Morning Folks,

Wonderful sunny morning it is. The sun is beaming through the windows and it looks great. A bit chilly but manageable.

Me and my big mouth...last night I had the most disturbed sleep so far this cycle. I had to sort out my bag in the middle of the night and then it was dozing until I got up at 9'ish.

Well I promised a chemo buddy that I put up the mantra I am using to help me relax and focus.

First off I would like to thank my cousin Jo for her inspiration and advice. Without it I would still be lost in the ocean of regrets.

You need a picture of the Medicine Buddha to help to focus on. You can find some material here. There are more on the web.

The mantra that I had been using is based on the following- I usually recite in my mind, it usually help if you practice some deep breathing techniques during this.

"Om Bhekazyai Bhekazyai Maha Bhekazyai Bhekazyai Razaya Samungate Soha"

There are link to a recording somewhere. Here is one I found. It uses the full mantra. I had downloaded a recording of this mantra onto my Ipod and I used it to help me visualised. I know the spelling is different from site to site but its the meaning behind it that is important.

"Om namo bhagawate Bhaishjaye guru
vaidurya prabha rajaya tathagataya
arhate samyaksam buddhaya teyatha
om bekhajye bekhajye maha bekhajye
bekhajye rajaya samungate svaha"

During the recitation it is best to visualise rays of light coming from the Medicine Buddha body and surrounding your body and this light helps to purify your body and mind. Then visualise your body as being as clear as crystal and the the rays of the light radiates out purifying the illness from within your body.
After the recitation visualise the image of the Medicine Buddha melting into the light and you absorb the light into your heart. As you do so,visualise that you have become one with the Dharmakay, the essence of all Buddhas.
After all that give thanks to the Medicine Buddha with your heart that is filled with much love and gratitude.

I usually do this when I go to bed or when I'm feeling down. During the past week I woke myself up with my own snoring or deep breathing when I used it to help me relax before sleeping.

There is more that my cousin done for me and I am really grateful for her deeds. It has helped in in my darkest hours and help me to obtain a balance within myself and come to terms my condition.
Talking about my condition, since I am feeling much better this time round I had develop a five point plan to help me beat it. I might share that with you lot tomorrow. You never know if it might help or not.

Later,

Sai