Mantra of light and the pose of Buddha

 

“Om abogya beiroshanō makabodara mani handoma jinbara harabari tayaun”

The Mantra of Light, also known as the Mantra of the Unfailing Rope Snare, holds deep spiritual significance and can be linked to various aspects of Jewish mysticism, Uechi Ryu Karate, and Taoist inner alchemy.

The mantra itself is expressed as follows: "Praise be to the flawless, all-pervasive illumination of the seal of the Buddha. Turn over to me the jewel, lotus, and radiant light." This mantra encapsulates the seeker's reverence for the luminous and all-encompassing nature of the Buddha's enlightenment. It signifies the seeker's desire to attain spiritual illumination and calls upon the Buddha's guidance to receive the treasures of the jewel, lotus, and radiant light.

Drawing parallels to Jewish mysticism, particularly the Kabbalah, we find similarities in the concept of divine light as a metaphor for spiritual wisdom and enlightenment. In Kabbalistic teachings, there is a focus on the interplay between light and vessels, symbolizing the harmonious balance between the spiritual and material realms. Similarly, the Mantra of Light emphasizes the all-pervasive illumination, suggesting the recognition and integration of divine light into every aspect of one's existence.

In Uechi Ryu Karate, specifically in the practice of Seisan kata, we can observe a connection to the rising sun motif. Seisan kata is characterized by its dynamic movements, stances, and transitions, often symbolizing the rising of the sun. The rising sun represents the dawning of a new day, the emergence of light, and the beginning of enlightenment. In this context, the rising sun in Seisan kata could be seen as a symbolic representation of the seeker's journey toward spiritual awakening and the cultivation of inner light.

Moreover, the concept of enantiodromia, which refers to the reversal or transformation of energy, is an integral part of Uechi Ryu Karate. Enantiodromia emphasizes the harmonization of opposing forces and the transformation of negative energy into positive energy. The reference to enantiodromia in Uechi Ryu Karate aligns with the Taoist principle of "the reversal of the light" in inner alchemy. This principle suggests that by shining the light of awareness on arising sensations, one can reverse the direction of the light, leading to a transformative effect. Similarly, the enantiodromia concept in Uechi Ryu Karate, particularly in the kata following Seisan (such as Sanseiryu), reflects the practice of harmonizing opposing forces to achieve balance and spiritual growth.

In Uechi Ryu Karate, the Sanchin kata holds a significant place. Sanchin represents the unity of opposing forces within oneself, symbolized by the Buddha pose found in the kata. This unity signifies the balance between strength and flexibility, hardness and softness, and yin and yang. The three treasures mentioned in the Mantra of Light, namely the jewel, lotus, and radiant light, can be associated with the three key katas in Uechi Ryu Karate. Sanchin can be seen as the jewel, representing inner strength and resilience forged through intense training(fire) Seisan corresponds to the lotus, symbolizing purification through the element of water. Finally, Sanseiryu embodies the radiant light, acting as a mediator between the divine and the human, representing harmony and enlightenment.

Overall, the Mantra of Light encapsulates the seeker's quest for spiritual illumination and draws connections to Jewish mysticism, Uechi Ryu Karate, and Taoist inner alchemy. It emphasizes the recognition and integration of divine light, the transformation of energy, and the cultivation of inner balance and harmony