Temple energizes new year with vigil
On Sat., the Omkriyayog Foundation will recite mantra for 24 hours
BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer
The Omkriyayog Foundation will be holding a 24-hour vigil in which participants repeat a four-line mantra over and over, on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Durga Temple in Kingston.

"By producing certain sounds, we use the five elements in nature," said Rajyalaxmi Shaha of the Omkriyayog Foundation, "water, earth, air, fire and wind. It creates positive energy, not just for you, but for the world. We energize the environment with the proper sounds."

Shaha said the goal of the vigil is to promote fearlessness. The attendees will be repeating the Mahamritunjaya Mantra, a four-line piece spoken in Sanskrit, for all 24 hours of the event. Shaha said that English translations will be made available at the vigil.

Shaha compared the repetition to a drop of water making a sound. If a drop of water is heard splashing on a countertop, it will hardly leave an effect on you.

"But if it goes on and on, it will leave a mark on you," Shaha said. "Repetition gives the mantra more of an effect."

They will also be meditating.

"It creates stillness in the environment," Shaha said. "Meditation helps to keep us young. You don't need Botox if you meditate."

Many stay the entire 24 hours. She said numbers have a significant effect on our lives.

"Twenty-four hours will have a certain effect on your physical body and all levels of you," Shaha said. "We stay awake. Some people will not even drink water. Fasting is also a way of cleansing yourself."

Shaha said that the vigil is not for any particular religion and that anyone is invited to attend.

"All you have to do is believe in yourself and you will see the results."

This is the ninth year the foundation has held this event, which is free to the public. She said the hall holds 300 people and it is full at all times of the event.

For more information, call (609) 271- 0189.