Translation
Chanting to Alleviate Stress
Instructor: Kenyon Phillips: NYC singer, actor, and writer
Hi, I’m Kenyon Phillips. I’m a singer, actor, writer, New Yorker. Although I’m currently hiding in a barn in Connecticut.
My good friend Tom Moore asked me to help you alleviate stress. So, today, I’m going to lead you in one minute of meditative chanting from a Buddhist tradition. This chant is arguably the most famous chant in the whole world, even though it’s kind of unknown in the west. It’s called the Compassion of Buddha. It goes “Om Mani Padme Hum” which translates as “hail to the jewel in the lotus.”
This is the mantra of the Compassion of Buddha, and it is said to calm fears, soothe concerns, and even mend broken hearts. I picked it because it’s easy and it’s not religious.
The thing about chanting is that it is documented to help physiological and psychological benefits. It is not just for Buddhists and not just for new age weirdos. So, we’re going to do it together, and you may notice a change in environment once we start chanting, and that’s perfectly normal. Let’s go!
[The screen changes to an illustration of Phillips while he chants “Om Mani Padme Hum” while playing the piano for one minute.].
And we’re back. You did it. You chanted. How do you feel? I feel so much better. The thing is, Buddhist monks will do this for hours and days on end, and apparently, the more you do it, the better off you are, and the better off the world is. I mean, World peace can manifest…a cure for the Coronavirus. So, thank you for your time. Thank you for your service. I’m Kenyon Phillips. Keep chanting. It can’t hurt.