Is there a difference

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qishenjing
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Joined: Thu Jul 30, 2015 6:49 am

Is there a difference

Post by qishenjing »

Hello everyone. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Shingon as I am very new to Shingon Buddhism. A questions I have wondered for a while is what's the difference between the OM and ON? They both seem to be pronounced differently and so I'd think have vibratory components as it relates to saying the mantras. Some sources list certain mantras begin with OM and most other sources mention ON as the beginning of some mantras.

Thank you.

Sentwali
Brahama~vihara:
1 extending unlimited universal love and good will to all living beings without any kind of discrimination
2 compassion for all living being who are suffering, in trouble and affliction
3 sympathetic joy in others success, welfare and happiness
4 equanimity in all vicissitudes of life
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Seishin
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Re: Is there a difference

Post by Seishin »

As I have been taught: OM = pronunciation of Sanskrit. ON = Japanese pronunciation of Sanskrit.

Although pronouncing the Sanskrit would make more sense, even westerners can't pronounce it properly. Plus, even for those in ancient India, pronunciation varied from region to region, so I don't think the exact pronunciation is important.

In gassho,
Seishin
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qishenjing
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Re: Is there a difference

Post by qishenjing »

Thank you for your thoughts. :)
Brahama~vihara:
1 extending unlimited universal love and good will to all living beings without any kind of discrimination
2 compassion for all living being who are suffering, in trouble and affliction
3 sympathetic joy in others success, welfare and happiness
4 equanimity in all vicissitudes of life
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