The True Sound of Truth

I came across this story three weeks ago...when I stumbled upon the mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum.
I think this stumbling was really more...it was a gift.


Here is the story...it is worth the read.

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The True Sound of Truth
An old story speaks about a similar problem. A devoted mediator, after years concentrating on a particular mantra, had attained enough insight to begin teaching. The student's humility was far from perfect, but the teachers at the monastery were not worried.

A few years of successful teaching left the mediator with no thoughts about learning from anyone; but upon hearing about a famous hermit living nearby, the opportunity was too exciting to be passed up.
The hermit lived alone on an island at the middle of a lake, so the mediator hired a man with a boat to row across to the island. The mediator was very respectful of the old hermit. As they shared some tea made with herbs the mediator asked him about his spiritual practice. The old man said he had no spiritual practice, except for a mantra which he repeated all the time to himself. The mediator was pleased: the hermit was using the same mantra he used himself--but when the hermit spoke the mantra aloud, the mediator was horrified!

"What's wrong?" asked the hermit.
"I don't know what to say. I'm afraid you've wasted your whole life! You are pronouncing the mantra incorrectly!"
"Oh,Dear! That is terrible. How should I say it?"

The mediator gave the correct pronunciation, and the old hermit was very grateful, asking to be left alone so he could get started right away. On the way back across the lake the mediator, now confirmed as an accomplished teacher, was pondering the sad fate of the hermit.

"It's so fortunate that I came along. At least he will have a little time to practice correctly before he dies." Just then, the mediator noticed that the boatman was looking quite shocked, and turned to see the hermit standing respectfully on the water, next to the boat.

"Excuse me, please. I hate to bother you, but I've forgotten the correct pronunciation again. Would you please repeat it for me?"

"You obviously don't need it," stammered the mediator; but the old man persisted in his polite request until the mediator relented and told him again the way he thought the mantra should be pronounced.
The old hermit was saying the mantra very carefully, slowly, over and over, as he walked across the surface of the water back to the island.

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Om Mani Padme Hum
Meaning: The sound that strengthens compassion in all beings.
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What your best is, is good enough.

Paloma