Om Mani Padme Hum.  Originating in India and spreading to Tibet, this Mantra is believed to contain all of the Buddha’s teachings.  Reciting the Mani Mantra summons the endless amount love and compassion which lies dormant within all of us.

I was blessed to cross the path of this Mantra while at a cooking class facilitated by Manitari Patterson and her organization Meditative Lifestyle.  The class was led by Llama Dorje; a man from Nepal who embarked on the journey of becoming a Buddhist monk at five years old.  After being initiated, Llama Dorje moved to a monastery in order to learn the deep teachings of Mahayan Tibetan Buddhism.  Marking the end of his formal education at 29 years old,  he earned the title of “master”, or “Llama”.  Within the next few years, Llama Dorje found himself in Chile working with an organization called Condor Blanco.  He shared his wisdom through founding the organization’s Bodhisattva School.

Manitari has been working with Condor Blanco for many years.  This partnership led to Llama Dorje’s trip to New Jersey and consequently, the creation of the cooking class.  It was focused on four traditional Tibetan recipes: chai tea, chapati, than thuk, and momo.  Beginning with the chai tea, I noticed that this recipe was unlike any other which I’ve experienced.  It was full of spices which not only enriched my pallet but facilitated healing as well.  The other three dishes were basically different forms of the same mouth watering ingredients.  A dough consisting of only wheat flour, white flour, and water, and a wide assortment of sautéed veggies.  The chapati, which was the dough flattened and fried, accompanied the than thuk, a vegetable soup with noodles which were also created from the dough.  In my opinion, the momo was the main course.  We filled the dough with sautéed veggies, folded them into dumplings, and cooked them in the steam of boiling water.  Everything was DELICIOUS!

The part of this experience which truly authenticated it, was the collective Mantra singing led by Llama Dorje.  The purpose of this was to enliven our spirits while blessing the food throughout its preparation and completion.  Our blessings included the Mani Mantra along with the Three Jewels Mantra and the Tara Mantra.  The experience was very engaging, educational, yet fun.  I hope to meet Llama Dorje again, and look forward to participating in future events hosted by Manitari and Meditative Lifestyle.

For more information on Manitari’s organization please visit: www.MeditativeLifestyle.com

For more information on Condor Blanco please visit:

http://centrodharmacb.com/