Writers are often inspired by this Eastern tradition, handcrafted, blank, lined Ha Meditations Journal for its visually enlightened form. Ideal for prose or poetry alike; it serves nicely as a meditation journal, prayer journal, life diary, yoga journal, or as a record book for your children, and makes a perfect gift for yourself or others. Every page lays perfectly flat due to the hand-stitched binding, and the Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum journal features a memento accordion pouch in the back to keep all of those loose odds-and-ends in one easy-to-access place. A handy, elastic, end-leaf enclosure marks your place, or encloses the entire book. Ideal with our genuine bamboo pens. Also available in an Ha Journal.

Back Cover View: Ha Meditations Journal.

In the Dharmic religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism meditation on a single character, such as the mystical symbol Aum, is a transcendent path to answered prayers. Each mystic-syllable is utterly sacred; each posses distinct mystical powers. According to Tibetan philosophy, the written mystical symbol Aum is as potent as a spoken prayer to this powerful protector of children, travellers, firemen and those unable to reach heaven. The Ha Meditations Journal is based on the Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum and this omnipotent mystic-syllable character is exclusively reserved for meditation. To meditate the mystical symbol Aum character is drawn very large in either a formal style or a soft style (the Ha on this journal is soft style) and placed on a wall. Our Ha Meditations Journal with its large Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum cover is inspirationally used for meditation, by focusing on the front cover's mystic-syllable, or as a meditation journal for your spiritual writings–all in the process of enlightenment.

Ha Meditations Journal Details
Measuring 7 x 9 x .6 inches, the journal covers are high quality, silky smooth, and matte varnish finished, with a soft style brushed Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum on the front cover, with reproductions of golden ink plum blossom paintings on the front and back covers; all mounted on archival boards, traditionally hand-bound in a coptic fashion. Inside are 128 softly lined, wide-ruled, archival quality, pH balanced, acid-free, lignin-free, cream colored pages; and in the back is a handy memento accordion pouch, all held together with an elastic closure.

About Calligraphy
Western calligraphy is mostly characterized by aesthetics and utility, while Eastern calligraphy is distinctly related to meditation, prayer, and one's enlightenment–and rarely to artistry. Western calligraphy can be deeply religious, predominantly in the context of art. The Book of Kells is a wonderful example of Western religious devotion to Western calligraphy, in stunning artistic majesty–nonetheless, the power of Eastern calligraphy is in the mystic-syllable itself. Prayer to or a single utterance of the Ha symbol is a pure form of direct communication.

Symbols and characters in our Western alphabet represent a way to express ideas and information from the writer to the reader. How we groups letters together–exactly what words we use, and ultimately what is said–determines what value we give to a written text. Of course, we can punch up the meaning of text effectively using artistic skills such as typography or calligraphy; still the value only exists based on the final success of what is conveyed or not. At first glance an outsider might only see art in Eastern calligraphy, or maybe, view it as a tool of communication, all the while missing its deep spiritual promise and a path of powerful prayer.

Front Cover View: Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum.

About the Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum
An enlightened Monk, Patron Saint, and stalwart protector of travellers, children, firemen, and those unable to cross into the afterlife, Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha (pronounced: Kiss-sit-tee-garb-ha and boh-dee-SAHT-vah) is kind, selfless, willing to suffer for others, and promises to deliver all to Heaven. He seeks out evil spirits and labors to bring them to redemption, all the while, keeping the less fortunate out of harm's way of the yet unredeemed evil-doers; saving many from great pain and suffering in hell–both earthly and nether world hells. Rather than go to heaven himself Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha promised, "Not until the hells are emptied will I become a Buddha; Not until all beings are saved will I certify to Bodhi" a promise he is still keeping; Ha is considered by many cultures as the most loved for all for his continued love of all.

Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha is embodied in his mystic-syllable Ha as such, writing, speaking, reading, or meditation on his mystical symbol Aum is a direct encounter with the sentient being. Ha is also named Jizo (from Japanese pronounced: jee-ZOH) and Dizang (from China), and his name means "Earth Store" or more loosely "Earth Treasury". Known for his vow to not achieve Buddhahood until all hells are vacated, Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha deeply interacts with humans, has close and direct dealings with evil spirits and demon beings, and acts as an intercessor or protector of all–even those of utter darkness and with bad Karma. Known as "The Teacher of the Dark Regions", Ha, goes into the deep dark depths of hell, and the nether world, to save souls, and is considered a kindest, most selfless sentient being known, who suffers great pain to free all from suffering. In addition, Ha helps humans on earth by freeing those who's minds are obscured, the unenlightened from suffering, giving happiness and enlightening the world we live in.

Meditation and Chanting the mystical symbol Aum
Prayer, meditation, and chant or other does not require any formal training whatsoever. Find what works for you; take what others suggest, or not–its about you, reflection, god, and honest intention! Here are some suggestions:

BASIC CHANT
One might chant the mystical symbol Aum, the embodiment of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, in meditation where the Siddham Script Buddhist Syllable Aum is sung out, or sung inwardly, in a long breath fashion, repeatedly four or five times. It is nice to start off and possibly end the meditation with an Om (A-U-M). Note: Ha is sung in the keynote G as in "Fa" of Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do.
Basic Chant Example: Eyes and voice in unison; eyes on the journals mystic-syllable Ha.
(Aum)- Begin singing mystic-syllable OM (Aum) with sound coming from the back of the mouth sing the "A"; transitioning with sound coming from the center of the open mouth sing the "U"; transitioning with sound coming from your closing lips as you sing the "M"; then meditate on the sacred Ha and rest for awhile.
(Ha's)- Then begin the series of Ha Chants, continuing to meditate on the journal cover's mystical symbol Aum, by gently breathing in deeply and singing "Haaaaaaaaa..." until half of your breath is gone; followed by silence as you continue to slowly expel you remaining breath at the same rate; then a gentle natural pause; continue repeating the Ha when ready.
(Aum)- One might also end the meditation with an Om just as it began.

SHORT MANTRA
A second way, is to chant the short mantra, which translates "Praise by Buddha to Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha", 4-5 times.
Short Mantra Example: Om ah Ha thlim hum. Pause. Repeat 4-5 times.

VISHUDDHA CHAKRA CLEANSING
Ha is also used in Hindu Vishuddha Chakra (throat chakra) exercises for cleansing the thyroid, fighting colds, onset of flu, allergies and phobias related to communication where Ha is sung for long durations, approximately 5 minutes. Note: Ha is sung in the keynote G as in "Fa" of Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-La-Ti-Do.
Vishuddha Chakra Cleansing Example: Begin a series of Ha Chants, continuing to meditate on the journal cover's sacred Ha, by gently breathing in deeply and singing "Haaaaaaaaa..." until your full breath is gone; followed by silence as you clear your mind and most importantly throat chakra, while inhaling slowly at the same rate; then a gentle natural pause; continue singing the Ha when ready.

About the Paper
Lovely, smooth, acid-free, lignin-free, extra-thick, cream colored pages fill the journal; this along with a superior binding method, give our book a long term archival survivability of over 100 years! The inside paper is superiorly engineered, and ideally suited for modern writing instruments such as: ballpoint pens, rollerball pens, gel pens, marker pens, most technical pens, and pencils; writing with these instruments is exceptionally smooth. Bleed through is not a problem as the paper is 5.5 mil thick. Due to the archival engineering of the paper, some Sumi inks may not form an even spread on the page. While some fountain pens write just fine on this paper, we recommend the use of modern pen or pencil, as non-modern era inks work best on paper manufactured just for calligraphy (see our calligraphy blank books).

Detailed View: Using the Memento Accordion Pouch.

Memento Accordion Pouch
A large memento accordion pouch, in the back of the journal, is ideal for storing odds and ends, money, your passport, plane tickets, a small book, family photos, and whatever else you want to tuck away–very handy! While this 8.5 x 6 inch, cloth gusseted, memento accordion pouch expands to a full 1.5 inches at its opening, and is technically large enough to fit a whole veggie sandwich, we don't recommend using your journal as a replacement for a lunch box, as your lunch would get smashed to the size of a pancake!

Editor's Note: I can easily fit my quarter inch thick pocket museum guide (which is too big to fit in my pocket!) into the memento accordion pouch–as the Coptic Binding has the ability to withstand the added .25 inch thickness without breaking the book–no modern binding would do that!

Detailed Spine View: Coptic Binding Benefits.

Close up View (above): Ha Coptic Binding Hand-stitching Detail.

Benefit of Coptic Binding: Lays Perfectly Flat for Ease of Writing.

About the Ha Meditations Journal's Coptic Binding
Coptic bound journals are ideal for writing, either right or left handed, on either side of the page. Coptic Binding was introduced in the far east more than 2000 years ago and is a MORE DURABLE binding method than standard adhesive or modern sewn bindings. If you removed the cover on a modern bound book, it would be very evident why many binding methods fail–they are not bound by a means that will withstand extended use. Why coptic binding doesn't need to rely on any additional, and mostly cosmetic, coverings over the spine is clear the moment you open the journal. The extremely thick thread used in coptic binding is six times the size of threads commonly used in modern binding techniques, and provides great advantages as no paper, cloth, or other encumbrance is needed over the bound edge. Coptic bound journals serve the needs of writers and readers better; lending to comfortable handing and the long term archival qualities of the book.

Coptic Stitching is a unique looking non-adhesive hand-stitched binding method introduced during the 4th century A.D., in ancient Egypt, by the Copts and followers of the Christian Coptic Church. Various forms of coptic stitching techniques have remained popular for over 1500 years, especially in the East, and are still in use today. The spine of the book is usually left exposed when a coptic stitching technique is used. The type of knot that is used in the journals and blank books that JOURNALSandBOOKS.com sells is called a chain stitch–appreciated by bookmakers and booklovers alike for its intricate beauty. Chain stitching allows the book to open fully, 360 degrees, without damage to the book! While machines can be used to sew a coptic stitch, hand-stitching is still preferred; as such, this journal is completely hand-stitched in the finest Eastern tradition. The combination of an open-backed binding method and the braided look of a coptic stitch yields an attractive and distinctive journal.

Coptic stitching uses separate threads in pairs or groups. Waxed linen thread is used for ease of handling. Pages are grouped together into signatures, which is common to most methods of book making; however, coptic signatures are not cinched too tightly, and have roughly 10 times the thread for a more secure grip. One of the greatest advantages to coptic stitching is that it allows the book to lay completely flat without stress to the spine or damage to the book. Sketchbooks and journals are ideally bound using coptic stitching as artists and writers especially enjoy unfettered access to the entire page without bending at the spine. Journal pages and signatures hold even tighter, and do not shift around loosely without the use of glue or posts, yielding a durable archival quality book.

Ha image from Sacred Calligraphy of the East, third edition, by John Stevens copyright 1981, 1988, 1995
Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha Image on Journal front cover reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications Inc., Boston