrine
proponents use it to treat a number of other disorders including those of the
heart, liver, kidneys and digestive system. Citrine helps provide relief from
the effects of radiation, and facilitates absorption of antioxidants.
Citrine is helpful in assisting
one to acquire and maintain wealth.
The astrological signs of
citrine are Gemini, Aries, Libra and Leo.
Citrine is the birthstone for the month of November.
Therapeutic
Properties of
Aventurine (Red)
Red Aventurine reduces negative
thoughts and encourages a positive attitude. It diffuses a negative situation
and can turn it around.
In addition, Red Aventurine
encourages your ability to see possibilities and to enhance your creativity.
In healing, Red Aventurine
heals the reproductive system, balances blood pressure and calms the nerves. It
is also encourages the body to burn fat efficiently. Rubbed on the skin, it is
thought to bring relief from eczema and fungal skin infections.
Aventurine (Green)
Aventurine benefits in all
areas of creativity and imagination, as well as aiding the intellect and mental
clarity. It is a gentle stone that gives a sense of calm and balance. It also
helps one to see alternatives and potentials in all situations, giving a
positive outlook, courage and inner strength.
Lore says that it enhances
prosperity and brings career success. It is also said to bring luck, especially
in games of chance. A mystical stone of prosperity, Aventurine bring mentors and
friendships to one's life.
Folklore and metaphysical lore
say that physically it is beneficial for blood, circulatory system, headaches,
general health, and sleep disorders.
Aventurine is associated with
the heart chakra. The astrological sign of green aventurine quartz is Aries.
Green aventurine quartz is an alternate birthstone for the month of August.
Aventurine (Peach)
Peach aventurine gently
increases the energy of the 2nd (sacral) chakra. It helps with
personal issue decision-making and can boost creativity. Physically it is
beneficial for the lungs, heart, adrenal glands and genital systems.
Carnelian
Carnelian, found in nearly all
parts of the world, derives its name from the Latin word meaning flesh-colored.
It varies in intensity from deep reddish-brown to a yellow or cream-colored
translucent stone.
Carnelian placed on the Sacral
Chakra increases ambition, drive and confidence. It protects the wearer from
negative emotions and calms angry or envious natures. It is also reputed to
bring about warmth, sociability, creativity and happiness in the wearer.
Carnelian strengthens the
voice, bolsters the courage, is good for public speaking, actors, singers, all
entertainers. It provides motivation, gives energy to turn ideas into form, is
used to gain direction, for job hunting, to balance emotions, to stimulate
appetite for success, for focusing, realization and self-actualization, restores
ambition. Wearing carnelian helps you feel anchored and comfortable. Carnelian
provides a sense of personal history and a connection to past-life experiences.
Carnelian also promotes peace
and harmony, helps eradicate depression or doubt by removing negative thoughts.
Clears mind of extraneous thoughts. Allows you to take control of your life and
make decisions.
Carnelian energizes blood and
aids kidneys, lungs, liver, gallbladder, pancreas functions. It also promotes
tissue regeneration; revitalizes and balances physical/emotional/mental states.
Placed near the front door
Carnelian invokes protection to the household and brings abundance into the
home.
Carnelian is the New Age
birthstone for July.
Copper
Copper conveys the messages
that there is no need to seek love or to constantly search for life, and that
there definitely is a need to seek and release all of the restrictions which one
has installed with in the self. It provides a harmonic connection between the
physical and astral bodies and aligns the subtle bodies. It activates and opens
the base and sacral chakras. It can conduct electrical impulses and can magnify
the energy transfer from the healer or from minerals, to the subject of the
healing. It is considered a mineral of energy and mental agility. Copper is also
associated with goddesses: Ishtar, Astarte and Isis. In legend, copper is said
to be the metal of the God Hermes, who facilitates that mental agility, and
quick wit. Copper is an excellent conductor of energy, from electricity to the
mystical subtle energies emanating from higher planes, etc. Thus, copper is said
to enhance and transmit thoughts, even over long distances. Physically, copper
is used in traditional folk remedy and crystal healing lore to bring in
additional energies for all types of healing.
Fluorite
Fluorite usually has different
bands of color making it a popular decorative stone. Fluorite aids absorption of
new ideas and bringing order to chaos. It cleanses and stabilizes the aura and
seems to be effective against computer and electromagnetic emanations.
In crystal-healing, fluorite
can be placed on the 6th (Brow) Chakra. It is reputed to be a
powerful healer and fends off colds and flu, reduces the pain of arthritis and
the discomfort of shingles. Fluorite rekindles sexual libido.
The astrological signs of
fluorite are Capricorn and Pisces.
Garnet
Garnet is a stone of romantic
love and passion. Used in metaphysics, garnet enhances sensuality, sexuality,
and intimacy. Garnet brings positive thoughts and boosts energy, and it also
assist with building one's self-confidence.
Garnet is also a protective
energy stone that is especially effective for protection from unsuspected evils.
Lore alludes garnet can heal weakness in blood, heart and lungs. Garnet is
associated primarily with the 1st (root) chakra, but also with other
chakras depending on its color.
Garnet displays the greatest
variety of color of any mineral, occurring in every color except blue. For
example, grossularite can be colorless, white, gray, yellow, yellowish
green, various shades of green, brown, pink, reddish, or black. Andradite
garnet can be yellow-green, green, greenish brown, orangy yellow, brown, grayish
black or black. Pyrope is commonly purplish red, purplish red, orangy
red, crimson, or dark red; and almandite is deep red, brownish red,
brownish black or violet-red. Spessartite garnet can be red, reddish orange,
orange, yellow-brown, reddish brown, or blackish brown. A few garnets exhibit a
color-change phenomenon. They are one color when viewed in natural light and
another color when viewed in incandescent light.
There are a number of trade and
variety names for garnet, most of these names are for particular colors of a
specie. Hessonite is the variety name for a fine orange, cinnamon brown,
or pinkish variety of grossularite, while tsavorite is the trade name for fine
dark green grossularite. Melanite is a black titanium bearing variety of
andradite and demantoid is a rich green variety.
Malaya is a
trade name for a pyrope-spessartite that varies in color from red,
through shades of orange and brownish orange to peach and pink. Rhodolite
is a purplish red pyrope-almandite solid solution garnet. Fine-quality pyrope
garnets from Czechoslovakia are often called Bohemian garnets. The use of
garnets as a valued gemstone traces back to prehistoric times.
Garnet is a January
birthstone.
Jade
Jade, esteemed by many cultures
as a prosperity symbol, is perfect for balancing the heart chakra.
Blue jade – 5th & 6th
chakra
Pink or rose jade – 4th
chakra
Watermelon jade – 2nd
chakra
Green jade – 4th
chakra
Purple, White or Lavender jade
– 7th chakra
Jasper
Jasper is known as the “supreme
nurturer”. It holds an aspect of solar energy and a connection to the solar
plexus chakra. It protects against negativity and helps one to be grounded to
the stabilizing energies of the earth. It can be used to align the energy of the
chakras and to integrate the attributes of the chakras such that astral journeys
can be affected. It balances the yin-yang energy and balances the physical,
emotional, and intellectual bodies with the etheric energies. It stabilizes the
aura, providing for a cleansing effect to eliminate negative energies. Jasper is
a stone of gentleness and relaxation. It enhances one's ability to relax and
brings tranquility, comforting, wholeness, healing, and gentle endings.
Picture Jasper is a form of
Brown Jasper. Jasper is grounding and harmonizing with a strong connection to
the earth. It promotes feelings of responsibility towards the planet,
encouraging a need to care for and protect it.
Picture Jasper’s grounding
energy can give you a strong sense of who you are, where you have been, and
where you are going. It encourages creative visualization, original artistic
creativity, and innovative business pursuits. It alleviates fear and strengthens
resolve.
In healing, Picture Jasper
stimulates the immune system, clears pollutants and toxins from the body, and
helps to cleanse the kidneys. It strengthens the liver and bladder, and provides
relief from intestinal ailments.
Placing a large piece of Brown
or Picture Jasper in a room absorbs negative energy.
The astrological sign of jasper
is Leo.
Jasper is an alternate
birthstone for the month of January.
Laradorite
Labradorite
is a power stone allowing you to see through illusions. It is excellent for
strengthening intuitions.
Use
labradorite to:
-
Stimulate imagination and intuition
-
Develop enthusiasm and new ideas
-
To see more clearly in meditation
-
Self-esteem
-
Release negativity
-
Grounding
Labradorite provides relief
from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, by replacing them with enthusiasm,
self-confidence and inspiration. It brings understanding by enhancing clarity of
thought and improving one's ability to cooperate with others. Labradorite is
gives perseverance, strength and enhanced intuition to the wearer, especially
when one is experiencing times of conflict and change.
Labradorite is helpful for
treating eye problems, brain disorders, regulating metabolism and the digestive
process.
The astrological signs of
labradorite are Scorpio, Sagittarius and Leo.
Pearls
Pearls healing power: attune
the wearer to ebb and flow of life. They are calming and centering. They give
purity and promote faith, charity, and integrity, truth and loyalty. They
especially enhance personal integrity. They help one connect with the Goddess,
the ultimate feminine energy. It is the mother stone, fosters motherly love, and
inspires purity, innocence, serenity, tranquility, focus. Pearls help us get in
touch with the simple honest things of life. They are said to redress mental
disturbance, endow maternal bliss, ensure good health and longevity. They are
said to attract fame, wealth, and success in education. Pearls provide a clean
channel for receiving spiritual intuition (guidance).
Peridot
Peridot brings healing and
vitality to the whole body. It increases patience, confidence and assertiveness
in the wearer.
Peridot helps slow the aging
process, aids in the treatment of digestive, heart, lung and eye disorders.
Wearers report perdiot as helpful in facilitating the birthing process.
(Olivine) Peridot is the
birthstone for the month of August.
The astrological signs of peridot are Virgo, Leo, Libra, Scorpio and
Sagittarius.
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is the cornerstone
for opening the heart Chakra. Rose Quartz is a very soothing and happy stone.
Its energy is essential to self-fulfillment and inner peace. The soft soothing
pink of Rose Quartz comforts and heals any emotional wounds the heart has
experienced in past lives. Rose Quartz gently penetrates into the inner chambers
of the heart chakra where all emotional experiences have been recorded and
stored.
Rose quartz brings gentleness,
forgiveness, compassion, kindness and tolerance. It raises one's self-esteem and
sense of self-worth. It helps balance emotions and heal emotional wounds and
traumas, even grief, bringing peace and calm. Rose quartz removes fears,
resentments and anger. It can also heal and release childhood traumas, neglect,
guilt, and lack of love by enhancing inner awareness. It can help with
reconciliation with family and others.
In the psychic and spiritual
realms, rose quartz attracts love. Rose quartz, often referred to as the "Love
Stone," is a stone of unconditional love that opens the heart chakra to all
forms of love: self-love, family love, platonic love, and romantic love. The
high energy of quartz gives rose quartz the property of enhancing love in
virtually any situation. Rose quartz can be helpful for dream recall and/or
dream work. It will also aid in the journey or transition called death.
Rose quartz balances the
emotions, thus giving inner peace and harmony. It enhances sensitivity to
beauty, art and music. It calms aggression and resentment while increasing
self-esteem and self-confidence.
For physical healing, rose
quartz is used to benefit the heart and the circulatory system. It helps in
reaching an ideal weight, slows signs of aging, reduces stress and wrinkles.
Rose quartz is also helpful and protective during pregnancy and childbirth. Rose
quartz increases fertility, eliminates sexual dysfunction, and eliminates
headaches, including migraines. It eases kidney disease, sinus problems, throat
problems, depression, addictions, earaches, spleen problems, and fibromyalgia.
The astrological signs of rose
quartz are Taurus and Libra.
Rose quartz is associated with
the sacral chakra and the heart chakra.
Smoky Quartz
Smoky Quartz alleviates stress
and transforms fear, anger and other negative emotions into positive energies,
thus having a comforting and calming effect. It provides clarity in thought
processes and improves intuition. It also enhances survival instincts and aids
in grounding.
Smoky quartz increases
fertility, helps to remove toxins from the body, and aids the proper functioning
of the kidneys, adrenals, pancreas, and sex organs.
The astrological signs of smoky
quartz are Capricorn and Sagittarius.
Other Quartz
Phantom quartz
crystals help us understand the various stages of human life and are an
excellent tools for meditation and/or for remembering past lives.
Selenite,
used as a sharp sword of awareness, cuts through
unconscious assumptions and promotes reconnection between the conscious self and
the Supreme-Consciousness. It also allows one to access information on the
interior of the physical body in order to understand how to “fix” it.
Selenite also helps us to merge
the energy of Spirit into our daily lives. It is pure white light and brings
this white light into your life, both inside and outside. Like Clear Quartz,
Selenite has stored information that is revealed to us when we work with it. It
is good to use when we are emotionally upset, because it has a calming influence
and can help you see a situation objectively. Selenite, placed on the Third Eye
Chakra, aids in heightening astral projection. It also increases your telepathic
abilities and thus it is extremely useful for healing treatment.
Serpentine (New Jade)
Often called “new jade,”
Serpentine helps correct emotional imbalance and to enables you to feel more in
control of your life. Serpentine is a good stone for crystal meditation and for
opening psychic abilities.
In healing, Serpentine is
believed to have cleansing and detoxifying properties.
Silver
Silver is used with gemstones
because the metal is able to both attract and retain qualities which are emitted
by the stone. It is used to direct the energy of other minerals to the
appropriate location. It also performs as a balancing agent, drawing forth
negative energy from the body while transferring the positive forces of the
stones. It tends to strengthen the silver or white light “cord” which connects
the astral body to the physical body.
Sodalite
Sodalite is a mottled dark and
light blue-white crystal. When placed on the Throat or Brow Chakra it clears
blockages thus enhancing communication skills and insight. Sodalite enables
creative expression to flow. Placed in a room Sodalite helps clear
electromagnetic pollution. Placing it by a computer reduces the computer's
dangerous electromagnetic emanations.
In healing, Sodalite can
balance the mind and body by strengthening the metabolism and lymphatic system.
It lowers blood pressure, reduces fevers, sooths sore throats, vocal cords, and
larynx. Sodalite eases digestive disorders.
Tigers Eye
Tiger's Eye is a stone of
protection traditionally carried as a talisman against ill wishes and curses. It
is both grounding and uplifting. Tiger’s Eye encourages feelings of self-worth
and confidence in our own abilities. It can promote a positive attitude, assist
us in accomplishing our goals and help us to recognize our own talents and
abilities.
Tiger's Eye enhances our own
sense of personal power, releases blocked creativity, and brings good luck,
prosperity, wealth and success.
Tiger's Eye balances the 3rd
(Solar Plexus or Navel) Chakra.
Topaz
Blue Topaz
is an important gemstone in subduing an over-active 5th(Throat)
Chakra. Blue topaz helps you have more control in touchy situations without
making you seem dominating.
Yellow/tan/gold Topaz
is important for subduing an overactive 4th (Solar Plexus or Naval)
Chakra.
All topaz is useful in curing
depression, increasing self-love and improving chances of success in endeavors.
Topaz has always been
associated with compassion and communication. It is a gemstone of choice to wear
when you need to "build bridges" between yourself and other people. Topaz is for
strength and is considered a “warming” gem.
Turquoise
Turquoise is a protective stone
a used throughout the ages in protective amulets. Today, we use turquoise to
protect against outside influences and pollutants in the atmosphere.
Turquoise can assist creative
problem solving and can calm the nerves when speaking in public. It stabilizes
tendency toward mood swings, dissolves self-sabotage and allows for vocal
self-expression. Turquoise is good crystal to wear when you have decisions to
make as it can encourage self-questioning.
Turquoise is a Master Healer
used on all the Seven Chakras but is especially beneficial for the Brow Chakra
and the Throat Chakra. Placing turquoise on the Brow Chakra enhances intuition
and meditation abilities. While placing it on the throat gently purifies the
Throat Chakra and can be beneficial to the thyroid and the voice.
Turquoise is universally
considered a lucky stone. Turquoise attracts prosperity and success. It has the
power to influence your creative powers and it enhances the ability to
communicate.
Turquoise prized as a powerful
talisman with healing properties, increasing resistance to viruses, helping to
relieve sore throats, lung infections and the side effects of allergies. It may
also be useful in relieving migraines.
Turquoise is an important
gemstone in subduing an overactive 5th Chakra. Called as a balancing stone,
Turquoise helps balance the spiritual and the physical--as the sky connects the
heavens to the earth. Ancient Indians believed in its ability to heal and every
shaman possessed at least one piece of Turquoise.
Unakite
Unakite is a made up of a
combination of three minerals: Green Epidote, Pink Fieldspar and Quartz. It is a
balancing stone for all aspects of the self; emotional, spiritual and mental,
and allowing you to feel more centered. Unakite releases energy blockages that
may be inhibiting your growth and encourages you to live in the present rather
than in the past.
The Pink Fieldspar in Unakite
encourages you to love yourself for who you are which in turn allows you to
attract and keep the love of others.
Unakite is a benefit to the
female reproductive system. It is also said to provide support to those
recovering from a major illness.
Placing Unakite in a room,
either as a large piece or as several small tumble stones in a bowl brings in a
gentle calming energy. Unakite is helpful reducing the effects of
electromagnetic smog. For this reason, it can be beneficial to place a piece on
top of, or near, the television set.
Unakite
Astrology: Connected with Scorpio
Chakras: 4th (heart)
Metaphysically, Unakite is a gentle, calming energy. Unakite balances the
emotions with spirit, and strengthens psychic vision. Unakite is a good stone
for visualization and meditation and may be useful in dissolving emotional
blocks.
White (Snow) Quartz
Also known by the names Milky
Quartz, Snow Quartz helps with mental stress and improves mental concentration.
Snow Quartz is a gentler, more
feminine variety of Quartz, as compared to the clear varieties of quartz, which
are more masculine.
Snow quartz stands for
innocence. Some people feel that wearing this gemstone help see things from a
child-like perspective, without preconceived or cynical notions.
From healing point of view,
snow quartz stays or clears infections of all kinds, including dandruff.
Zebra Jasper
Zebra Jasper is a form of
jasper with dark and white stripes. We use zebra jasper to motivate and energize
the wearer. You can overcome apathy and transform your ideas into action with
this stone. Zebra Jasper gives you the courage handle your problems, and gives
you the determination to see projects through to completion.
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"Namaste" means "I bow to you." The connotations are
a bit more complex, and could be translated as "I salute the divinity within
you."
The greeting is not limited to Indian cultures. Anyone who
has been to Nepal has heard the Napalese greet each other with "namaste."
Traditionally in Nepal this greeting means 'I honour that place in you where the
whole Universe resides. And when I am in that place in me and you are in that
place in you, there is only one of us.'
Namaste can elevate one's consciousness, reminding a person
that all beings, all existence is sacred . It communicates, "I honor or worship
the Divinity within you and all things." As a little side effect, it tends to
draw the individual inward for a moment, inspires reflection on the deeper
realities, and softens the interface between people.
“Shanti” means “Peace” but “Have Inner Peace” or
“Inner Peace to You” is the sentiment. It’s a beautiful meaning and also a very
beautiful sound. The shanti is usually repeated three times, as a chant in
Buddhism. In Buddhism as well as in Hinduism the threefold Shanti is generally
interpreted as meaning the Threefold Peace in body, speech, and mind (i.e. peace
in the entirety of one’s being).
Hindu teachings typically end with the words Om shanti
shanti shanti as an invocation of peace, and the mantra is also used to conclude
some Buddhist devotional ceremonies.
Inner peace (or peace of mind) refers to a state of being
mentally or spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to
keep oneself strong in the face of discord or stress. Being "at peace" is
considered by many to be healthy (homeostasis) and the opposite of being
stressed or anxious. Peace of mind is generally associated with bliss and
happiness.
Pronunciation notes:
o is pronounced like o in ore
ā is pronounced as a in father
i in speech is pronounced like i in mill, but in chanting
is pronounced like ee in bee
Peace in Buddhist practice
In Buddhist practice śānti, or peace, means inner rather
than outer peace. Through practice it’s possible to cultivate a still mind even
in surroundings that are anything but tranquil.
It’s definitely helpful to have peaceful surroundings for
the development of meditative states of mind, but if one cultivates a mind that
is completely nonreactive then it’s possible to peacefully accept the presence
of noise and bustle around us.
In the long-term, however, some external quiet is well-nigh
indispensable for the arising of deep mental tranquility, and so meditators
frequently seek out quiet places for their practice.
Śānti, or inner peace, arises when the mind has let go of
both grasping and aversion. For this reason the Buddhist path of practice is
known in Pali as "santimagga" (Sanskrit: śāntimarga) or The Path of Peace, as
expressed in the famous Dhammapada verse, "Santimaggam eva brūhaya" — Cultivate
this very Path of Peace.
Peace as the goal of practice
"Santi" is commonly used in the Pali texts as a synonym for
Nirvana, the goal of Buddhist practice. Meditation and other Buddhist practices
can therefore be thought of as the "Path to Peace." Nirvana is the ultimate in
inner peace, and literally means the complete extinction of inner turmoil.
Peace and lovingkindness
Shanti and metta (lovingkindness), or lovingkindness, are
closely associated. In another verse from the Dhammapada, the Buddha says:
Mettāvihārā yo bhikkhu
pasanno Buddhasāsane
Adhigacche padaṃ
santaṃ
saṅkhārāpasamaṃ
sukhaṃ
(Verse 368)
Which means:
The bhikkhu who dwells in loving-kindness,
who trusts in the Buddha’s Teaching,
attains to that state of peace,
the blissful fading away of conditioned things.
Lovingkindness helps us to still the mind by letting go of
conflict. As I’m sure we’re all aware, our hostile or defensive reactions to
others are a major source of inner turmoil, and the cultivation of
lovingkindness helps us to be more compassionate and less reactive. The
“blissful fading away of conditioned things” refers to the mind becoming
purified of the delusion, aversion, and grasping tendencies that distort our
view of the world and prevent us from experiencing true happiness.
Peace is the essence of the spiritual life
In yet another Dhammapada verse, the Buddha says that it’s
by practicing peace, rather than by adopting the clothing, trappings, or
lifestyle associated with "being religious" that one lives a truly spiritual
life:
Alaṅkato ce’pi samaṃ
careyya
santo danto niyato brahmacārī
Sabbesu bhūtesu nidhāya daṇḍaṃ
so brāhmaṇo so samaṇo
sa bhikkhu.
(Verse 142)
Which means,
Though well-dressed [i.e. not wearing the rags of a
religious practitioner],
If he should live in peace, with restraint and
self-control, living with pure ethics,
Laying aside violence towards all living beings,
He indeed is a holy one, a renunciate, a member of the
spiritual community.
Taking peace into the world.
Living ethically is also both an expression of a peaceful
state of being and a path to peace. In Buddhist ethical practice, this means
abstaining from actions that cause harm to oneself or others. In other words, in
Buddhist practice we cultivate inner peace but also take peace into the world by
practicing lovingkindness and compassion, and by living ethically.
The bare minimum is trying to avoid causing physical harm
through direct physical actions or through encouraging others to cause harm (the
reason that I, and many other Buddhists, are vegetarians). This is the basis of
the First Precept of Buddhism, which can also be expressed as practicing
lovingkindness.
All the other Buddhist ethical precepts — not taking that
which is not freely given; avoiding sexual misconduct; avoiding misleading
speech; and avoiding intoxication — are ways of living out the first precept.
These Buddhist precepts are a key component of the
Śāntimarga, or "Path of Peace."
Note: All info is from Wikipedia.com
