avatarJennifer Dunne

Summary

After a stressful day, the author found relaxation and a sense of well-being by combining the reading of Ph.D. course material on Mantras and Mudras with a sauna session.

Abstract

The author describes experiencing a profound sense of relaxation after spending half an hour in a sauna reading Ph.D. material on Mantras and Mudras. Despite a challenging day, the activity of repeating the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" and the heat of the sauna contributed to a transformative experience that left them feeling "delightfully relaxed" and "almost floaty." While acknowledging the potential dangers of meditating in high heat, the author found that simply repeating the mantra was a safe and effective way to enhance the sauna experience. The outcome was such that the author no longer felt stressed and was uncertain whether the sauna's heat or the power of the mantra was responsible for the calming effects, but they concluded that the end result—feeling great—was all that mattered.

Opinions

  • The author values the integration of learning and relaxation as evidenced by studying course material in the sauna.
  • Repeating the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is perceived as a beneficial practice for achieving calmness.
  • There is an acknowledgment of the potential risks of meditating in a sauna, suggesting a preference for safety over practice intensity.
  • The author seems to adopt a pragmatic approach to relaxation techniques, prioritizing the positive outcome (feeling great) over understanding the specific contributing factors (sauna vs. mantra).
  • The experience in the sauna with the mantra is described in a way that implies a sense of escape or transcendence from the day's stress.

Mantra or Sauna?

Either way, I‘m so relaxed

Photo: CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash

Sitting in the sauna for half an hour, I take advantage of the time to read. And what I’ve been reading lately is the course material for my Ph.D.

Saturday, I had a very stressful day and looked forward to some quiet reading time. The course was on Mantras and Mudras, repeated phrases and hand positions used during meditation.

It gave an exercise to repeat the phrase “Om Mani Padme Hum” several times, then sit quietly and notice the calming effects. It isn’t safe to meditate while in the sauna because you might overheat. But repeating the mantra is okay.

Upon exiting the sauna, I felt delightfully relaxed, and almost floaty. All the stress of the day was gone.

Was it the sauna? Was it the mantra?

I don’t care. I just care that I feel great.

Health
Relaxation
Meditation
Life
Creativity
Recommended from ReadMedium