The Language of Spirituality

This is actually an essay done for AP English, based around language.

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form �" Om.

In Buddhism, mantras are crucial to Zen practice. Even though they outwardly appear a single word, they bear a deep significance to the chanter. Words that hold different meanings to different people become the basis of concentration and inner calm. It does not matter what such chanting denotes �" so long as it provides a solid foundation for meditation, a mantra is a mantra. My mantra? Om.

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form �" Om.

Settling into the common Indian-style position of zazen, or better known as sitting meditation, I close my eyes, take a deep breath...and I drift away into a state of semi-consciousness. I cannot hear anything, not even the bustle of thoughts that plague my mind on a regular basis. The only sound I do manage to hear is the droning mantra that spills from my mouth seemingly of its own volition. "Om...Om...Om..."

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form �" Om.

One short syllable speaks a thousand words. One short syllable possesses the uncanny ability to completely change my frame of mind. One short syllable empowers me. My life, my stress, my worries all float away with thoughts I cannot hear.

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form �" Om.

Here I make my peace with the world. I want to stay here forever, but nothing this pure can stay. In the mean time, I savor this small measure of peace I discover �" suddenly my mind becomes clear, as if a heavy veil of illusion is lifted from my face. How could I

have possibly missed this?

Form is emptiness; emptiness is form �" Om.

My light of truth begins to burn out. I cling desperately to the last ray before it perishes and I open my eyes to catch a fleeting glance of what the real world is: nothingness. The power of one word enables me to view the world in an entirely new respect.

One word. One power. One truth �" Om.