Question asked by LC (not real name)
I have just started to chant the shurangama heart mantra but every time I do I get chills and light headed…. is this a sign that I'm doing something wrong? I do other practice like heruka and guhyasamaja as I have been initiated and with those practice it's all really good but with the shurangama heart mantra there seems to be odd things happening.
Dear LC,
No it is not a sign that there is something wrong. If it is causing a big issue, then you can stop reciting (as long as you don’t have the commitment to recite) or recite less for now. Within your Higher Tantra practices, as you mentioned, focus on the purification elements strongly such as Vajrasattva practice for 1-2 weeks and then try to recite the Shurangama Heart Mantra again. Such feelings when they only happen during certain mantras or prayers, usually indicate some form of negative karma that is effecting you when engaged in that specific practice. So you just need to purify it, using your other practice. After a while it will go away if you have purified enough. If not, repeat concentrating on the purification aspect of your main practices, and then try again.
I hope this helps.